In the garden shed with Jane

Tool tips

Light and easy

If, like me, you find standard garden tools heavy to lift, try a lightweight aluminium fork and spade, available online and in garden centres. These tools only weigh 1-2 kg. I’ve found that I can dig for a lot longer!

Longer handles

A day bending over weeding and planting can result in backache, but long-handled trowels and hand forks can be helpful.

Raised beds

A more permanent solution is to invest in raised beds, which come in a range of sizes and prices. A cheaper alternative is to make your own from old pallets - you’ll find lots of inspiration online or in books in the library. Why not have a go and send us a photo?

Free indoor tools!

You can buy small tools for indoor gardening and window boxes, but I tend to use old cutlery and cooking utensils. Think recycling and your tools don’t cost anything!

Slug and snail control

This time of year all the seedlings and tender plants are growing beautifully, trying to repay your tender loving care. Unfortunately, every slug and snail within a mile radius thinks you’ve provided lunch just for them! You know what I mean: lovely rows of baby vegetables and salad one day, the next day it’s all gone – nothing, nada!

Here are some ideas that avoid pesticides:

• Protect young plants with mini ‘cloches’ (made from plastic bottles cut in half, which you can recycle later)
• Encourage natural predators by making your garden more wildlife-friendly. A small pond is great addition.
• Buy a nematode product and follow the instructions.
• Because slugs and snails feed at night, some gardeners will recommend a fun evening with a torch, hand-picking the offending creatures off the plants. But be careful where you dispose of them. Gastropods have a homing instinct and tend to bring their friends back with them!