The right garden tools for the job

I have said it before and I will say it again: spring has sprung! It gladdens my heart to have a garden full of colour after the dreary grey days of winter. The garden is drawing me in. There is so much to do, but we both enjoy getting out into the fresh air to create some order.

Growing our own food

I mentioned in my last Five Frugal Things post that we have been planting seeds. They are in the greenhouse but there are no signs of life yet. I have more seeds to sow this week. We have planted both vegetables and flowers. I am always excited to see them poking through the soil. It feels like a mini miracle every time!

So far, we have sown beetroot, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, chard, pumpkins, peppers and runner beans. These will be transplanted to the vegetable patch and greenhouse.  We have various salad greens to sow in batches too. We don’t bother growing onions or potatoes as they take a lot of room and are cheap enough to buy. I never have much luck with brassica either – they seem to get eaten by birds or slugs.

This year I really want to try growing some corn on the cob. If we have another summer like last year these could be really good. There is absolutely nothing as delicious as a corn on the cob you have grown yourself and eaten within half an hour of picking.

For digging the vegetable patch a decent fork and spade is essential. For weeding I tend to get on my knees with a trowel – Mr S prefers a hoe. Whichever you prefer, make sure you invest in some decent tools. We have often found secondhand tools and use some actual vintage ones that were my dad’s. These are the best quality. They really don’t make them like they used to! 

Flowers too

We also plan to grow more flowers this year. I collected seeds from the hollyhocks and sweet peas last year and have sown those too. We both love the cottage garden look. Giant sunflower and alyssum seeds have still to be planted.

Here in East Anglia the weather tends to be quite dry. Fortunately we have the Beth Chatto garden and nursery just up the road, which specialises in selling and showcasing plants that do well in a dry environment. We need a trip to survey their succulents!

We aren’t experts but are fairly experienced gardeners after so many years. Sometimes our garden is a bit wild and chaotic but still tends to be productive and beautiful. It is relaxing and healthy to spend time in the garden and adds such value and satisfaction to a home. What are you growing this year?