After sowing comes the planting and there are plenty of tools out there to choose from. Here’s a selection of different ones to consider
BEST BUY
TRADITIONAL STAINLESS PLANTING SPADE
This planting spade has a mirror-polished stainless steel, pointed blade, etched with depth markings (2, 4, and 6in) and a weather proofed ash handle with a split YD Wishbone hilt. The socket is double riveted for greater strength. Overall length 91cm (36in), weight 1.32Kg. Comes with a 10 year guarantee.
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SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: GO TO WEBSITE FOR STOCKISTS
PRODUCT CODE: 4650PS
PRICE: £37.57
KG VERDICT
This an excellent planting tool. The pointed blade means that penetration of the soil is easy and the etched depth markings are a useful aid. Made from mirror-polished stainless steel the blade offers excellent rust resistance plus soil doesn’t stick to the surface. The weather proofed ash handle is smooth and comfortable in the hands. The tread on the should of the blade gives added support when pushing downwards with the foot. A lovely tool.
TOP PICK
SOPHIE CONRAN LONG THIN TROWEL
This long thin trowel has a rust-resistant mirror-polished stainless steel head and an FSC® beech wooden handle and a solid brass ferrule. It has a head width of 5cm (2in) and an overall length of 35cm (13¾in). It comes in an attractive gift box and has a ten year guarantee.
BURGON & BALL
www.burgonandball.com
TEL: 0114 233 8262
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE: £18.99
KG VERDICT
This is a light, well-made and well-designed trowel. With its long narrow head, this is an excellent tool for planting long-rooted crops such as sweet peas, and crops such as peas and beans. It wold also be useful for weeds with long tap roots. The tool head is smooth and sinks into the soil with ease without the soil sticking to it. Would make a great new year’s gift!
TOP PICK
NEVERBEND STAINLESS MIDI DIBBER
As part of the Kew Gardens Collection this Neverbend Stainless Midi Dibber has a long, FSC® certified ash handle, weather-proofed for greater durability. The gauge running down the handle is marked in inches and centres so depth can be accurately measured. It also has a leather wrist strap for easy storage. Overall size 38cm (15in).
SPEAR & JACKSON
www.spear-and-jackson.com
TEL: GO TO WEBSITE FOR STOCKISTS
PRODUCT CODE: 3120KEW
PRICE: £15.49
KG VERDICT
A good tool this one, especially for leek planting. Light and comfortable in the hand, the surface of the hardwood handle is smooth and weather-proofed so well protect. The mirror polished stainless steel head penetrates the soil with ease and with minimal soil adhesion, and the gauge at the side means that you can get the planting depth you want just right. Easy to store with its leather strap, this is an excellent dibber.
