Give it some
A pad for dirty work
at one but not so good at the other. through their paces. Planting Recently, I’ve discovered Skytec Argon evergreens for late colour? Popping gloves, which are fantastic at both. winter-flowering pansies in They have a double-insulated window boxes? Then a pair of liner with a foam coating over the these will see you right. palms, knuckles and fingers, which makes them especially warm in cold weather. They are made from a tough material so you can really put them Cosy kit from Skytec I have to admit to having an array of coats and jackets at home that I swap depending on the weather and the job I’m doing in the garden. I have a trusty body warmer to keep my core snug while allowing my arms to move easily.
This is essential for jobs that require a lot of spade action, such as planting fruit trees. If you want to treat yourself, a feather-filled gilet cannot be surpassed for warmth.
If it starts chucking it down, mind you, I reach for one that makes me look like a mountain explorer.
Choose one with no gaps where rain or wind can force their way in. I’m talking elasticated hoods and wrists that cling to the body and a zip flap made from weatherproof material.
For extra comfort and warmth, try some fleecy welly socks in your wellies.
Available in all sorts of fun colours, they give you the cosiness of wearing slippers in the great outdoors.
You can even get branded ones that turn internet bargain boots into branded super wellies. They also make for a great twist on a traditional Christmas present. If you want added waterproof protection, find waterproof welly socks – these are perfect for shorter wellies if you need flexibility without the misery of wet toes.
There’s nothing as depressing as the sinking feeling you get kneeling on wet muddy ground. So another autumn garden essential is a quality kneeler.
You can buy waterproof, anti-slip knee pads to wear over your trousers. But if you prefer not to look like you’re heading for the skate park, invest in a foam kneeling pad, like one produced by Kent and Stowe.
Its pad is comfortably soft and both water and stain resistant, so ideal for use in wet autumn weather whenever kneeling is called for.
Add these clothing essentials to your collection this autumn and you will be gardening all season long, whatever the weather.
Get the clobber for autumn and winter This gardeners’ tool belt is ideal for winter work when you don’t want to leave smaller bits of kit lying on the damp ground.
Made of wipe clean canvas and faux suede, with eight handy pockets, it’s ideal for keeping tools such as clippers, scissors, string and pegs close at hand.
And when you are not using it, simply roll it up.
The belt is from Kent and Stowe and I found it at suttons.co.uk