Essential Gardening Tools and Tips

Gardening enthusiasts often have their favorite tools that they swear by for getting the job done. Here’s a roundup of some highly recommended gardening tools and expert advice on their uses.

Border Spade:
A versatile tool essential for digging, edging, planting, and dividing perennials, the border spade is valued for its durability and slim design. Price: £42.99 at burgonandball.com.

Turnbuckle Wire Tensioner:
Ideal for maintaining tension in garden wires crucial for climbing plants and espalier fruits, the turnbuckle ensures perpetual tautness. Price: £2.54 at diy.com.

Hori Hori Knife:
This Japanese trowel-like tool is excellent for excavating weeds, planting seedlings, and harvesting crops. A prized luxury among gardeners. Price: £32 at niwaki.com.

Natural Twine:
Made from renewable jute or hemp, natural twine is perfect for tying plants without damaging them and is environmentally friendly. Price: £0.40/m at thehempshop.co.uk.

Long-handled Trowel:
This 30cm tool provides better reach and leverage, reducing strain on wrists while digging or planting. Price: £14.94 at primetools.co.uk.

Super-Birki Clogs:
Essential for keeping mud out of the house, these clogs are durable, comfortable, and machine washable. Price: £60 at birkenstock.com or £59.98 at nisbets.co.uk.

Watering Can:
A Haws watering can, known for its impeccable balance and long spout, makes watering plants effortless without spills. Price: £80 at haws.co.uk.

Sentei Secateurs:
Preferred for their dependable performance, Niwaki’s secateurs are durable pruning tools cherished by gardeners. Price: £38 at woodandmeadow.com.

Enamel Bucket:
Handy for various gardening tasks, enamel buckets are durable and versatile. Price: £26.54 at amazon.co.uk.

Opinel Knife:
A quality knife for cutting and pruning tasks, the Opinel No.08 is a reliable gardening companion. Price: £9.95 at cyclaireshop.co.uk.

Blundstone Boots:
Sturdy and comfortable, these work boots are favored by many gardeners for their durability and style. Price: £190 at blundstone.co.uk.

Thermal Gloves:
Ideal for cold weather, these gloves by Briers keep hands warm without restricting movement. Price: £5.10 at justgloves.co.uk.

Hand Lens:
A critical tool for observing plant health, a good-quality hand lens helps spot pests and diseases early. Price: £38.95 at watdon.co.uk.

Expert Advice on Watering Plants:
Garden experts suggest that watering plants in the morning is preferable to prevent evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Watering in the morning helps plants cope with the daytime heat and deters pests like slugs and snails. However, if plants appear dry, a light evening watering can also be beneficial.

This collection of insights and tools equips gardeners with the essentials needed for various tasks, ensuring healthier plants and more efficient gardening.