Starting out or in need of replacements? Essential starter tools for your plot or garden, tried and test this month
BEST BUY
TRADITIONAL STAINLESS DIGGING FORK
This traditional digging fork has a mirror polished stainless steel head with four tines . The weatherproofed hardwood shaft has been created from a single piece of hardwood which has been split to form a wishbone handle. Especially suited to heavy digging.
SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: Go online for store locator
PRODUCT CODE: 4550DF
PRICE GUIDE: £20
Enjoy more Kitchen Garden Magazine reading every month.
Click here to subscribe & save.
KG VERDICT
This is a well-made, sturdy and robust tool at a very reasonable price. The weatherproofed shaft is smooth in the hands with a strong, stainless steel head that offers smooth entry to the soil and good resistance to rust over time. The rivetted connection of shaft to head is solid and secure. With a 10 year guarantee, this is definitely a tool made to last!
TOP PICK
DIGGING SPADE
Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, this mirror-polished stainless steel digging spade has a ‘Y’ handle with a shaft made from FSC certified hardwood. It has an extra-long, double-riveted strapped socket where it joins the head with its wide treads.
BURGON & BALL
www.burgonandball.com
TEL: 0114 233 8262
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE: £42.99
KG VERDICT
A very good spade this one, especially for heavy digging. Offering good resistance to rust, with a shallow curvature and bevelled edge, the blade slides into the soil with ease. The wide treads make for comfortable digging, especially when driving the spade deep int to the soil. The connection between shaft and head is strong and sturdy – another one made to last with its lifetime guarantee.
TOP PICK
STAINLESS STEEL DUTCH HOE
This Garden Life Dutch Hoe has a stainless steel head and a tapered ash wood handle. Use in a push-pull motion to eliminate a wide range of weeds. It comes with a 15 year guarantee.
WESTLAND
www.gardenhealth.com
TEL: Go online for stockists
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE: £25
KG VERDICT
If you’re looking for a more traditional hoe which is strong but light, this will suit you down to the ground, literally. The blade is strong and will cut through tough stems and roots as it will less recalcitrant ones and with a longer shaft 130cm (51in) is easier on the back as less stooping is needed). With a 13cm (5in) blade, this is a good tool for weeding between rows rather than between closely sown plants such as carrots, where hand-weeding would be better.
