Welcome to tools and techniques

Does anyone know where I can buy a decent small hand hoe for dealing with the weeds in my pots ?

                           Pam

Hello Pam,

I had a look at the site run by Thrive, the gardenening charity. They recommend quite a few small tools, many of which are suitable for pots. Have a look at this link:

http://www.carryongardening.org.uk/shop/hand-tools-40977c34/default.aspx

I hope you get the better of your pot weeds!

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team

ok 

Having watched Carol Klein sowing seeds last week and being new to gardening, does anyone know the name of the wooden tool she uses to level out the compost in the trays.

Firming board-usually home made.

To anyone in the know!

I would like a hand held sort of Matlock, something that is strong that I can break the ground up with? But cant find one and dont know what it would be called?

I saw Monty using one when he was planting in his veg garden, and it looked like it would fit the bill perfectly.

I go through a trowel every couple of months at the mo......it's getting a bit silly!

Any advise would be greatly appreciated x x

I swear by the ones at Chillington Hoes - do a google search and you can find them. I do not understand why no gardening centres ever sell them

Just had a look they are perfect! Thank you

Im looking for a really strong lightweight border fork. My last one was about 70yrs old and inherited from my aunt. Sadly it suffered irreparable damage from an unseen lump of granite. I have since had a series of "good" border forks that end up with bent prongs! Any suggestions?

I just finished reading the article "How to Make a Wooden Planter". I am mystified by the term "Treated Gravel Board". Here in the U.S. I have never heard the term in our "lumber yards" though I am pretty sure we have an equivalent. Please explain. I'm stumped.

GrandBob

Can anyone help with the following queries please ?

Can you use Builders sharp sand for mixing with potting compost in order to make it better draining?A local DIY store sells horticultural sharp sand (double the price of the builders sand) and it mentions that it is `lime free`.Should I do a ph test on the Builders sand to check that it is ok?

Reg

I've had contradictory advice on the best type of secateurs to buy.  Some say any mid-price range is perfectly satisfactory, whilst others swear by that most expensive one (name escapes me) costing at least £50, and which can be sent away for servicing and sharpening (how much does THAT cost?).  I'm not a 'name snob'!  What'd you reckon?  TY, P.