If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to finally start a vegetable garden this year then it is one that we would really recommend sticking to! It is an extremely rewarding endeavor. It can transform a neglected area of your garden into a prosperous space; provide you with enjoyable exercise and wonderful homegrown produce. At first it can be a little daunting deciding exactly what you would like to plant in your garden, as the endless possibilities appear overwhelming! We advise starting small and always keeping in mind the size of your garden, it’s soil type and the amount of sun and shade the area will receive. Once you’ve decided between tomatoes and turnips, it’s time to start making sure that you’ve got all the equipment that you need. We’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the essentials tools when starting a vegetable garden in 2016.

Seed box Once you’ve ordered your seeds we suggest placing them in box that has different sections for each month. This means that they’ll be easy to find when the time comes to start sowing. Being organise is essential when it comes to gardening! Notepad Also to aid with organisation, a notepad can be used for planning upcoming projects and creating wish lists for vegetables you aim to plant in the future. Spade Investing in a sturdy spade is something we whole-heartedly recommend. You’ll be using this spade to dig up stubborn weeds, turn and transfer soil amongst other things. Make sure your spade is weight appropriate to your strength. Tiller If your soil needs loosening then a tiller will prove to be very useful. As well as breaking up and loosening soil to allow your plants growing room, it provides an efficient way to work fallen leaves and other garden waste into the soil to add nutrients for healthy growth. Garden Rake After you’ve tilled your vegetable garden, a rake can be used to break clumps of soil and level it. This multipurpose tool can also be used to create furrows in which to place seeds simply use the teeth and the handle. Purchase a rake with sharp, steel teeth set on a straight back. Wheelbarrow The very start of creating a vegetable garden requires that soil, clippings, and compost be frequently carried around the garden. This is where a wheelbarrow will be needed. From one, two, three, to four wheels there is wheelbarrow to suit everyone! Handheld pruner This tool can used to harvest your herbs and vegetables when they are finally ready. It can also be used to prune back any excess growth that occurs. Compost bin To provide your soil with the essential nutrients that encourage maximum growth potential we believe that a compost bin is indispensible. Everyday organic waste can be turned into compost with the help of a composter. Irrigation System The size of your new vegetable garden influences your watering system. If your vegetable garden is small then a simple watering can will do the job. For larger plots the use of a hose is more adequate. Trellises To ensure that your plants grow upwards, it may be worthwhile purchasing trellises. This will also prevent them from spreading out and taking over valuable garden space, as well as plants such as beans and peas from rotting on the ground. Choose from a variety of material including metal, wood and wire.