[Blue fingers]

Hoping I can pick your brains everyone.  

I'm a complete newbie and as such I have no tools or anything, we own a 2nd hand lawnmower, a big spade and a rake and that's about it!

So with that in mind what are the essentials for getting started and what do you recommend spending (ie buy cheap to start with and then upgrade or pay for quality at the start?) to get started without breaking the bank? What did you buy and never use? What do you wish you'd bought at the beginning?

Any replies gratefully received.

[noshed]

I would get a border fork (small and easy to lift) and a hoe. Many supermarkets do good deals. I wouldn't spend too much to start off but I must admit I did buy an azada for serious digging which is great, but realtively expensive.
A hand trowel and fork is good - try the cheap shops they are great.

[Blue fingers]

Thanks for the reply, am currently making a shopping list for the weekend. Have also just ordered a compost bin from my local council. Free delivery and kitchen caddy and all under a tenner so pleased with that!  

[Gwiz]

string/garden line.
edging shears maybe.

[Huzey]

You could always give car boot sales a try, and look for old quality tools. Probably a bit cheaper, but better than you would get in the cheapy end of the tool market.
Huzey

[Yorkie]

My friend has bought two cheap forks - both have snapped :cry: , whereas the more expensive one I invested in is still going strong  

Sometimes, you get what you pay for.

[shaun]

a sun-lounger and a hip flask come in handy  

[Aunt Sally]

a sun-lounger and a hip flask come in handy  

Stove and a kettle for me.  I'll borrow the lounger though  

[Celtic Eagle]

Hiya

Digging fork
Spade border one if you like
Dutch hoe
trowel
hand fork
Mattock if you can pick one up cheap

Thats the basic

Oh an a wheelbarrow

Best value carboots

Good Luck