What to get first?

lilly2k3 · « **on:** June 24, 2007, 23:20 »

Hi all,

I signed for my first allotment on Friday and am trying to compile a list of the most important equipment I am likely to need in the beginning.
Any ideas?

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2007, 07:48 »

Welcome lilly2k3, or can I call you Lilly?

Kettle, primus stove, sun lounger, umbrella. No - better put the umbrella first!!

Seriously, I assume you're talking tool wise, I'll kick off, others can add.

Spade
Fork
Rake
Hoe (Dutch or push hoe & pull types)
Wheelbarrow

Over to you.................

brucesgirl · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2007, 08:53 »

First things we bought was a stainless steel fork, and a plastic squishy bucket so we can carry things to the allotment in it and then use it to put the weeds and roots in as we dig.

lucywil · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2007, 10:44 »

i told my hubby we wouldn't need a wheelbarrow but he insisted and i have to say he was right we would have struggled without it.

a couple of plastic garden chairs is a must, if you don't have any try freecycle.

lilly2k3 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2007, 23:54 »

Thanks people,
gosh the shopping list just gets longer dosent it!
Thank goodness for freecycle

Lilly will do just fine Digger Dave!

DD. · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2007, 07:38 »

If you can stretch to it, it's worth paying for decent tools. You'll only ever have to buy them one.

I'm still using my grandfather's rake, the one he used when he used to take me down his plot 50 years ago. Bet it wasn't new then either!

Gwiz · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2007, 09:48 »

i know it may sound daft durring the monsoon season, but a watering can's a good idear.

peapod · « **Reply #7 on:** June 26, 2007, 11:07 »

maybe a strimmer?

ytyynycefn · « **Reply #8 on:** June 26, 2007, 11:20 »

A good pocket knife
String

I'm using OH's nan's dutch hoe - must be at least a century old, as she was given it by her mother. I also picked up a very old three prong cultivator for three quid in a junk shop in the Cotswolds. I love really old tools, they have such a lovely feel about them.

Having said that, I've got a super-duper Wilkinson Sword fork with a curved ergonomic handle, which is a joy to use. Twenty quid very well spent!

Neil · « **Reply #9 on:** June 26, 2007, 11:27 »

I went to a car boot sale and the tip to get my first bits - picked up some nice stainless steel tools for a couple of quid each.

I have:
Spade
Trowel
Fork
Rake
Shears
edging tool
penknife

slow_worm · « **Reply #10 on:** June 26, 2007, 13:17 »

echo all of the above... most used for me this year was:

Spade, Pocket knife, & Jute twine, canes, dutch hoe. Oh and trowel too.

I invested in stainless steel Spade & Fork and it worked out well worth the few quid extra.

What to get first?

Gwiz