Growing Vegetables – Page 10 – No Dig Vegetable Gardening Blog

Choosing the right garden equipment: When it comes to working on the garden, then it is just like any other job that you may attempt to do around the house or workplace - it needs the proper tools in order to get the job done properly! Not only do you need the right garden equipment for the job, but you also need to know how to use them without doing yourself any damage, or indeed ruining the equipment. Many time I have seen expensive garden tools just left lying on the ground to rust and rot, after the gardener has finsished the job; this absolutely infuriates me ! Expensive garden tools need looking after if they are to perform as they should, and give you many years of service. It's not rocket science - a drop of oil and a general wipe down after the job is done, is usually enough to keep them happy :) This page is intended as a general introduction to the purchase, care and use of many types of garden equipment and garden furniture. More details regarding such things as proper shed plans or greenhouse plans and construction. DIY tips and how to save money on garden equipment, will follow on seperate pages as and when they are covered. Garden sheds A good strong shed is essential to store your valuable garden equipment Just as impostant as the garden tools themselves, is in fact the storage shed. First of all - you must have one ! I have seen situations where even the grass cutting equipment has been kept in the front hall, with the tools stacked up against the wall - this is not a good idea :) Children as well as adults can sustain severe injury if this is not dealt with properly, and the garden tools and equipment stored outside in a proper shed where they can be cared for, and your children kept safe from harm. A garden shed should be dry (of course) and well aired so that any tools that do get put away while still wet (tut tut ! ), can have a chance to dry out before they rust away and are made totally useless for purpose. A garden shed can be a great retreat from the world, and I know plenty who see this as a personal space in which they can relax - even with a wee glass of something nice - to ease away the stresses of life perhaps, hmmm.. Keeping garden equipment: The term 'garden equipment' covers a vast range of goods, from garden tools to garden sheds, greenhouses, garden spraying equipment etc. All of which has to be taken care of if you are to have the best use of them. Things like spraying equipment or general insecticides must be kept out of reach, preferably in a locked-up situation. In fact with the rise in garage theft crime, it would be wise to keep all your gardening equipment in a locked shed or garage if you are to avoid being a victim of theft. Garden equipment can easily add up to thousands of dollars and there-fore represent a major investment, it makes sense does it not, to look after this investment and get a good return on your money in respect of years of use. Garden furniture Outside dining is growing in popularity, and along with this trend for alfresco dining comes the cost of all the paraphernalia that goes with it. This includes such things as barbecues and the latest fad for chimineas, as well as dining tables, chairs, hammocks, and all the other 'expensive clutter' . Value for money is the key here, as a lot of wasted dollars can be thrown away on junk masquerading as quality goods, in the garden furniture business. Garden equipment for the allotment When it comes to running an allotment (which is basically a small area of land rented from the local council, for growing produce. Usually communal with several areas marked out for use.). It is very much like working any small garden, but with subtle differences such as security. By it's nature an allotment tends to be some distance form the home, and there-fore more easily broken into, with the subsequent loss of tools and possible damage to the premesis. Extra care and vigilance is the name of the game here. Theft from the vegetable garden itself can be a major problem in some areas, again the police are putting this down partly to the rise in austerity measures, and the struggles that some may have to even put food on the table. Deciding on the purchase of mechanical tools for the allotment, such as diggers or grasscutters. Then a good idea may be to share the cost amongst your fellow allotment holders if they are up for it. That way it cuts down the overall cost of expensive equipment, and the problems with storage and theft - to some degree. In fact one of the biggest strengths of the allotment is the community spirit that can come from it, and therefore the willingness to share both the burden and the produce that can come for the allotment overall. Choosing the right equipment for the garden, does very much depend on exactly what kind of garden you envisage or have; as well as the main aim of having the garden in the first place. For instance does your garden or yard area consist of growing vegetables, or fruit or flowers ? Maybe it is a mix of all of the above. Tools and equipment have to be chosen wisely if you are to avoid just wasting your money. Ear protection: When using noisy equipment, remember your ears! Tinnitus is not something to take lightly, and prevention is always better than the cure - which is not guarenteed when it comes to ringing ears. With that in mind, always wear proper ear protection when using noisy or loud mechanical tools. More on choosing the right garden equipment in future articles to come. Save