Gardening is a tremendously relaxing and rewarding pastime. Around 87% of households in the UK have gardens, and a YouGov study for the Horticultural Trades Association in 2021 discovered that 35% of UK adults enjoy cultivating fruits and vegetables in their outdoor plots or allotments. While gardening involves a great deal of time, dedication and physical effort, it can vastly improve both your physical and mental well-being.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting your very own vegetable patch, the first step is to procure the necessary tools. Consider the following list of tools and accessories every keen gardener should own.
Gloves
Every gardener needs a robust pair of gardening gloves. Gardening gloves protect your hands from a range of hazards, including thorns, insect bites and plant dermatitis. Furthermore, unprotected gardeners risk contracting tetanus from clostridium tetani, often found in soil and manure, which can enter the body through open cuts and scrapes. Protect your health and well-being by investing in a pair of lightweight gardening gloves made from a breathable fabric like bamboo or cotton.
Watering Can
All plants need varying amounts of water for photosynthesis. While the weather is decidedly damp here in the UK, your vegetable garden still needs a helping hand during dry spells. Tomatoes, sweetcorn, courgettes, and legumes such as peas and beans are all examples of thirsty plants that benefit from extra water. Opt for a sturdy watering can made from galvanised steel – not only will this type of watering can endure a range of harsh weather conditions, but it will add a charming vintage touch to your garden.
Secateurs
Secateurs are useful for a range of gardening jobs, including pruning, harvesting and dead-heading. Similar to a sturdy pair of scissors, secateurs are generally made from high-quality materials such as carbon or stainless steel, making them able to slice all manner of plant matter from woody stems to young trees with little resistance. Opt for a pair with comfortable handles and a safety catch to hold the blades firmly closed when they are not in use.
Trowels And Hand Forks
Gardening trowels and hand forks are essential to fundamental gardening techniques such as planting, weeding, harvesting and turning soil. You can often find towels and hand forks as part of a set, along with secateurs, transplanting tools and hand rakes. It may also be worth considering long-handled trowels and forks for getting into hard-to-reach spaces – this design is also helpful in minimising back pain and strain. Again, the best material to choose for your gardening tools is strong, durable, rust-resistant stainless steel.
Indoor Gardening Equipment
If you have limited garden access, you will be pleased to know that you can easily grow a variety of vegetables indoors. The stress and uncertainty of the pandemic led to a significant rise in sales of grow tents in the UK, as many budding gardeners without access to outdoor plots turned to alternative growing methods. Whether you decide to cultivate a windowsill kitchen garden with fresh herbs or go all out with an expert grow tent setup, there is no reason for lack of an outdoor garden to hold you back.
Hedge Shears
Whilst getting your garden ready for planting, you may have to do a look of physically-intensive work clearing debris, cutting back shrubbery and turning soil. A pair of good quality shears will be vital for hacking away at unruly foliage to make way for your crops. Manual shears are ideal for smaller, more precise jobs, whereas motorised (petrol or electric) shears are generally preferred for lengthy tasks to save you the manual labour. Electric sears, although much cheaper, are, by and large, less powerful than their robust gas counterparts.
Kneeling Mat
As mentioned, gardening can be incredibly physically strenuous. If you struggle with kneeling for extended periods, it may be worth investing in a kneeling mat to protect your knees, particularly if you suffer from a condition like arthritis. Similar in texture and thickness to a yoga mat, gardening mats are usually made from PVC-coated cotton, providing vital cushioning between your knees and the ground below. You can also purchase garden caddies for your tools that double as kneelers and seats, excellent for when you need a quick breather.
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