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Propagators 101 – How to use Propagators

2/24/2020

3 Comments

 
Propagators
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What are Propagators?

Propagators are compact incubators for raising seedlings in an optimum environment. They typically consist of an under tray filled with a growing medium and a transparent cover. In essence this creates a miniature greenhouse which lets light in but retains moisture and heat.

Propagators consequently provide a perfect, sheltered germination and growing environment for young seedlings. Typically propagators are about a square foot in size and made of plastic.

 They will often have ventilation slots to allow fresh air in and condensation out on hot days. Propagators are particularly in need when it is early spring and night time temperatures are too low for germination.

This allows the gardener to raise strong young plants ready to plant for when the weather warms up. They also protect young plants at their earliest and most vulnerable stage of development from pests.

​Propagators come in a wide variety of shapes and styles with some having inbuilt thermostats and heating.
propagating

Germinating seeds

Germination is the natural process whereby seeds begin to sprout into new young plants. If a seed is given the correct amount of moisture, oxygen, darkness and temperature enzymes within the seed start to activate. This unleashes stored energy inside the seed causing it to sprout.

One of the obstacles when germinating seeds is keeping the environment stable. At any point during this vital transition a seed can die if it loses any of the vital environmental factors. Things such as sudden frosts, dry spells or pests can stop a seed from completing germination.

Hence there are great advantages to germinating plants in a propagator. The combination of stable growing environment and shelter from outside threats make them perfect for the job.

​The purpose of a propagator is to germinate and then grow plants on until they are large enough to handle. Young plants can then be potted up until so they can grow on to reach their desired size. 
propagators

Best soil for propagation

The best soil for propagators is one that is light and fluffy buy will firm down without compacting. You want your propagators soil to retain moisture but not be sodden. You don’t want the soil to be to nutrient rich and you want enough air spaces so roots can easily develop.

The best soil for this can be found by searching for a seed sowing or potting mix. You can buy these readymade or make your own. To make your own mix two parts sieved compost with one part topsoil loam.

You can use fine compost if you wish the bottom line here is the structure should be fine but not heavy. If you do use your own soil mix it may be a good idea to sterilise it first.

​This will get rid of any fungal spores or bad bacteria. This can be done by placing it in a bucket and pouring kettles of boiling water over it. Then it must be cooled and drained.
potting compost

Species selection

When sowing inside a propagator it’s important to consider what species you’re growing and if it’s suitable. Many propagators have quite shallow pot systems which are not suitable for every seedling.

Seedlings of larger plants such as beans and shrubs may find propagators too shallow and end up stunting the young plants. It is recommended that if a seed is much wider than 2 millimetres it may be too large for a small propagator.

​Furthermore if you sow any seed too densely within a propagator this can stunt a young plants growth early on. However for most annuals, perennials and herbs propagators are perfect for germinating at most times of the year.

young plants

Seasonal timings

One thing that has to be perfected when growing in propagators is the correct timings of sowings. It is very typical to sow some warm loving plants too early.

This can mean potting on and then having a long wait until they can be planted outside. This is especially true of things like chillies and tomatoes. This is less of a problem if you have limitless space inside your home or greenhouse.

The latter however is rarely true so having a good knowledge of the likely last frosts in your area is beneficial. If you have a greenhouse try to have an idea of what time the night time lows are inside.

​This will enable you to sow in your propagator at the right time for the correct species.
seedlings

Moisture

The main aim of the propagator is to keep young seedlings moist. Too much moisture however can be catastrophic to the cause. Seeds can soon succumb to fungal infections or simply rot in the ground with too much water.

Some propagators come with drainage holes and a water tray underneath. This is the best scenario as it makes watering easy to manage.

 Some basic propagators do not have drainage holes. In this case you want to water very lightly to ensure no water logging. In both scenarios you should fill the tray with compost and firm it slightly. Now sow seeds then flutter just enough potting mix over to cover the seeds.
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With a watering can nozzle water the tray for a second and let the soil settle. This should be moist enough to get the seeds started. The soil should be just damp to the touch but not wet. After a few days check the soil, if you need to add more moisture mist with a spray bottle.
propagator with condensation

Temperature

The perfect temperature for seeds to grow in a propagator is between 15 -22 Celsius. However it is important to realise that in nature day time temperatures fluctuate quite a bit.

​The temperature can be wildly different at 3am as in the same location at 3pm. I would not obsess about the exact temperature as long as it doesn’t go below 8 Celsius at night and gets at least early spring light for as much of the day.


Try to make sure the propagator is not in a location that is susceptible from extreme draughts. If growing very early in the season your seedlings may not get enough natural light. This is particularly true the further from the equator you are.
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If you live in the extreme north and south you may find your seedling growing leggy and bending towards the light. In such cases you may want to consider a propagator with the addition of UV grow lights.
propagating seeds

When to open the vents on a propagator?

All propagators have small open-able vents at the top or sides for ventilation. There are three general positions for the vents to be in; closed, half open and fully open.

The general rule of thumb here is when the seedlings have been sowed close the vents. This is to keep a moist and humid environment inside the propagator. This is important as some seeds simply need a day or two just to absorb water before sprouting. 

When the seedlings start to emerge from the compost it is good to at least open the vents halfway.  This increases ventilation and reduces the risk of seedlings rotting.

​When most of the plants start producing leaves it is best to open the vents completely. If you start to have warm days with warm sunshine the entire top can come off to allow in air flow.
propagation on a window ledge

When to remove a seeding from a propagator

The whole idea of growing in a propagator is to get germination complete quickly and efficiently.  Due to a relatively limited amount of soil medium it is best to get seedlings potted on as soon as possible. If not you can find yourself with pot bound and stunted young plants.

This is however a complete balancing act plant on too early and you risk breaking the seedlings. We usually find if a seedling has a full second set of leaves and is easy enough to handle it is ready. It is worth noting here that seeds sowed very close together can result in weaker plants.
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If you try to sow as thinly as possible each plant should become robust faster. There is an element of experience and intuition when knowing when to remove a seedling from a propagator.

Sterilising a propagator

It is a good idea to sterilise your propagator after every time you use it. This can be done by washing thoroughly with hot soapy water and a scrubbing brush. When you have finished rinse with clean, cold water.

Standard propagators

Commonly you will be using a standard propagator with no heating of any sort. The warmth produced by the sun’s rays is usually more than enough for successful germination. We have listed some standard propagators available on Amazon below.
Propagators
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Heat mats

Heat mats also known as propagation mats are designed to sit underneath propagators and pots. As the temperature of the air is generally warmer than the soil a method to heat it is beneficial. Heat mats are the perfect way to get your seedlings to sprout with ease. Even in the winter months if necessary.
propagator heat mat
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Heated propagators

A heated propagator is fundamentally a propagator with a built in heat mat at the base. This when plugged into an electrical source will gently warm the soil to an optimum germination temperature.

​A good electric propagator will come with a sensor system to monitor soil temperature. Acting as a thermostat this will automatically turn the propagator on and off to maintain a constant temperature of around 15 Celsius. We have put together a selection of these for you below.

electric propagator
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Propagators with lights

Propagators with lights come in two separate categories; Ones with built in lights or buying separate UV grow lights and creating your own system. The ones with lights already build in are extremely usefully especially in colder climates. Here you can provide your seedling with that extra boost earlier on in the season.
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You may wish to create your own propagator with lights system by buying both separately. The benefit with this method is potentially creating an extensive germination area. This could be far more industrious than a typical window ledge set up. These large set ups can also benefit from reflected screens built from timber and metal foil. 
propagator with lights
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Propagator sets

One of the best ways to get started with propagators is by purchasing a complete propagator set. These usually come with a full step by step guide to set up and growing. They also can contain heating and thermostat systems as well as the propagator itself. We have put an example of some of these below.
propagator set
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Propagator tents

​Propagator tents are exactly what their name suggests and consist of a tent with a foil inside for reflecting light. Some come with inner frames to stack seed trays and ventilation outlets. Some come as a readymade set up with lights and some are sold singly. We have linked to some here if you wish to extend your propagation areas.  
propagator tent
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Misters

Misters and spray bottles can be very handy accessories for propagators, we have listed some here.
Spray bottle
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How to make your own DIY propagator

For those of you on a budget there are a few different ways of making your own propagators. These can be small like typical propagators or eve up to cold frame size. You also have the option to create reflective sides to boost the levels of light and heat. We have embedded an informative video on how to do just that below.

Happy propagating

So there you have it! Pretty much all you need to know about how to use propagators. We hope you found this article helpful, if it did it would mean so much to us if you pinned it or shared it. This helps us to know we are writing helpful articles and helps us to write more. Thanks and happy propagating! Want to read another helpful article on growing in a propagator? We link to one here. Need more garden ideas? Check out our article on garden decor ideas here. 


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Garden scissors

2/24/2020

1 Comment

 
Garden scissors
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Garden scissors are extremely usefully around the garden. Their primary functions are for cutting, clipping shearing and pruning green material. Garden scissors can also be used in the garden for more practical operations such as cutting twine and netting. The reality is the term ‘garden scissors’ means different things to different people.
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Some simply believe garden scissors are just heavy duty kitchen scissors suitable for garden work. Many who are new to gardening simply look at one of five tools and ‘garden scissors’ is the only way to describe them. The five tools are Sentei scissors, Garden snips, Garden shears, Loppers and lawn edging shears.
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I regularly see this confusion so have listed all the tools people have described as garden scissors in the past.

Heavy duty kitchen shears for gardening

Most of the time when people are searching for gardening scissors they really desire a strong pair of kitchen scissors. Just like most of the time a home gadget ends up being perfect for gardening duties.

​Furthermore I have found heavy duty kitchen scissors very useful for gardening throughout the years. They are very good for cutting soft vegetation and cutting cloth and netting for the vegetable patch. I have left some examples of heavy duty scissors suitable for the garden here.

heavy duty garden scissors
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Sentei garden scissors

These Japanese style scissors have been used for centuries in oriental gardens in the east. One of their famous uses was to trim and clip bonsai trees. The unique feature with these scissors is they allow you to insert more fingers into the grips.

​This allows you to focus much more power onto a smaller cutting area. This also gives the operator more control over the cutting. Hence Sentei garden scissors are perfect for delicate and intricate trimming. 
sentei garden scissors
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Garden snips

Garden snips are more like a miniature version of secateurs than scissors. However these snips are capable of doing the jobs both of the latter do. The robust handles and spring mechanisms ensure durability and power.

​Furthermore the thin and narrow blades allow the gardener to engage in more precise cutting. Garden snips are perfect for dead heading and intricate activities such as pruning climbers and topiary. We have left some links to varying types on Amazon below.

garden snips
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Garden shears

It may be surprising to some that garden shears can be thought of as garden scissors. But to the untrained eye or people that know little about gardening I can see why they think scissors. Garden shears with their blades, handles and overall look looking similar to scissors do completely different tasks.

​Garden shears are generally for trimming hedges and shrubs. These are much larger and robust tackling a greater thickness of green material. Check out some of the examples of these below.

Gardening shears
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Garden pruning Loppers

​Loppers are large pruning devices suitable for larger branches on shrubs or even small trees. They have the form of scissors but much larger with long cylindrical poles for extra leverage.

​Loppers are perfect for trimming fruit trees and large soft wood. It is often quite surprising how much power they can generate and what thickness of wood they can cut through.  Below are some good examples of loppers.
Garden loppers
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Garden edging shears

Another gardening tool that can be thought to look like scissors is edging shears. With a scissor like motion these are perfect for cutting grass blades which stick out from the lawn.

These very distinct garden gadgets are also perfect for trimming around awkward obstacles and garden features. In recent times many have stated that garden strimmers can be used to edge lawns instead. However from personal experience these do not give as a refined edge as edging shears.

​Ironically scissors can also do the same job well but a little hard on the knees.  We have included some edging shears available on Amazon below.
edging shears
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Garden décor ideas & animal ornaments

2/12/2020

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This article contains affiliate links

Animal garden ornaments

As people have generally separated themselves from wild places we have grown a love for animals and nature. This can be seen in our love of gardening, wildlife documentaries and keeping animals as pets.

Sadly we most love some of the animals we as a species are directly threatening with extinction. Humans have always loved statues and sculptures of wild beasts since the beginning of time. The truth is we love the visual presence of these creatures close to us.

​Some of our most loved animal species make great ornaments and these can be amazing garden decor ideas. From traditional stone like statues to new more lifelike resin based examples. Animal garden ornaments are very effective garden decor.

Orangutans

Unfortunately today Orangutans are increasingly rare. This impressive ape is native to South East Asia and recognisable by its reddish brown fur. People easily relate to apes as they are a familiar and similar species to our own.

​This resin garden orangutan ornament is a very striking piece of garden decor that will provide a talking point for your family and friends every time.

orangutan garden ornament
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Gorillas

Gorillas, another great ape from Africa is just as impressive in statue and form. This species is recognisable by its displays of chest beating and mock charges.

​From the central tropical rainforests of Africa gorillas are the ultimate example of raw power in nature. Also a close relative of humans and absolutely beautiful to look at this resin garden ornament will be the focal point for many years to come.

gorilla ornament
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Peacocks

When admiring the sheer beauty of the natural world few species come as close to the Peacock for supremacy. The males of these amazing birds from Asia have the most elaborate and dazzling mating display.

​The huge fan like tail opens up to create a huge fan of colour with rather disturbing amounts of eye like markings. Many admire the beauty of this iconic bird which can make a truly beautiful garden ornament.   
peacock garden ornament
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Storks

Like Peacocks, Stalks are very handsome birds with long legs and snake like necks. Due to their tall and needle like stature they have a natural elegance which is hard to replicate.

​These beautiful birds look amazing reflecting in a garden pond as they do in nature. Stork statues are amazing garden decor ideas with ornaments made out of metal being the most popular of all.
stork garden ornament
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Cats

Not everybody welcomes cats into their garden but no one can deny their sheer majestic excellence as a hunter. Cats are one of our favourite pets and for good reason!

​These handsome little beasts have historically kept vermin species at bay and fun to watch. Cats have an air of grace about them and their general audacity and laziness is really quite comical. It is no wonder cat ornaments are very popular in numerous garden decor examples.

cat garden ornament
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Rabbits

​Rabbits are less of a popular pet than cats but are still extremely loved by people of all ages. These lovely herbivorous creatures typically have large bodies with long ears.

​They are naturally skittish and universally thought of as cute. Some of the large pet breeds are incredibly docile, fluffy, cute and lovable. It is no surprise rabbits are also very popular garden ornaments. 
rabbit garden ornament
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Frogs

Often immortalised in Disney movies a children’s cartoons the frog has almost a cartoon like presence to it. Being an amphibian it is highly specialised but an extremely successful species.

​Frog species stretch right across the globe and have done for millions of years with barely any change to their design. They are quite simply one of nature’s masterpieces. It is no wonder why we crave its aesthetics as an effective garden decor idea.

Frog solar ornament
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Owls

Also an animal common in novels and popular culture the owl is a beautiful bird of prey almost ghost like in flight. Owls are thought of as extremely wise because of their sophisticated method of hunting.

These wonders of nature are another successful species across the planet and with good looks to match. Owls can also be a deterrent to pest species of birds such as pigeons which peck at crops and a general pest.

​Owls can make great garden ornaments whether life like replicas or metal sculptures.

owl garden ornament
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Lions

Lions are well known as the king of the beasts and for good reason. Their god like stare and awesome stature make them one of nature’s most feared predators.

Today confined to Africa and one small part of India this species used to inhabit most of the ancient world. Today due to habitat loss and hunting lions are critically endangered.

​Lions have been immortalised in human paintings and sculpture since the dawn of civilisation. It is no surprise that there are plenty of garden decor ideas which reference this iconic big cat.  
lion statues
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Deer

Deer are found all over the world and one of the most successful herbivorous mammals on the planet. They come in all shapes and sizes from knee height to taller than a man.

​These graceful creatures are well known for their elegance and beauty commonly depicted many art works. Deer have also been popular in social culture such as Walt Disney’s Bambi. Deer can make the perfect garden sculpture or ornaments which are especially effective amongst garden foliage.

deer garden statue
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Tortoise

Tortoises are universally recognised for their long history on the planet without change for millions of years. This rather remarkable looking creature which carries a protective casing around with it is an extremely popular with people.

For this reason in the early 1900’s tens of thousands were captured for the pet trade. This led to a huge drop in their numbers in the wild. As a result Tortoises were once commonly seen walking around peoples gardens during the summer months.

​Tortoise replica statues make beautiful garden decorations and will be appreciated all year round.

tortoise garden ornament
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Wind spinners

Wind spinners come in all shapes and sizes and are a fully mobile and exciting garden decor idea. Historically these spinners have been used to scare away pests from crops in the garden.

Most of the time however it is the alluring, circular and spinning motion which is attractive to the eye. Today there are many types of wind spinners which can make great garden decorations.

​Popular spinners include solar lights reflected through varying colour shades to spread a mobile display of colours at night. We have put together some of our favourite on Amazon here.
wind spinner
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Japanese garden décor

Japanese garden design is world renowned for its majestic beauty and effective use of natural elements. Japanese gardens are commonly planned within the energy guided principles of Feng Shui. 

Japanese garden elements usually work on the idea of representing the natural world as a microcosm. For example upturned stones are portrayed as mountains and ponds as trees.

This is really not surprising as Japan itself has such a strikingly beautiful landscape. Many western garden enthusiasts love Japanese garden decor ideas for the capture the rugged beauty of nature.

​Stone lanterns, garden bells, bridges and fountains are all decor elements in Japanese themed gardens. We have put some typical examples of these below.
japanese lantern
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Religious garden décor
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Through the ages man has looked to his spiritual beliefs to manipulate their environment. Visual representations of gods and religious symbols are very common in landscape decoration.

In garden design special hierarchy typically treats religious decorations as focal points. Religious garden decor ideas can strongly shape a garden where one can worship, meditate or just celebrate beliefs in a natural context.

​There are many garden decor items which carry themes of mainstream religious or just evoke a spiritual response. Typical garden ornaments today include The Hindu Ganesha, Buddha and Christian Saints. We have put together a collection of these below.

Buddah garden ornament
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Zombie garden décor

Zombies are a fictional form of dead being which have come back to life. Zombies have been extremely popular in many movies and haunted themed performances.

They have become very popular in the modern day imaginations of everyone who like horror movies and such like. Zombies have found their way into popular video games and now every corner of our lives including the garden.

​Garden decor ideas involving zombies range from garden gnomes to scary ornamental figurines. We have put some common examples of these here.

Zombie garden ornament
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Continue to second part of article...…


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garden décor ideas

2/11/2020

6 Comments

 
Garden decor ideas
This article contains affiliate links


Gardens allow us to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life. Our gardens can become small sanctuaries that enable us to emerge ourselves in nature and tranquillity. Hence it is no surprise that we are ever looking for ways to personalise our external spaces.

Garden decor ideas allow us to enjoy the garden by filling it with the quirky things that we love.  You can express your love for animals by celebrating your favourites with life like resin ornaments or classical garden statues. 

Most of the time garden decoration ideas are a way of filling the focal points of the garden. These are commonly places we spend the most of our time. The patio or deck is always the perfect location for a little bit of extra excitement.

​If you are having a large party or just some family over for an evening meal the patio is a great place for extra garden decoration. With a few ideas and inspirations your patio can be filled with cool and functional decorations such as Moroccan lights, Garden Bean bags and fire pits. All of these will not just look great but make your garden a cool place to be!
garden decoration ideas
The great thing about gardens is they regularly do not need to conform to such strict rules and regulations. This allows your creative juices to literally go wild enabling garden decor to actually impact the design and feel of an outside space.

​If you love wildlife some of our wildlife decor suggestions will not just look great but provide perfect habitat.  Bird feeders, bird boxes and insect hotels as an example can look amazing but also bring so much life to an outside space.

The dramatic potential of garden decoration to transform and enhance an outside space is immense! This is why we have broken down some of the best garden decor ideas and accessories here.

​From decor to screen and hide bad views to religious and even zombie statues! We have put together the best garden decor ideas for you below. Enjoy!
unique garden decoration

Garden decor ideas for the Patio

​Patios and courtyards don’t just provide us with cool places to sit they give us a focal point in the garden. Patios and decks just like any room of the home provide the opportunity for decorations and fun. During the summer months these garden spaces come alive with crazy family parties and lazy summer afternoons.

 This means there are plenty of garden decorations which can make these places just that little bit more special. For parties there is the chance to add heating and cooking facilities as well as extra shelter and lights.

You may want to add speakers to make the space more musical or water features to add the relaxing sound of running water. Not only can these cool garden gadgets transform a space garden decorations can change a normal space into a well designed show garden.
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Thant is why we have put together some amazing garden decor ideas together for your patio, deck or courtyard.
patio decoration

Traditional ovens

Traditional or earth ovens have been used by human kind for centuries. These wood fired ovens heated slowly over time can retain an amazing amount of heat and for long periods of time.

Very traditional or Southern Europe and Asia these domed ovens are perfect for cooking bread, stews and yes you may have guessed it pizza! Today there are many variants of these sorts of ovens on the market. Some are more permanent and some are more mobile and compact cooking units.

​These wood fired ovens make very functional garden decor both looking great and cooking tasty meals. These ovens can also effectively heat an outside space especially if your patio is in a corner.

pizza oven
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Moroccan lights
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Morocco has always been a hub for interesting design and the magical use of colour. This can always be admired in the beauty of traditional Moroccan lanterns.

These amazing hanging lights can work well in an Arabic themed garden or just a normal outside space. Their array of deep vibrant colours means they have the potential to become a focal point themselves.

​Either used singly or hung up in succession these extremely cool hanging lights make a fantastic addition to any patio.

Moroccan lanterns
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Garden bean bags

Garden seating can come at a premium especially if you find yourself with excessive amounts of guests at short notice. Typically garden seating comes as a part of a table set.

This can lead to tired legs at outside gatherings and uncomfortable guests. Most of the time party guests want to lose all formalities and just sprawl about while sipping a tasty cocktail. For this reason it is great to have some comfortable, well cushioned seating to hand at all times.

​These outdoor garden bean bags are fully water proof and provide perfectly comfortable seating at a moment’s notice. They also are very cool to look at! Great for the party season!

outdoor bean bag
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Patio heaters

As outside parties draw into the evening even in the middle summer there can be a chill in the air. There is always the option to go inside of course but why do that when you have waited all year to get out.

A garden especially with great lighting decor can be a really cool place at night so why not ad some heating? This patio heater is perfect for making a cool patio at night warm and snug.

​If used intelligently using walls and for microclimates or even gazebos the garden can just be as warm as indoors. This makes these heaters the perfect idea for a party or extra patio decor.

log burner
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Asian gong

Commonly recognised in Hollywood movies and old Asian stereotypes these Asian gongs not only create an amazing sound they also look extremely impressive.

​These ancient gongs are internationally recognisable and perfect for use in Asian style gardens or even just normal patios. Originating in China these percussion instruments traditionally would be sounded during special events or to mark a specific moment in time. They can also make great garden decor for your garden.

Asian gong
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Rock speakers

One of the things people love most about the garden is there is rarely straight lines and neat edges in nature. Even in the most formal of garden spaces the general wildness of outside spaces has a calming effect on the soul.

Many people have said that spending time in the garden is like a form of meditation. For many the tranquil atmosphere of the garden is bliss but during more social times music can be a fantastic backdrop to a summer’s day.

​These Rock speakers will brilliantly disguise themselves amongst your plants and flowerbeds leaving your guests wondering where the music is coming from every time. 
rock speakers
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Water features

Patios provide the perfect defined area and hard wearing surface for fun and get togethers. They are also perfect places to taking time to enhance your mood and calm your nerves.

​There is always one corner of the patio that is just calling out for something exciting and different. This free standing water feature will allow you to enjoy lazy afternoons being soothed by the trickling sound of water. Water features can wire into the mains power supply or rely on solar lighting.

water feature
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Fire pits

Some of the best garden decor ideas add excitement and aesthetics to the garden but also have a function. Sometimes a single function is enough but a multiple functioning garden accessory is always a hit.

This fire pit is the perfect place to sit around with friends to enjoy drinks and giggles. What makes this fire pit so special is it also has a grill which fits over the top so as the fire dims down you can grill kebabs or even burgers!

​What makes this cool gadget even more amazing is it can also be covered over to create a table.  The multi function nature of this decor idea means it will always be at the very heart of the patio!
fire pit
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Hammocks

Too many times in life we forget to take time out to simply daze into the stars and do absolutely nothing! When the great weather does come along in summer time we sometimes forget it’s not here to stay!

It’s crucial that after a long cold winter we squeeze every last drop of sunshine out of the season. What better way to do just that than lazing around in one of the most comfortable ways known to mankind!

​This garden hammock will allow you to gently swing in the breeze while enjoying a good book. Who knows you may even be able to enjoy a few cocktails too!

hammock
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Pergolas

Most gardens do not have the exquisite design flair of an award winning architectural masterpiece. However some garden decor ideas can make a garden space so much more appealing.

A very common problem with gardens is they lack vertical features. Such features can allow the eye to be drawn higher helping to appreciate the surrounding environment.

​One of the best ways to achieve this vertical line is to install a pergola! These are great for providing shade and hanging extra features from. Some like the one below can be bought on Amazon and erected on site.
pergola
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Solar flame wall lights

There is nothing that sets off a garden than well placed lighting. With strategic planning and a bit of design knowledge and foresight lighting can completely transform an outside space.

One of the previous drawbacks to lighting was it required extensive cables and professional installation. This was particularly problematic if you already had an established garden that could not be easily dug up to bury cables.

​Today the emergence and advances in solar technology have been astounding! These solar flame wall lights are just some of the solar garden decor ideas you have at your disposal.

solar flame lights
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Coffee table set

The great thing about patios is they give you the opportunity to bring the inside outside. Most decks and patios are planned directly outside the back doors leading to a seamless spatial transition.

The fact that most patios can be used as a room outside means it is only logical to adhere to such a space. Placing a large comfortable table and seating set is a great way to set the patios function as another room of the house. 

​This coffee table set is resilient to outdoor conditions and is a great piece of garden decoration at the same time.
coffee table set
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Garden decor ideas for walls & fences

Walls and fences are essential to reinforce boundary lines, create privacy and security to our gardens and property. Being such a necessary part of the garden means we usually make a great effort to install ones we find visually attractive.

This however is not always the case and even new and decorative garden boundaries in time can become weathered and unattractive. Even so the vertical nature of wall and fences do create some opportunities in the garden.

​With some great garden decor ideas we can not only hide these essential garden structures but actually celebrate them.

cool garden decor

Artificial green walls

It has been said the colour green provokes more feelings of calmness and tranquillity within the human being than any other colour. In many ways this is completely logical when considering up until 300 years ago many of us would have been farmers.

During millions of years of human evolution this colour would have taken up most of the daily colour we saw. It is true today that seeing this colour is becoming a rarer and rarer occurrence.  Gardens generally being places of greenery and relaxation mean it makes sense to clad unsightly walls and fences with the colour green.

​Not all gardens have the advantage of good soil, growing conditions or good gardeners. Hence one of the garden decor ideas to solve this problem can be these artificial green walls. No watering or pruning necessary but will make any boundary lush and green instantly!
artificial green wall
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Living green walls

If the idea of fake foliage in the garden seems a little, well, plastic then understandably you may choose another option. Interestingly it is not just the colour green that plants provide which is supposed to benefit us.

Plants produce the air we breathe, filter out air borne particles and act as climatic temperature regulators. This means there is a good case for covering walls and fences with living plants. Many are put off from this idea as large climbers can damage fences and masonry.

​A great garden decor idea to resolve this is these modular green wall cells. These living green walls can be planter with smaller plants and even garden herbs! Combined with drip feed irrigation these can provide fantastic colour and foliage all year long.

Living green wall
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​Hanging garden décor

The great thing about walls and fences is they give you the ability to fix things on to them. This is particularly useful for screening and hanging things. Some of the best screening garden decor ideas are those which drape or hang.

​These can come in many forms including hanging baskets or even hanging solar lighting.  Hanging baskets by far are the most popular with some displays fit for a professional florist’s exhibition. Linear planters can be fixed to vertical walls or brackets which allow for suspending circular baskets.
Hanging colourful pots
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Outside mirrors

Typical of many famous garden designers’ projects mirrors and shiny metal sheeting can give the illusion of extra light and space within a given area.

​This can be extremely effective in small urban gardens where there is a lot of shadow. Outside mirrors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and make for impressive garden decor ideas. We have put some of our favourite found on Amazon below. 
Outside mirror
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Garden decor for a party

When the weekend comes and it’s been a long cold winter a party is just the thing to raise the spirits! If the weather is fine gardens are the perfect venue to enjoy time with friends.

Perhaps the family has a special occasion or event coming up. What better way to spruce up your garden venue with some garden decor ideas that will make the garden magical. From garden gadgets to temporary structures we have listed some decor ideas below perfect for your party season. For images of garden décor ideas check out Pinterest here.
outdoor chess set
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Gazebos

Gazebos are a truly efficient way to make areas of the garden sheltered from the extremes of weather. They can also provide a location for an outside bar or chill out room.

​These temporary structures can be heated to make outside rooms perfect for less predictable times of the year. Gazebos come in a wide variety of shapes, colours and sizes to suit your requirements and needs. We have put some of our favourites down below.

Garden gazeebo
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Curtin string lights

These curtain string lights make for a very vibrant and exciting lighting effect. These can be utilised inside as well as outside but are very effective in the garden.

These can be used to section areas of the garden off or surround a special social gathering space. The best thing about these curtain lights is they are solar power generated.

​This means no underground cables or expensive installation. These impressive garden lights can make magical like spaces perfect for wedding receptions and christenings.

Curtain string lights
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Log burners

When friends and family are together having a great time outside there is nothing like a fire to arouse the senses. This primitive form of light and warmth has had mankind gazing into its flicking flames for millennia.

There is an indescribable pull that people have towards it especially if it creates a cosy environment in the garden late at night. These log burners heat up quickly and have so much character in the garden space.

​Log burning chiminea’s come in both modern and traditional themes and look great!
Patio heater
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Garden planters

Garden planters give the gardener the chance grow plants in places they may not have been able to before. They allow you to add colour and foliage to patios and soften areas of concrete and masonry work.

Garden planters have a thematic variety on their own with some being modern, gothic, classical the styles are simply endless. These great garden decor ideas can allow you to grow plants in deep rich soil which you cannot always replicate in the ground.

​With a careful watering regime you can grow almost anything in garden pots and planters. With these the variety, colours, materials, shapes and sizes are endless. We have put some of our favourite below.
barrel pot
blue pot
rustic pot
clay pot

Garden decor ideas for wildlife

In recent years many people have noticed a steep decline in the amount of local wildlife species in our gardens.

With some truly shocking statistics on the decline of insects, birds, reptilians, amphibians and small mammals it is no wonder want to help garden wildlife. In a time of huge ecological global destruction we are all starting to realise that if smaller wildlife species completely disappear, we are also at risk.

​There has now been an explosion in the interest of wildlife gardening across the world. Garden decor ideas for wildlife include fashionable nesting boxes, funky bird feeders and wildlife filming gadgets. Why not check out our garden decor ideas for wildlife below.

window bird feeder

Insect hotels

Many of the most endangered insect species in our gardens are the most beneficial to us. Solitary wasps, bees and spiders not only help pollinate plants but eat garden pests.

Unfortunately many insecticides on the market do more damage to beneficial insects allowing pests to increase. With a new emphasis on ecological balance in the garden we are now encouraging beneficial species by providing them with food and shelter.

​One of the most effective ways to help solitary wasps, lady birds and predatory insects is to install an insect hotel. These provide dry nesting and hibernating opportunities for these species. Not only do they help boost wildlife but they also look amazing. A perfect garden décor idea which is good for the environment!
insect hotel
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Bird boxes

Most agree there have been dramatic reductions in numbers of garden birds within our lifetimes. The bird song of the dawn chorus is now a thing of the past for most urban gardens.

As modern developments spring up there are less untidy places for birds and their prey to find food and shelter. It has been recognised that gardens are now the last refuge for many of these iconic species.

Gardens with adequate cover and nesting opportunities can be very important for local birds. Most garden trees however are rarely old enough to create the best nesting opportunities.

​By installing bird boxes in our gardens we can dramatically improve the chances of wild birds thriving once again. These inexpensive nesting opportunities are a must have garden decor Idea!

House bird box
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Bird feeders

Bird boxes can prove vital for birds looking to nest, bird feeders also offer an important lifeline. With a huge reduction in insects and wild plants, birds can need extra food to get through the winter.

This is where bird feeders have become vital for our overwintering bird species. During the winter months birds need even more energy to get through cold weather. Bird feeders are not just great for birds they are also great for people too.

​Feeders give us the opportunity to watch these delights of nature up close within view of our homes. Bird feeders can be a great addition to the garden for everyone involved! They come in a wide range of types and styles!
bird feeder
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Bird baths

Most people assume bird boxes and feeders are the only way to help garden birds. For all bird species water is also extremely important.

Birds require fresh water to both drink and bath in away from predators. This can be a challenge as most water sources are at ground level. The best way to ensure local garden birds are getting the water they need maybe consider a raised bird bath.

What is great about these is they can be extremely artistic and visually pleasing to the eye. Even better they are great for watching the birds come and splash water over themselves in an industrious fashion.

​These bird baths can make great garden decor ideas especially the wall mounted ones. We have put some of our favourites here. 
bird bath
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Bat boxes

Bats are another example of a species in sharp decline due to loss of habitat and prey species. These amazing flying mammals typically would nest in dying trees, caves or holes inside buildings.

With modern buildings having less nooks and crannies with less mature trees bats have fewer places to nest. By installing bat boxes you could be giving them a chance to thrive in your area.

​Bats are a beneficial species eating pests throughout the local area. There is nothing better than watching them fly around as the sun goes down. These displays add some real magic to the garden.

bat box
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Hedghog homes

One small mammal that sometimes gets overlooked when it comes to garden wildlife is hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are amazing small mammals which eat some of the gardener’s worst enemies.

These hungry fellows can gobble through an impressive amount of slugs, snails and beetles in a single night. In the UK alone there has been a dramatic 90% decline in the amount of hedgehogs within the last 30 years.

This has mainly been due to less wild places where they can find shelter. Hedgehogs need to roam reasonable areas to forage enough food. Garden fences can act as a considerable barrier to their movements.

​Try to allow gaps in your fences for them to pass through effortlessly. The best thing you can do for hedgehogs however is to install a hedgehog box. There are some great examples of these below.

Hedgehog home
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Garden Ponds

Garden ponds can not only make impressive garden decor they are also great for wildlife. All garden creatures including birds need water to both drink and bath.

Garden ponds can attract larger garden species which will naturally garden pests. Examples of these are frogs, newts and reptiles. Not only do the ponds themselves act as garden decoration but they provide opportunities for extra focal points.

​Fountains, statues, and lighting are all great garden decor ideas to be investigated. If you do not have room for a large garden pond why not consider buying a raised one for the patio?

For more wildlife garden products check out our article on thesubject here.
garden pond
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6 Comments

Best Gardening Tools

2/3/2020

3 Comments

 
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This article contains affiliate links


Gardening is a past time enjoyed by millions around the world. When striving to be an effective gardener it is important to possess the best gardening tools for each individual project. Having the correct tool for the right job can save you hours of challenging work making you operate more efficiently.

As gardening is a physically challenging past time tools that save you extra exertion, reduce strain on your joints and muscles are welcomed. The best gardening tools will not only be easy on you but also make gardening chores easier and quicker.

Some of the main functions of gardening tools are Weeding, sowing, propagating, clearing, mowing, pruning clipping, composting and digging. All these gardening jobs can actually require different tools depending on the weather conditions and soil type.
Gardening with tools
​This variation in uses can make it a little challenging finding the best gardening tools suitable for you. Add into the mix the fact that some gardeners preferer to use some tools over others for exactly the same job just because of personal preference. Some gardeners even use  tools designed for a specific use for something completely different.

For this reason searching for the best equipment can be a very general assumption. However by listing some of the most popular gardening tools with their uses you will have a broad  base to work out what is best for you.

In this article we set out typical tools as most popularly used by gardeners. We also aim to describe some less well known ones which will make your gardening easier and more enjoyable.

​Weeding brush

If there is one job every gardener hates it has to be weeding. Most of the time it is not that the weeding is so terrible its simply the fact that once the job is complete within a matter of weeks the weeds will be back.

Generally serious gardeners are not only used to this but have developed their own systems to make weeding as efficient as possible.
There is one type of weeding however that presents a real annoyance not just to gardeners but the general population.

​Small weeds and mosses which take hold in small crevices such as patios, pathways and driveways are a garden nightmare. These persistent weeds can make an outside space look messy and unkept. One of the best gardening tools to actually combat this is a weeding brush. This consists of a long pole with a wire brush on the end. Simply brush at the weeds to tear them out by the root.
weeding brush
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​Edging spade

When gardening there is always a sense of pride and satisfaction from making every detail perfect. It is these small touches that brings the garden to the next level and making it stand out from the rest. Most people long for the perfect, consistent lawn but many gardeners neglect the necessary maintenance of the lawns edges.

This simple element when maintained property lifts the lawns aesthetics by creating a crisp edge! One of the best gardening tools for this is a half moon edging spade. This allows for careful turf cutting whether in a straight line or delicate curves. This tool is also effective at cutting turf into sections ready to be stripped of for larger landscaping projects.
edging spade
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​Push & pull hoe

Many  people new to gardening look at garden hoes and wonder what this strange tool could ever be used for. For such a seemingly useless contraption consisting of a long pole and small blade it is amazing just how useful it is. Hoes are actually one of the best gardening tools for weeding and clearing flower beds during the growing season.
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The long shaft allows the gardener to reach deep into borders in and around established plants with ease. The blade cuts of weeds an inch under the soil killing them quickly especially in warm dry weather. The best way to use a garden hoe is to cut off weeds when they are still small. doing this regularly will mean no weeds taking hold all season making the work light, quick and easy.
push and pull hoe
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​Long handled shovel

It is very easy when gardening to get stuck in your ways using the same tools for the same projects. This can mean missing out on new easier ways of doing things.

​This can not be more evident that with replacing short handled spades for long handled ones. One of the largest complaints gardeners have and occurring injuries is lower back pain. This is usually a result of bending and awkward lifting.

One of the best gardening tools to combat this is long handled tools especially spades and shovels. Instead of having to bend and lift loads at a short distance the long handle allows you to utilise the mechanical advantage of leverage. This means less fatigue getting more work done while saving the pain of a bad back in the process.
long handled shovel
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​Azada digging tool

In the west gardeners have commonly used spade like tools for digging and pick axe tools which utilise a swinging action for loosening soil. In the east there is a tool that has been used for thousands of years for loosening ground and moving about soil. This ancient tool capitalises on the power of momentum to cut into soil from swinging opposed to brute force.
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This allows for more energy efficiency when working over a long period of time achieving more work with less effort. It is the Azada tool which even to this day helps to shape and sculpture the famous paddy fields of Asia. This remarkable landscaping tool can be used for a multitude of garden projects including digging, weeding and lifting.
Azada digging tool
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​Gardening knife

Some of the best gardening tools encourage a gardener to do more interesting and skilled projects. Most weekend gardeners are obsessed with making the garden neat, tidy and a great place to relax. However the deeper a person dives into this amazing hobby the more intricate and exciting the endeavours become.

On a horticultural level taking cuttings and grafting plants is one of the more advanced pursuits in gardening. However to become and expert in these activities a certain amount of trial and error is needed. A good horticultural knife will allow a gardener to start their journey into more advanced gardening. As well as other general objectives such as cutting twine.
gardening knife
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​Professional secateurs

Not only is gardening about growing the things you love but is also about the after care of all living things on your plot. One of the more advanced disciplines in gardening is pruning successfully. This can be as simple as cutting back over grown vegetation or as advanced as pruning to encourage more fruits and flowers.
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There are many tools out there for pruning such as loppers and hedge trimmers but one of the best gardening tools for detailed pruning are secateurs. These scissor like cutters enable a gardener to prune up close making delicate cuts perfect for pruning soft fruit and roses. These professional secateurs are sharp and come in there own case for easy transportation wherever the gardener ventures.
Secateurs
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​Multitool sharpener

It can sometimes surprise people just how many tools keen gardeners need to carry out so many varying projects. It can be quite remarkable how quickly the working parts of tools wear down and become blunt after not much use. Today in this throw away society it is sad that many prefer to re-buy than take care of their tools.
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Most rusty or overworked tools can be revitalised with just a little love and care. The best gardening tools are those which are built well enough to be re-conditioned and re-sharpened. This Multi tool sharpener is perfect for sharpening a whole range of tools keeping your tool cupboard at its best and ready for action.
Multi tool sharpener
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​Prunning saw

Gardeners often comment on just how quickly trees and shrubs can grow out of control during a couple of seasons. As these things usually grow gradually it is easy to notice just how large they are becoming. It is often the case that small trees will develop branches too thick to be cut by loppers but do not warrant the need for chainsaw cutting.
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In this scenario the best gardening tools are folding pruning saws like the one above. This saw will fold away neatly and easily power through surprisingly thick branches with ease. They leave a clean cut meaning less chance of trauma and disease entering the wood.
Prunning saw
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​Lawn aeration spikes

If there is one thing most less involved gardeners would love it would be a perfect garden lawn free of weeds and a consistent texture throughout. The truth is very few people actually attempt the work to gain such an outcome. Many believe it takes expensive machinery or fancy lawn services to achieve this but the reality couldn't be further from the truth.

In fact the best thing you can do for your lawn to reach perfection is to aerate it. This adds oxygen but also allows you to spread sand and fertilizer over and into the surface making the roots grow strong and healthy. The sand adds drainage and organic matter like compost lead to the perfect conditions for optimum growth.

​The best gardening tools to aerate the lawn isn't an expensive aerator machine but these simple aeration shoe spikes. Simply place them on your feet and stomp across the grass to your hearts content, it is also great exercise!
lawn aeration spikes
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​Digging spade

Gardening requires much physical effort especially when working the soil. Getting the gardens soil to a suitable texture and consistency is an ongoing process which takes many years to perfect. One of the most fundamental actions in achieving the perfect soil is to dig. Quite a lot in fact. This has meant that over the years digging spades have become an essential part of the garden tool collection.
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One of the best ways to reach the perfect soil conditions in the flower beds or allotment is to double dig. This requires digging down to two spades deep, applying organic matter and then back filling. This alleviates compaction and helps roots to reach down far for extra nutrients.

​The digging spade is perfect for such projects cutting and slicing the ground into manageable portions to be lifted and turned over. This digging spade is also fantastic for digging up and planting new plants, shrubs and trees.
digging spade
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​Robot lawnmower

Every gardener knows that the annual lawn cutting regime can become some what of a chore. Even though mowing can become an annoyance to gardeners the results of a freshly cut lawn can be satisfying and rewarding. Everybody relates the smell of cut grass with excitement and the joy of spring and summer.

A well maintained lawn communicates to everyone this gardener is meticulous and organised. This is something gardeners especially want to show off to the neighbours!

The truth is intensive mowing comes at a time when there are so many other projects to carry out in the garden. This means any garden gadget that can carry this out for you is much appreciated! Robot lawn mowers can do just that!

​Not only will they maintain the grass for you they will actually do it better and actually improve the quality of your lawn. These wonderful robots are some of the very best gardening tools cutting regularly. This regular cutting makes the grass grow to a tighter, denser texture reducing weeds and becoming visually superior.
Robot lawn mower
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​Leaf grabber

The physical nature of gardening means it is very beneficial to our health. The continuous bending, squatting, pulling and lifting means gardeners have the edge when maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

There is one problem however many gardeners seem to suffer from every now and then. Lower back pain can be caused easily especially when working in cold conditions. A painful lower back can be the result of continuous bending, a common cause of picking things up from ground level.
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Some of the best gardening tools are the ones that alleviate this gardening movement. These leaf grabbers are perfect for cleaning up mess without the need to bend over. This tool is typically used to clear up leaves, soil and debris but can also assist in picking up other light garden objects. Leaf grabbers once obtained are one of those gardening tools you wonder how you ever coped without.
leaf grabber
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​Garden vacumm blower

There is an old saying in gardening that 'a gardeners job is never done'.  The four seasons means the garden is always changing leading to an endless cycle of growth and death. This means gardeners are always on their toes nurturing new growth, weeding and clearing the garden to keep it in tip top condition. One of the most challenging times for a gardener is autumn time.

As the seasons plants start to die down and the trees shed their leaves gardeners can be left with quite a large volume of mess to clear from their gardens. One of the best gardening tools to sort this problem out is this garden vac blower.

​Not only will it help you clear large areas it will also collect debris inside its storage bag. The gathered material can then be either composted or disposed of. This garden gadget makes a perfect gift at any time of the year.
garden vacumn
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​Petrol multi tool

Keeping a garden in perfect condition is both challenging and rewarding at the same time. The combination of maintaining trees, shrubs, planting and lawns means gardeners need a wide range of garden gadgets and tools. In fact gardening is one hobby which requires so many tools it could leave the beginner a little overwhelmed.
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One of the issues with having so many gardening tools is trying to fit all the gadgets into available storage space. Sheds and Garages can soon become full with clutter making it impossible to navigate and find what you need. Hence any garden gadget that can carry out multiple functions in the garden is very welcome.
garden multi tool
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​Garden shredder

For many the seasonal variation of gardening is both thrilling and exciting. In spring the garden explodes into life with shrubs putting on new growth in a matter of weeks. During the summer there is a surprising amount of green material which requires constant pruning and clearing. Autumn brings a whole new load of organic material which must be cleared and disposed of before the garden goes dormant for winter.

The great thing about all this organic matter is its perfect for composting down into garden fertiliser. The problem is some larger garden waste such as hedge trimmings and woody material can take a long time to break down. This can make the compost heap difficult to turn.

​This garden shredder will power through all organic waste blasting it into small chippings perfect for composting! The chippings can also make fantastic mulch for your flower borders.
Garden shredder
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Telescopic pruners

Having larger trees and shrubs in the garden can be very effective at creating a green and naturalistic environment. Not only can larger planting types look great they can cool hot gardens in summer and provide shelter in winter.

Trees and shrubs also provide great food and shelter for wildlife boosting the biodiversity of the garden. One of the drawbacks however of this larger vegetation is it does need to be kept in check regularly.

It is surprising just how much growth trees and shrubs can put on in a season. New stems can turn to branches in a matter of months and these can be in hard to access areas.

​One of the best gardening tools for these scenarios are telescopic pruners. These adjustable pruners allow you to cut larger branches and stems at a variety of distances making them extremely versatile throughout the gardening calendar.
telescopic loppers
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600mm trowel

With all the larger seasonal projects the garden brings it can be easy to forget about the smaller, more enjoyable jobs in the garden. As well as essential maintenance work there is also more enjoyable and creative jobs to be carried out.

​For gardeners this usually means a personal connection with nature and witnessing the miracle of new life. Germinating seeds and planting out new plants is one of the greatest loves of gardeners.

Nurturing young plants and watching them grow is a very rewarding and even spiritual experience. One of the best gardening tools for this up close and personal relationship is a planting trowel.

This 60mm trowel is perfect for seed sowing, planting and even weeding. The known length of the handle also makes it easy to gauge fairly accurate spacing’s when planting new plants.
long handed trowel
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​Strimmer brush cutter

Even though most gardening endeavours start out with the best of intentions sometimes the growing season can just get the better of some gardeners.

Most of us have busy lives and sometimes gardening has to take the back seat. It is surprising just how quickly a well maintained garden can turn into a wild jungle of tall grasses and perennial weeds. When this happens it can be difficult to regain control and a special gardening gadget is required to regain control.

One of the best gardening tools for long grass and tall woody weeds is this strimmer, brush cutter tool. With two attachments it can either strim or cut its way through anything the garden throws at you.

​The brush cutter can power through brambles and even sapling trees while the strimmer can be used to tidy rough vegetation and even edge lawns.
Garden strimmer
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​Garden folk

The importance of soil can never be underestimated when it comes to successful gardening.

Many gardeners notice this when they attempt to grow things inside pots, plants simply do better in the ground even though you can be more selective with what soil you put inside pots. The ground naturally has a more extensive and stable environment for plants roots not to mention more microorganisms which directly help plants to flourish.

Developing and maintaining healthy soil however can be a long and arduous process. With years of compaction and lack of organic matter garden soils can easily become hard and devoid of nutrients. The only real way to deal with this is to do some heavy digging and turning to allow oxygen, moisture and organic matter to enter the ground.

​Sometimes soil can be too hard for spades so the best gardening tools for this job is a garden folk. Its strong narrow prongs penetrate deep into the soil allowing you do easily lever over the clods of compacted earth.
garden fork
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​Garden tiller

In order to reach the perfect soil it should be continuously worked until eventually it reaches a light, friable consistency.

​Digging with folks and spades will only get the gardener so far with smashing up individual clods of soil consuming large amounts of time and energy. The best gardening tools for taking your soil to the next level are garden tillers.

These cool garden gadgets with their rotating blades can cut into soil smashing down clods and blending the dirt to a light fluffy texture, perfect for fussy plants.

​Tillers give you the opportunity to ameliorate the soil with extra organic material and grit for extra drainage. If used regularly there will never be the need for heavy digging again! This consequently makes garden tillers perfect for vegetable growers!
petrol garden tiller
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​Garden wheel barrow

To some it is surprising just how much hard work gardening is but it is one of the most enjoyable ways to burn extra calories.

​There are always projects to carry out which require fetching and carrying and this can take a toll on the lower back particularly. Whether it’s living green material or moving heavy amounts of soil from one location to another.

One of the best gardening tools to do this efficiently is with a garden wheel barrow. This allows you to move heavy loads around with a minimum of effort and its wide open top is perfect for large volumes.

​Wheel barrows are especially effective for garden improvement and landscaping projects. This versatile gardening essential will help you maintain your garden year after year and I bet you will wonder how you ever survived without it.
Wheel barrow
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For more gardening gadget tools check out our tools page here.
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3 Comments

    Author

    Paul Nicolaides is a Landscape architect and garden builder with over 30 years experience in designing, building and maintaining gardens. Contemplating just how important garden space is for nature and recreation he created 'Cool Garden Gadgets' to explore the best gadgets for enhancing outside spaces. From outdoor dining ideas to the latest garden technology we break it down for you here.  

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