Many of us will be planting out our precious crops soon if not already, so here is some equipment that you may find useful
ELEMENTS TROWEL, WEED FORK AND TRANSPLANTING TROWEL SET
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For use in borders, tubs and pots, these planting and weeding tools each have a lacquered, weatherproofed 5in ash wood handle. The heads are made from heat treated, hardened carbon steel with a powder coated hammer finish. Each tool has as a leather wrist strap for carrying and hanging up after use.
SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: GO TO WEBSITE FOR STOCKISTS
PRODUCT CODE: ELEMENTS3PS
PRICE GUIDE: £29.99
KG VERDICT
This is an excellent trio of hand tools perfect for planting out bulbs and young plants. One trowel is good for transplanting or creating narrower holes whilst the other is good where larger scoops are required. The hand fork with help with loosening the soil and weeding. Well made, robust tools, comfortable in the hand and multipurpose, they would make a great gift for both established gardeners and those just starting out.
KENT & STOWE STAINLESS STEEL TRANSPLANTING TROWEL
With a rust-resistant stainless steel head and a contoured ash handle for a comfortable grip this Kent & Stowe Transplanting Trowel can be used for transplanting of seedlings, bulbs and small plants. The narrow blade has a depth gauge and a cranked shaft to protect knuckles when using it.
MARSHALLS GARDEN
www.marshallsgarden.com
TEL: 01480 774555
PRODUCT CODE: 10904392
PRICE: £9.99
KG VERDICT
This is a high-quality trowel. The smooth ash handle is comfortable to hold and the cranked shaft keeps the fingers from nudging into the soil. Additionally, the stainless steel blade offers good rust resistance and minimal soil adhesion. With its pointed end the blade enables efficient entry into the soil, complemented by the wider space at the neck end for scooping up soil or compost. The engraved gauge is useful for getting the right planting depth.
STAINLESS STEEL PLANT DIBBER
With an ergonomically designed weatherproofed ash handle and with a tool handmade from mirror polished, rust resistant, stainless steel you can make planting holes for small bulbs and seedlings. It also comes with a leather hanging strap for easy storage. Overall length: 29cm (12in).
WILKINSON SWORD TOOLS
wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk
TEL: ORDER ONLINE
PRODUCT CODE: 1111124W
PRICE: £12.99
KG VERDICT
This is a high-quality, well-made product. The handle is smooth and comfortable and the stainless steel head penetrates the soil with ease. Perfect for larger seeds in particular such as broad beans but also for onion sets, garlic cloves and leeks. An effective and useful planting tool.
WOODEN GARDEN LINE
This pair of ash wood garden stakes are 29.5cm (11½in) long with 13m (42½ft) twine. This garden line can be used when edging lawns and borders and for planting crops in straight rows. Twines are manufactured using traditional methods with sustainable and ethically sourced materials.
MARSHALLS GARDEN
www.marshallsgarden.com
TEL: 01480 774555
PRODUCT CODE: 10910229
PRICE: £14.99
KG VERDICT
The length of these stakes allows for a more secure grounding in the soil and because the ends are more pointed than some, they penetrate soil more easily. There is a very generous amount of twine so useful for both big plots or small. A very practical accessory, particularly for creating straight rows of veg.
MINI GREENHOUSE CLOCHE
This transparent cloche set consist of the cloche itself and then two ends, plus pegs to pin the set down. It is also available as a set with two cloches and four ends which can be slotted together to make one long cloche or as two smaller cloches. Dimensions: L85 x W40 x H21cm (33½ x 15¾ x 8¼in)
DOBIES
www.dobies.co.uk
TEL: 0333 240 5933
PRODUCT CODE: KA3043
PRICE: FROM £19.99
KG VERDICT
This cloche can be used all year round for a variety of crops, especially useful in spring for covering newly sown seeds and emerging seedlings, providing that extra warmth and protection from predators and the elements. It is very easy to lay down and secured in place by ten pegs (supplied). Air vents provide circulation if necessary. The plastic is not the thickest but is fit for purpose.
