The equipment you’ll need

The Equipment You'll Need

Having the right tools for the job makes gardening so much easier. Whether you're planting out crops, weeding or digging over a large area, there are certain tools that will make the job as fuss-free as possible. Like most gardeners, I have my firm favourites – tools that I always have with me when I set out for the day.

Like plants though, tools need care. But by buying good quality equipment and caring for them year after year, your tools will support you well into the future. Two of my personal favourite tool companies to source tools from are ReAg Tools and Niwaki Tools.

Jane's Favourite Tools

1. For Planting

• Pointed trowel - for digging and planting in hard ground.
• Right angle trowel - good for planting in soft soil.
• Claw rake - good for cultivating soil and breaking the hard surface crust.
• Hori Hori - great for weeding and pretty much anything else too.

2. For Pruning

• Hand saw - great for cutting bigger branches.
• Secateurs - excellent for cutting twigs and sticks.
• Snipping tools - good for putting the finishing touches to your pruning.
• Builder's bag - good for collecting garden waste for the compost heap.

3. For Harvesting

• Sharp knife - for cutting through big stalks, such as brassicas.
• Pen knife with rounded end - for cutting salad leaves and flowers.
• Snipping tools - for cutting woody perennial herbs.
• Gloves - you will need a good, skin tight pair that won't hamper your movement.

4. For Larger Jobs

• Oscillating hoe - for light weeding on reasonably dry soil.
• Onion hoe - good for breaking up hard ground and weeding under crops.
• A good fork and spade - it's worth spending more to get a good quality set.

Caring for Your Tools

It's best practice to clean your tools at the end of every use. In reality though, this doesn't always happen, so at the very least make sure they are clean and dry at the end of the growing season.

Rubbing oil into your tools is also a great way to care for them. And it is especially important if you're leaving the tools in a shed outdoors over the winter. The oil will protect them from rust and stop the hinges from seizing up too. Linseed and tung oil are popular choices for this job.

Spring is a great time to check whether your tools need any repairs and also to sharpen your blades. This will make your tools much easier to use and will prolong their life too.