Maybe you've heard, Amazon Prime Day is happening this week and it's four full days of deals across all categories—July 8 through July 11. (They usually do a big sale like this once per season, but this is the first time they're running it this long.)

I know people have varying opinions about buying on Amazon, but if you still have a Prime membership (or want to start a free trial just to take advantage of the deals this week), I've put together a list of my favorite backyard essentials right here.

This list is different from many of the other ones you're probably seeing in your news feed; it's based on items that I actually own, use, and love, as well as a small handful of items that I'll personally be buying myself now that I can save a few bucks.

What kind of items?

• Organic worm castings that provide nutrients without burning your plants
• This 17" tall metal raised bed that I just bought a few weeks ago so I could start a new mushroom bed on the shady side of my house
• ​Metal garden supports that I'm using to hold up (or hold in) some of my tall-stemmed or bushy flowers and herbs
• My favorite smokeless fire pit that I've taken on many a camping trip and tailgating party, and also use at home—it really is that portable! (I have the original version but I'm loving the new green color)
• My new favorite insulated tumbler that comes with me into the garden every day

✨ But there's more good stuff! ✨

To celebrate Prime Days, I've partnered with Amazon to give away TWO $500 Amazon.com gift cards to two lucky winners. All you have to do is follow the instructions on my blog post and post a comment there for your chance to win.

I'll select two winners at random on July 12 and notify those winners by email. The gift card giveaway is sponsored by @amazoninfluencerprogram and is open to all readers in the USA.

I'm able to offer this giveaway exclusively to my audience because I'm a longtime Amazon partner, which means I earn commissions on qualifying purchases that you make from my recommendations. I do not get paid anything extra to promote this giveaway. Amazon asked if I was interested in giving away these gift cards, and I said yes.

I'm doing this because I feel it's an incredible offer for anyone who follows me and it's the least I can do to give back to the Garden Betty community in some small way. $500 x 2 is a lot of money, and I think it's worth an email or two to promote this opportunity (especially when it's available only to my audience, so the chances of winning are pretty good).

If you choose to participate, best of luck!! 😄

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P.S. Check out my favorites during Amazon's Prime Days event and be sure to enter my giveaway on that blog post for your chance to win one of two $500 gift cards!