Darlac Multi Trowel
Now here’s a really versatile tool. The pronged end removes weeds, the honed edge eases plants from pots, there’s a planting depth-gauge marked on the head, a serrated edge for sawing through small roots – and even a string-cutting notch! FEATURES ✓ Truly versatile tool ✓ Stainless steel head ✓ Easy-grip rubber handle Price: £4.95 Supplier: Two Wests & Elliott (01246 451077, www.twowests.co.uk)
The Thingamadig
The Thingamadig looks a bit like a baby’s spoon but its sharp point, serrated edge and deep scoop make it ideal for digging, weeding, cutting and generally poking around in the garden. Like many of the items in the Lakeland catalogue, this is one of those tools that you never realised you needed until you spotted it. FEATURES ✓ Multipurpose hand tool ✓ Polished stainless steel scoop ✓ Comfortable rubber handle Price: £6.49 Supplier: Lakeland (01539 488100, www.lakeland.co.uk)
Sneeboer Long Handled Fork and Mattock
There are times when some heavy-duty ground breaking is needed and at such times you should reach for one of these. The mattock side can break up hard soil, chop out weeds and dig trenches. Flip the tool over to use the fork side to create a workable tilth for planting. FEATURES ✓ 10cm (4in) fork/mattock heads ✓ Handsome, hand-forged design ✓ Long handle for added clout Price: £59.95 Supplier: Harrod Horticultural (0845 4025300, www.harrodhorticultural.com)
Bulldog Premier Potato Fork
Draper Long Handled Bulb Planter
This bulb planter is also brilliant for planting potatoes! Quickly and easily remove a plug of soil, drop in your potato, replace the soil then earth up. No bending required – and if your soil is heavy the spade-type treads mean that you can use one or both feet to apply pressure. FEATURES ✓ Creates 6cm (2.5in)-diameter holes ✓ Lightweight construction ✓ Chrome-plated carbon steel Price: £8.95 Supplier: Just Green (01621 785088, www.just-green.com)
These tools make life in the garden or on the allotment that little bit easier
This fork is the exception to the unwritten rule mentioned above. The tines on this fork are rounded at the ends to prevent crop damage. The traditional ash shaft and forged head will last you a lifetime – and you need never suffer another harpooned potato again. FEATURES ✓ Avoids spud damage ✓ 75cm (30in) ash handle ✓ British-made tool Price: £106.80 Supplier: Bulldog Tools (for stockists: 01279 401572, www.bulldogtools.co.uk)
Tyzack Billhook
Fifty years ago virtually every home in the country would have had something like this for chopping up kindling to get a fire going in the fireplace. There is still a need for this type of tool, particularly when clearing away stubborn woody growth or laying hedges. FEATURES ✓ 25cm (10in) steel blade ✓ Strong ash handle ✓ Invaluable traditional tool
Price: £23.25 Supplier: The Organic Gardening Catalogue (01932 253666, www.organiccatalogue.com) Grow it! June 2011 81