The shovel has been around forever – but which tools have ceased to become used on a wide scale.
A list has been compiled of the seven essential gardening tools that are rarely used nowadays.
Experts at online retailer GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk studied the long history of gardening, dating back to the middle ages, to find out the main tools that have fallen out of favour with gardeners.
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1.Scythe
It has been almost entirely replaced by the tractor, but this agricultural tool for cutting grass and crops is still widely recognised.
2.Sickle
Before the scythe, there was the sickle, whose curved blade was ideal for harvesting crops. It dates back to the Iron Age, and the blade is adapted for the particular jobs it is intended to do – both its curvature, and whether it is smooth or serrated.
3.Garden syringe
Modern day versions do appear, but they are uncommon and anyway lack the charm of the original. These were used for targeted administration of insect poisons.
4.Cucumber straighteners
The 19th century was a prolific time for weird and wonderful garden tool inventions, and the cucumber straightener is one of the most innovative.
5.Seedling watering can
This 19th century invention resembled a modern watering can, but with an extremely long spout drilled with holes. Water would pour out in numerous jets on either side – very efficient for watering young plants.
6.Dusting bellows
The best way in the 18th century to administer powdered insecticide.
7.Animal traps
The problem of keeping vermin and animals away from the garden and crops is as old as gardening and farming themselves. Abbot of Cirencester Alexander Neckam’s 12th century list of essential garden tools for peasants includes a snare and vermin traps.
