Essential Gardening Tools and Gear for Spring Pruning and Planting
As spring arrives, gardeners are gearing up for pruning, planting, and other seasonal tasks. We consulted professionals for their indispensable tools and clothing recommendations to make the work more efficient and comfortable.
Snipping, Sculpting, and Securing
With changing gardening practices, such as leaving dead stems for wildlife, the main cut-back period has shifted to late winter and early spring. This is the time to prune roses, hydrangeas, and other shrubs, and trim hedges before the nesting season begins.
Secateurs: A reliable pair is crucial. Burgon & Ball's RHS-endorsed bypass secateurs are affordable and durable for cold-weather pruning. Chatu Madhvani prefers Felco No 6 secateurs for smaller hands, noting their longevity over 15 years. Toby Shuall recommends Niwaki's GR Pro S-Type secateurs for larger stems and Tobisho Pro Snips for delicate cuts.
Other Cutting Tools: Maggie Tran uses ARS's 321DX-M angled scissors for harvesting and deadheading. Sean Harkin favors a red fish knife for cutting twine efficiently. For larger tasks, Stihl's HSA 26 cordless hedge trimmer with a telescopic shaft pole saves time and reduces backache.
Weeding, Seeding, and Propagating
As soil warms, weeding and planting become priorities. Soil knives, or hori hori, are highly valued for their versatility.
Soil Knives: Jonny Bruce relies on a Nisaku hori hori for tough coastal shingle. Selina Ozanne and Toby Shuall prefer Niwaki's Hori Hori Pro for weeding and planting. Sophia Gray uses Niwaki's original hori hori with a canvas sheath.
Soil Preparation Tools: Gray also uses a Garden Claw GC 20-06 fork for heavy clay soil. A border spade from Mulch is popular for general soil work. Chatu Madhvani likes Burgon & Ball's extended hand trowel for tight spaces. Claire Mitchell recommends Niwaki's hand hoe for planting in clay soils and a vintage ice-cream scoop for handling compost.
Propagation Tools: Josh Sparkes uses a Ladbrooke Multi 35 soil blocker to minimize plastic use. Emily Allard and Tom Coward swear by PG Horticulture grafting knives for cuttings and grafting.
Active Wear for Active Gardeners
Comfortable and practical clothing is essential for unpredictable spring weather.
Thermal Wear: Uniqlo's Heattech Ultra Warm thermals and Marks & Spencer's Heatgen Maximum long johns provide warmth without bulk.
Trousers: Sophia Gray chooses Timberland's Pro Vent trousers with knee pads. Selina Ozanne opts for Gramicci Voyager pants for their pockets and flexibility.
Waterproof Gear: Josh Sparkes wears Strauss's Bib & brace esprestige, while Toby Shuall uses Portwest's contrast bib and brace for wet conditions.
Gloves and Footwear: Shuall uses Pawa PG241 thermal gloves for cold weather, and Ozanne recommends Showa 370 lightweight gloves for dexterity. Mick Brown favors Redback safety boots, and Sean Harkin prefers Result hardy safety trainers in summer.
Jackets and Overalls: A Le Laboureur work jacket offers durability, while Chatu Madhvani likes Carrier Company's custom work jackets. Andrea Brunsendorf prefers a Guy Cotten prairie coat for full coverage, and Claire Mitchell uses Dickies overalls for practicality.
Equipping yourself with the right tools and gear can transform your gardening experience, making spring tasks more enjoyable and efficient.
