A man and his tools
Presenter: Nigel Ruck
Episode: 25 (20th October 2007)
As many experienced gardeners would know, over time you can develop a special relationship with your tools. Nigel arguably takes his obsession a little too far but he knows the importance of having good quality tools and the importance they play in your various garden projects.
As a landscaper Nigel has accumulated a huge arsenal of tools for the garden and draws immense pleasure every time he purchases a new tool and adds it to his armory. For the regular gardener at home it isn’t necessary to spend a small fortune on tools but there are a few essential tools every gardener should have.
A big favourite of Nigel’s is the mattock, which can be used for digging, planting, trenching, soil cultivation, even releasing some pent up aggression. Before using a mattock, be sure that no one is behind you because the weight of the mattock head can do some serious damage.
A fork is a must, it’s great for soil cultivation, aerating lawn and picking up things like leaf litter for mulching. If you want to show of a little to the neighbours, get a pitch fork as well, which is great for mulching.
When it comes to spades and shovels there is a whole plethora on the market to choose from. A good start is to get a spade for planting and a shovel for shoveling. A long handled shovel is the best option because it helps save your back.
Other obvious hand tools to consider are rakes (both soft and hard), axes and sledgehammers. It’s not all about size when it comes to your tools; there is also some small stuff that you will also need including secateurs, troughs, shears and loppers. For gardens with tall trees or palms a telescopic pruner is a great idea.
The Garden Gurus believe there is one last essential item for the home gardener which is Nigel Ruck’s new book ‘The Paving Guy’ available now from all good bookstores and garden centres.
If you join the Garden Gurus Club in the month of October you go in the draw to win yourself a copy of this great new book.
Episode: 25 (20th October 2007)
As many experienced gardeners would know, over time you can develop a special relationship with your tools. Nigel arguably takes his obsession a little too far but he knows the importance of having good quality tools and the importance they play in your various garden projects.
As a landscaper Nigel has accumulated a huge arsenal of tools for the garden and draws immense pleasure every time he purchases a new tool and adds it to his armory. For the regular gardener at home it isn’t necessary to spend a small fortune on tools but there are a few essential tools every gardener should have.
A big favourite of Nigel’s is the mattock, which can be used for digging, planting, trenching, soil cultivation, even releasing some pent up aggression. Before using a mattock, be sure that no one is behind you because the weight of the mattock head can do some serious damage.
A fork is a must, it’s great for soil cultivation, aerating lawn and picking up things like leaf litter for mulching. If you want to show of a little to the neighbours, get a pitch fork as well, which is great for mulching.
When it comes to spades and shovels there is a whole plethora on the market to choose from. A good start is to get a spade for planting and a shovel for shoveling. A long handled shovel is the best option because it helps save your back.
Other obvious hand tools to consider are rakes (both soft and hard), axes and sledgehammers. It’s not all about size when it comes to your tools; there is also some small stuff that you will also need including secateurs, troughs, shears and loppers. For gardens with tall trees or palms a telescopic pruner is a great idea.
The Garden Gurus believe there is one last essential item for the home gardener which is Nigel Ruck’s new book ‘The Paving Guy’ available now from all good bookstores and garden centres.
If you join the Garden Gurus Club in the month of October you go in the draw to win yourself a copy of this great new book.
AS SEEN ON 
