Garden Tools

northwest1965

Pretty new to this gardening. Having just moved from a 2 bed with a yard to a 3 bed with a lovely garden, I need to purchase garden tools.
We have been left a Qualcast lawnmower, but I need to purchase a dutch hoe and fork.

I want to buy good ones, what makes should I be looking at, or are own brand buys just as good?

lardlikesdogs

Pick up a cheap Hoe it will last you a good ten years , But a fork spend as much as you can.

lardlikesdogs

if ground is hard buy one of these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mattock-Handle-Grubbing-Cutting-Hoeing/dp/B008C7HYNO/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

Linda32

I agree, spend your money on a fork. You need to feel the weight and hold it. Make sure its big enough for you.

Don't make the mistake of buying a small border fork. You will only be able to use it for about 5 minutes before your back gives out.


Own brands are not necessarily just as good in this instance.

Ash_McCloud

It depends what you're going to be doing with the fork. You say it's a lovely garden, so I don't suppose you're doing anything major with it?

Anyhow, Bulldog are a decent brand, or you can take your chance with a cheap one at a fraction of the price and see how you go with it.

pawsies

Wilkinson Sword seem to be decent quality, slightly expensive but you can tell the quality is superior.

wattapain

There is also a range where they have interchangeable heads which fit on the handles. Not sure of the make - not cheap, but might be better in the end.

lardlikesdogs

wattapain wrote: »

There is also a range where they have interchangeable heads which fit on the handles. Not sure of the make - not cheap, but might be better in the end.

Wolf garden I think

Leif

I find stainless steel forks tend to break. I also had the handle on a posh brand break. Bulldog are said to be very good, and durable, albeit cosmetically poor.

Gloomendoom

I got most of my garden tools second hand from car boot sales. You can get some good stuff for pennies.

sallysocks

I wouldn't bother with a Dutch hoe - go for a Swoe, they are absolutely brilliant. I've had mine for years and never go in the garden without it.
Re border forks - I don't use any other sort because I am small and light and weedy, they don't necessarily break more easily - test a range and get the biggest you are comfortable with.