Essential tools for green fingers

BUY, BEG, BORROW (JUST DON’T STEAL) THESE ESSENTIAL TOOLS TO HELP YOUR GARDEN GROW

1

A good-quality lawnmower, serviced and sharpened before Easter.

2

A trowel for digging planting holes. Look for a comfortable handle with a well-fitted blade that won’t come loose. Examine the quality of where wood joins with metal.

3

A spongy mat, kneeler or knee pads for use when digging holes for planting small plants or tilling the bed with a garden fork.

4

A set of strong, long-handled spades, shovels and forks that are not too heavy and comfortable to use. They should last a lifetime so invest in the best you can afford.

5

Sharp and strong secateurs for pruning jobs. (Try the Classic Felco No. 4 — they are affordable, come with a service agreement and will last a lifetime).

6

Garden shears for trimming hedges and cutting back larger areas of plant growth.

7

A large durable

bucket... to collect weeds, mix compost and fertiliser in, and drop damaging snails and slugs into.

8

A strong but lightweight wheelbarrow (I would go for an 85-litre galvanised steel tray barrow with a choice of pneumatic wheel).

9

A roll of garden twine — whether tar-soaked, waxed or made of trendy seagrass.

10

A 6–10-litre galvanised watering can that is easy to hold when full and won’t put a strain on your body.