Tools, Equipment & Materials

No matter what style or size of garden you have, there will always be a certain amount of tools and equipment that you'll need to keep it looking its best. Whilst you may not need the whole range offered by gardening centres or catalogues, buying the right tool for the job will save you time and effort and take the hard work out of gardening chores.

Before buying a tool, think about how often you'll need to use it. There's no point in investing in a pair of top of the range secateurs if you only have a small shrub to prune once a year. However, if you will be using the tool on a regular basis, try to go for the best quality that you can afford. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is comfortable to use and is the right size and model to carry out the job.

This section will provide you with full details on all the gardening tools and equipment you might need; from basic tools such as a spade or a fork, which may be in almost constant use, to more specialised equipment such as lawn aerators and chainsaws. As well as tools for cultivating and maintaining the garden, we also look at a wide range of other items such as carrying equipment, soil improvers and planting aids.

We have also included a wide range of information on safety and security in the garden, with advice on disposal of pesticides, working with electricity and protecting your plants, tools and equipment from theft.