[MalcW]

Hi All

The internet is full of advice about 'essential' tools and other items that you must have to be successful in your allotment or garden. But before I start wasting money (I'm quite good at that) on such items for our brand new allotment, are there any things people have bought and then regretted, as they are a pain to use? Or just don't get used at all?

Thanks,

MalcW

[compostqueen]

A cheap, nasty thick spade with an 'orrible 'andle 

[allotmentann]

I find that I use just two or three tools regularly, get yourself a decent spade, the best fork you can afford, then try and borrow other items for a test before buying. I never, ever hoe for example, preferring to get down in amongst the crops with a daisy grabber. Nor do I ever use a trowel or hand fork.  Others love certain types of hoe. You are right it is really easy to waste money, far better to have a go with something first. 

[rowan57]

A £125 Black & Decker Lawnmower (Electric). Felt like it fell out of a cereal packet.

[grinling]

rotovator, not worth it. I prefer to dig and remove roots. I plastic floppy tub (supermarkets) are great for collecting stuff, an incinerator depending on site rules, compost bins, plastic bins/waterbutts/drainpipes.
I used a hand fork for hoeing around.
wheelbarrow not necessary.
try weight of fork and spade, I prefer border as lighter.

[Trillium]

Years back there was a weeder/cultivator heavily advertised that I bought. It had a long rake-type handle and the business end rolled with crossed blades attached. Can't remember the name of the thing, but it was the biggest waste of money. It worked only on newly emerging weeds or on already well tilled soil. None of which I had. 

Same with the slim draw hoe. Mine is heavy and hard to work, and spends its days sunning.

[Sparkyrog]

Hi All

The internet is full of advice about 'essential' tools and other items that you must have to be successful in your allotment or garden. But before I start wasting money (I'm quite good at that) on such items for our brand new allotment, are there any things people have bought and then regretted, as they are a pain to use? Or just don't get used at all?

Very simple rule for buying any tools whether for gardening or any trade  Buy the best you can afford 



Edited to separate reply from quote.

[archibtbm]

I bought a Reciprocating Saw for taking a tree down once...what a waste that was.  Ended up using a bow saw with proper blade.  Reciprocating saw went back to the store the following week.  I'm now a big fan of do I need it or want it, if want then I don't buy it

[Sparkyrog]

Needing a tool and wanting are 2 different things ! I have a 40' fir to take down on friday ,couldn't use a bow saw for that   

[compostqueen]

You speak for yourself but I think a wheelbarrow is necessary. I certainly wouldn't be without mine 

[allot2learn]

You speak for yourself but I think a wheelbarrow is necessary. I certainly wouldn't be without mine 

I have two. I just need another pair of hands. 

[Sparkyrog]

You speak for yourself but I think a wheelbarrow is necessary. I certainly wouldn't be without mine 

Agreed CQ but wasn't the point I was making 

[Trillium]

You speak for yourself but I think a wheelbarrow is necessary. I certainly wouldn't be without mine 

I have two. I just need another pair of hands. 

I have 3 and all have their particular uses.

[compostqueen]

I was talking to Grinling 

[AlaninCarlisle]

A quite expensive stainless steel potato scoop. Used once about ten years ago and quickly discarded in favour of a bog-standard garden fork