“Not just a gimmick, these bad boys actually do wonders,” Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, says of aeration shoes. When it comes to “relieving soil compaction [and] making room for water, nutrients, and seed to do their magic.” These attach to your shoes using three straps with adjustable metal buckles. Each one has 13 metal spikes on the underside, which poke holes in the ground as you walk around your yard.

"Watering smart is key,” said Clayton. “I'm all about not wasting water, so a rain gauge for the irrigation system is a must." Made from rust-proof metal and crack-resistant plastic, this rain gauge helps you measure the amount of moisture in your yard. The stake is also height-adjustable up to 29 inches, so it’s easy to view without bending down.

• Available styles: 10

“Automated sprinklers and watering timers are game-changers in lawn care,” said Teri Valenzuela, Natural Science Manager at Sunday Lawn Care. “Though fully automated systems are pricier, timer-based sprinklers provide a budget-friendly, efficient alternative for those just starting." Install this mechanical timer between your garden house and your spout, and then set it like an egg timer so your sprinkler automatically turns off between 15 and 120 minutes later.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 10 Pack

Of course, higher-tech options do exist and certainly have their perks. “A smart valve for your hose is a game-changer,” said Clayton. “Being able to control your sprinklers from your phone? That's not laziness, that's efficiency.” This one also installs between your hose and spigot, but it connects to your WiFi or Bluetooth to record irrigation records and control your sprinklers using your phone or voice (via Amazon Alexa). It also has a built-in rain sensor to prevent overwatering.

• Available styles: 3

Gerardo Loayza, founder and CEO of BACQYARD, recommends soil moisture meters. “These tools take the guesswork out of watering, ensuring you provide just the right amount of moisture to your plants,” Loayza said. This one doesn’t require batteries and can be used in both pots and the ground — anywhere that has at least 3 inches of soil.

• Available styles: 4

Loayza also recommends pH testing kits: “Knowing your soil's pH can help you select the right plants for your garden or adjust soil conditions for better growth.” This kit includes easy-to-use capsules, color comparison sheets, and an eye dropper. It comes with 20 tests, five of each for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.

• Available sizes: 20 Tests — 40 Tests
• Available styles: 3

“A good weeding tool [can] make weeding less of a chore,” said Loayza. This dandelion weeder has a comfortable, ergonomic handle on the top, a two-pronged fork on the bottom, and a stainless steel fulcrum in the middle to boost leverage. “The design works very well for prying up weeds with little effort,” one reviewer said.

• Available styles: 8

This gardening knife has earned a near-perfect overall 4.8-star rating because it “works great” and is “well-made,” according to reviewers. Its multifunctional design has a stainless steel body with a spear point for digging and weeding, a serrated edge for sawing, and a built-in ruler for measuring soil.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack
• Available styles: 4

For container plants, Loayza recommends self-watering pots, which keep your plants hydrated even if you forget about them. These ones are made from recyclable plastic, which can be used inside or out. They have drainage holes to prevent over-watering and a removable feeder that lets you water from above or below.

• Available sizes: 10/9/8 inch — 12/10/9 inch
• Available styles: 10

“Soil moisture gels that slowly release water can be lifesavers,” said Loayza. These water-storing crystals from Miracle-Gro prevent over- and under-watering because they absorb moisture now and release it later as needed. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor plants, and the chart on the back of the bag tells you how much to use.

Alternatively, these moisture mats work much like loose gel crystals but can easily be placed inside hanging baskets, planters, and containers so plants can go 50% longer without waterings. They’re made from layered cellulose with absorbent crystals inside, so they soak up water and release moisture back into the roots as the soil dries out.

“Don't underestimate a good feed,” said Clayton. “A balanced triple 13 fertilizer applied in the spring and fall can really boost your lawn's health, getting it lush and green." This 6-pound jug contains pelletized lime and micronutrients, and you can use it to help flowers, vegetables, and vines grow, too.

Some eyesores can’t be fixed by weeding. In that case, “use bushes, tall grasses, or a trellis with climbing vines to screen off unsightly areas,” says Loayza. This adjustable trellis reaches a height of 6 feet, is made from rust-resistant alloy steel, assembles without tools, and comes with three interchangeable toppers for decoration.

• Available styles: 4

“Attractive fencing or lattice panels can provide a quick cover-up” for things you’d rather not see, said Loayza. These telescoping lattice panels reach up to 5.6 feet long. Install them with nails or zip ties and use them to create a fence, hang wall planters, or give vines a place to climb.

• Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack

These trellis ladders come in a pack of 10 and reach a height of 16 inches. They’re slightly fan-shaped, made from bamboo for durability, and give your vines or climbing plants a sturdy place to grow. Use them in pots or create a fence around structures you’d rather not see, and encourage vining plants to grow at the same time.

• Available sizes: 5Pack — 20 Pack
• Available styles: 2

This privacy screen is a chic, modern, effective way to hide unwanted eyesores like air conditioning units, trash bins, and unmaintained areas. It’s made from cedar wood with a natural grain that blends into any outdoor space, and it installs without digging thanks to the aluminum post anchors.

• Available sizes: 42in H x 38in W — 42in H x 38in W

Finally, to cover up an eyesore, create shade, or get some privacy despite see-through fencing, this ivy screen is a great option. The realistic-looking leaves are made from polyester and the tiles snap together in seconds. Just attach them to the surface of your choice using zip ties or nails.

• Available sizes: 98.4 x 39.3 inches — 236.2 x 59 inches

According to Loayza, drip irrigation systems “ensure water is delivered directly to the roots of your plants, reducing water waste and time spent with a hose.” This set comes with everything you need (including tubing, stakes, two types of nozzles, and a two-way faucet connector) to keep areas up to 25 square meters well irrigated.

• Available sizes: 50ft — 70ft

Loayza recommends “garden art and features” that can add to an outdoor space, but don’t require maintenance like plants. I have these solar fairy lights and I love how they illuminate my garden beds while looking much more whimsical than your average lamp. Each bulb is on a flexible wire so it sways when the wind blows.

• Available sizes: 2 Pack — 4 Pack

“A strategically placed statue, birdbath, or garden bench can draw attention away from less appealing spots," said Loayza. This antique-style birdbath is made from rust- and damage-resistant polypropylene with a sturdy base. The shallow basin “attracts lots of birds,” one reviewer said.

“Some well-placed outdoor lighting can transform an eyesore into a charming part of your yard,” said Loayza. Outdoor Edison bulbs are more affordable than ever, and this 50-foot strand has waterproof, shatterproof bulbs and can be used alongside dimmer switches.

• Available sizes: 25FT — 200FT

This lawn ornament cat statue may look cute next to your path or in your garden bed, but after the sun goes down, it serves a more functional purpose: Its eyes are solar-powered and automatically light up at dusk so you can see where you're going. Get it in your choice of three designs.

• Available styles: 3

Grass-growing tactics should differ depending on your environment, according to Valenzuela: "Cool-season lawns particularly thrive with overseeding, adapting well to a mix of species for improved disease, heat, and drought tolerance." This smart seed grass mix (with added fertilizer) is best suited for northern US states and areas that get four to six hours of sunlight a day. The seeds are resistant to disease and drought and reviewers saw germination in about a week.

• Available sizes: 3 lb — 20 lb

When spreading seeds, tools make it much easier to achieve fast, even coverage. This hand-powered spreader holds up to 1,500 square feet worth of seeds, which it releases when you turn the crank. It also has built-in support for the other arm, and you can use the spreader for fertilizer, salt, and ice melt, too.

This hand shaker spreader is a cheaper option, but it’s still “durable,” “simple to use,” and “gets the job done,” according to reviewers. Twist the top to change the shape and size of the opening, which allows you to evenly dispense everything from small seeds to rock salt and fertilizer.

“Warm-season lawns might need different tactics like plugs, sprigs, or sod due to seeding limitations with certain grass types,” said Valenzuela. Believe it or not, you can buy grass plugs on Amazon, and these have over 1,100 five-star ratings. They come in a tray of 50 dormant plugs, each measuring 1.5 by 1.5 inches to cover 50 square feet, and the grass is drought-tolerant and low-maintenence.

"For fast bald spot repair, Bare Repair Sun [and] Shade is a lifesaver for cool-season lawns,” said Valenzuela. “Within two weeks, it blends grass seed, slow-release nitrogen, and moisture-retaining mulch for visible repair and greening." This jug contains 3.75 pounds, enough for 55 square feet, and should be planted between temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Loayza also recommends using “a simple coat of paint” to spruce up old fixtures, like sheds, fences, or patios. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch latex paint can be used indoors or out on a variety of surfaces, including mood, metal, plaster, masonry, and unglazed ceramic. According to reviewers, it’s chip-resistant and fast-drying.

• Available sizes: 8 Fl Oz —1 Quart
• Available styles: 29

“Overseeding or introducing better grass varieties should be everyone’s immediate and long-term strategy for a better-looking lawn,” said Valenzuela. “It thickens the grass, combating weeds and disease while fostering the growth of more durable, climate-resilient grass varieties.” If you’re ready to think beyond grass, clovers fill in the grass gaps with clovers, which have deeper roots to stay greener, require less frequent watering, and self-fertilize the lawn after mowing.

According to Valenzuela, "The American backyard isn’t just about green lawns anymore; sometimes, grass isn’t the right plant for hard-to-grow areas. Diversify your landscape to transform eyesores into highlights.” These non-GMO wildflower seeds grow well in partially shaded areas, and the 1-ounce bag contains enough to give you 100 square feet of lush, gorgeous coverage.

“Moving beyond traditional lawns, consider converting problem areas into native garden spaces for aesthetic and biodiversity benefits,” Valenzuela said. This wildflower mix contains 20 assorted seed varieties, including daisies, evening primrose, and black-eyed Susans — all designed to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard.

Another alternative to grass or a bald patch? Valenzuela suggests incorporating other types of greenery by “building raised garden beds.” This oval-shaped galvanized planter is made from double-layer metal for durability and has an open bottom to encourage drainage and prevent root rot. One reviewer said, “They’re perfect for someone who’s just starting to try out growing your own vegetables.”

• Available sizes: 4×2×1ft(1pcs）— 8×4×1ft(2pcs）
• Available styles: 5

For a quicker, more compact dash of green, freshen up a deck, patio, garden, or window, with these rectangular planters handcrafted from rustic acacia wood. They have built-in holes for drainage, and they can be used indoors or out for a variety of plants, from succulents to herbs to wildflowers. “Beautiful, sturdy, and lightweight,” one reviewer said.

• Available sizes: 17” — 31”

According to Valenzuela, you can also utilize bare areas for something much more practical — composting. This Miracle-Gro compact composter has a 27.7-gallon tumbler with one easy-to-use chamber, so you can help the environment and turn scraps into plant food. Use it year-round thanks to its UV-resistant exterior, rust-proof metal legs, and tightly locking doors that keep pests out.

• Available sizes: 18.5 gallons — 27.7 gallons

Finally, Valenzuela recommends “re-envisioning the space for outdoor living and enjoyment" — after all, what use is a yard if you’re not going to use it for relaxation and fun? This ring toss game “creates hours of fun” for kids and adults alike since it’s challenging and addictive, according to reviewers. It’s also easy to install on fences, trees, and columns.

• Available sizes: Tiny — Deluxe
• Available styles: 9

Bocce ball is a low-maintenance way to utilize your yard for fun and keep guests entertained at a barbecue. Whether you play on the grass or build your own court, this bocce ball set is designed to withstand impact on almost any surface. The nine balls are made from the same resin they use for billiards, and they come with a durable, weather-resistant nylon bag for storage and portability.