"Garden Supplies" - the do's, don'ts and wherefores! You don't always land up with the garden supplies you wanted. A shed full of expensive garden 'stuff' that no-one's ever going to use is easily acquired...
The best way to a home-cooked meal is a well-stocked kitchen, and the best way to home-grown crops is a well-stocked shed full of gear you CAN use.
Work out what you need in the way of tools and equipment first. Don't bother buying the latest turbo-mini-tractor is you don't need it. If there's just a regular lawn to mow, a little exercise with a mower isn't too hard really. And to satisfy the 'fun' you're not having, buy the latest turbo-mini-bike, and keep it in the garage - NOT the shed! If the lure of the tractor is just too much, take a sneak peak at the fine looking machines at amazon...
I thought amazon sold books!! Well, apparantly they sell tons of other stuff as well! ************************* After the big tools, there'll be a number of hand tools like rakes, spades, forks etc; I've made this list plural because you always need an extra spade to let a friend have a go when the digging gets tough! If your budget will stretch, it is worth buying more than one of most hand tools, especially if you have a large garden to maintain.
Then you'll need some equipment - plant pots A bench or old table in a potting shed is invaluable. Make sure it's at a good height for you. Avoid back strain at all costs. Some of these garden accessories can be recycled from household throw-aways. Read 10 Free Gardening Products to get into the recycling habit!
Other supplies are needed at regular intervals throughout the gardening year and it's a good idea to keep a gardening diary to note when you should be buying and planting. You may need: seed/potting compost and if you make your own cloches for early veg you may need to replace the plastic every year or two, depending on the quality and weather conditions. If you use those environment friendly seedling pots that you plant without removing your seedling, you'll have to add these to your yearly list of equipment.
If you like to buy local and you haven't a clue, start with your neighbours. Ask them where they recommend, and if you get them talking ask them 'why' as well! Check the local business phone directories - some are online as well. Yell.com is one that springs to mind. There are some wonderful garden supplies online...
Thompson & Morgan UK This link takes you directly to their first herb page. For Thompson and Morgan homepage click here
When you find somewhere you're happy with, get involved with them and keep up to date with newsletters and bulletins. Lists of garden supplies straight to your inbox!
Happy Gardening! More "Garden" Reading
Back To Garden Tools Back To Flower and Garden Tips Homepage Click here to subscribe to "Creative Gardening" - www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/gardensupplies.html |
Gardeners Supply Co - click on tools from the drop down box and browse four pages of great gear!
Crocus UK - click on tools and equipment from drop down
box. Heaps of great tools
Thompson and Morgan have the greatest supply of seeds online I've found so far!
Nature Hills in the US have a vast range of trees, annuals, bulbs and loads more.
This link takes you to their homepage - really easy to use site.