New year, new tools? Or if you’re just starting out, how about some of the essential ones that will stand you in good stead over many years
BEST BUY!
ELEMENTS DIGGING SPADE
This spade has a heat treated and hardened carbon steel head, powder coated for improved resistance to rust, scratches, humidity and alkalis in the soil. The weatherproofed ash wood shaft has a lacquered finish and the polypropylene D shaped soft feel handle is forward tilted to facilitate ergonomic digging. Length: 100cm (39in). Blade width: 18cm(7in). Blade length: 30cm (12in).
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SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: Go online for stockists near you
PRODUCT CODE: 4190NB
PRICE GUIDE: £21.99
KG VERDICT
Strong and built to last, this is an excellent digging spade, especially for allotments and good-sized veg plots rather than narrow borders. The weatherproofed shaft is securely (double) riveted into the blade socket and there is a generous tread on the shoulder of the blade for placing your foot. The tilted handle is comfortable in the hand and will give you extra leverage when digging and therefore less stress on the back. Coming with a 10-year guarantee you can expect this spade to be a trusty friend over the years
KENT & STOWE CARBON STEEL DIGGING FORK
This Kent & Stowe digging fork is made from carbon steel with an extended ash wood shaft that merges into a traditional YD handle. Use for cultivating and turning the soil in large areas, as well as moving compost or soil in beds and border. Length: 110cm (43in). Head width: 18cm(7in). Head length: 30cm (12in).
KENT & STOWE
www.kentandstowe.com
TEL: 01480 443789
PRODUCT CODE: 70100208
PRICE: £26.99
KG VERDICT
The head of the tool with its four tines is very strong so suitable for heavy work, whether turning over soil or lifting moving home-make compost into a wheelbarrow for spreading later. Again, the smooth and weatherproofed shaft has two strong rivets connecting it to the head socket and a stylish YD handle. The longer shaft also allows for extra leverage when turning soil or compost. Another tool that will stand the test of time, coming with a 10-year guarantee
STAINLESS STEEL DUTCH HOE
This Garden Life Kent & Stowe lightweight hoe is made from high quality stainless steel and comes with an FSC certified, weatherpoofed ash wood handle. Length 130cm (51in). Width of tool head: 10cm (4in).
KENT & STOWE
www.kentandstowe.com
TEL: Go online for stockists
PRODUCT CODE: 70100721
PRICE GUIDE: £24
KG VERDICT
Hoeing can be tiring you have a lot to do and can give you backache. This Kent & Stowe hoe is particularly light and with a 10cm (4in) blade to cut in and around tight spaces it will make hoeing a breeze. The weatherproofed shaft is easy on the hands and there is a toggle at the end for storing the hoe away when you’ve finished using it. A nifty tool that comes with a 15-year guarantee.
CARBON STEEL GARDEN RAKE
This garden rake has a traditionally designed carbon steel head in a hard-wearing and durable green epoxy finish. The solid natural wood shaft is weatherproofed and a rigid riveted secures the head socket in place. Length: 150cm (59in). Width of tool head: 30cm (12in).
WILKINSON SWORD TOOLS
www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk
TEL: 01285 760505
PRODUCT CODE: 1111206WR
PRICE: £24.99
KG VERDICT
This is quite a light rake so easy to work with. At the same time the tines being 6cm (nearly 2½in) long means that there is sufficient penetration of soil on the pull stroke. The shaft gives plenty of reach and the smoothness of the wood is easy on the hands. The green epoxy finish provide a an attractive rustic finish as well as protecting from wear and tear.
BRITISH MEADOW TROWEL AND FORK SET
This RHS-endorsed hand tool set comprises a trowel and fork, both having a painted FSC© hardwood handle to complement the British Meadow theme design that is found in other products from this company. The trowel head is engraved with the quote, “The love of gardening is a seed once sown, that never dies.” The tools come with a lifetime guarantee.
BURGON & BALL
www.burgonandball.com
TEL: 0114 233 8262
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £26.99
KG VERDICT
The stainless steel heads slip into the soil with ease and with minimum soil adhesion. The handles – in an eye pleasing blue – offer something a little different. Both functional and stylish, this attractive hand tool set is perfect for a range of tasks whether it’s loosening up soil before planting and for planting out too, such as young brassicas or young bean plants. Sets like this always make a great gift too!
