Grow Your Own - Part 1: Equipment

Given my love for food, it was only a matter of time before I attempted to Grow My Own (or GYO as it's commonly referred to now). I've never really taken an interest in gardening per se, don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't appreciate a beautiful garden, I just have never been one to gush over a Rhododendron bush. Basically: if it's not edible, I'm not that interested....!

I attempted to grow Tomatoes last summer, which was successful in the sense that the plants did actually grow, but less so in the sense that their fruits were kind of tasteless, perhaps because I never fed them.....they also became victims to shell and non-shell carrying creatures.....the garden is Slug Central. So, having been seduced by romantic visions of myself picking fresh baby leaves to toss together for my salad, as well as the delightful illustrations on their website, I ordered a selection of plants from Rocket Gardens. However, whilst awaiting their arrival, I realised that my gardening equipment consists of a large stainless steel serving spoon from Ikea and a dodgy pair of plastic secateurs from the pound shop so a trip to the gardening centre was on the cards.

The plethora of tools is quite mind-blowing really.... and who came up with the name "Dibber"?????? I realised that I know nothing about what I need and could easily be duped into spending hundreds of pounds on things I will never use so some research was required.

I have since compiled what I believe are the "essentials" for first time GYO'ers that are both aesthetically pleasing and, naturally, useful:

Tools
Well, if I'm going to have a trowel and fork they might as well be nice to look at?! These beautiful pieces are made of stainless steel with weathered Ash wood handles and leather loops, I particularly love the engraved quotes. Garden Divas RRP £22.95 For more details click here

Gloves
Gardening gloves? No wonder I kept splitting my nails.....With these I can channel my inner "Margot Leadbetter": tight, stretchy and machine washable, with rubber coated fingers and palms. Garden Divas RRP £6.50 For more details click here

Fleece

These handy fleece jackets will protect my babies from frost during their first couple of weeks out in the big wide world. Suttons RRP £2 For more details click here

Containers

Isn't this just gorgeous?????? This natural willow planter contains a reusable planting bag with handles and drainage holes as well as a divider, so you can plant different crops. Burgon and Ball RRP £19.95 For more details click here

These planting bags come in loads of different sizes, they are strong and durable, have drainage holes in the base and reinforced webbing handles. Burgon and Ball RRP from £6.95 For more details click here

This funky little planter is made from recycled rice bags and is the perfect size for window ledge herb plant. Allows water to drain and can also be used to conceal an ugly pot! Garden Beet RRP £7.99 For more details click here

Shoes

To say these are comfortable is an understatement....I'm seriously considering commuting to work in them!!!! They're light, fit snugly (unlike Crocs), have removable & washable insoles and are waterproof and washable, perfect for pottering around in! Backdoorshoes from £18, additional insoles £2.50 For more details click here

Cane Toppers 

There's something I would never have thought of! These protect your bamboo canes from rotting, allow you to build teepees and also serve to support netting/mesh without it ripping, as well as preventing any nasty accidents! Haxnicks from £3.99 for 10 For more details click here

Planter

This beautiful wooden planter contains plastic lined jute, has willow detailed sides as well as a blackboard to keep track of what you've planted! Comes in 2 sizes and also as a pair. Plantabox £32  For more details click here

Watering Can

Simply fabulous. These are the best watering cans in the world, and with reason: the all brass rose attachment really does mimic rain water, perfect for watering baby plants and delicate salad leaves. Haws RRP £21.49 For more details click here

I feel like a proper gardener now!

With thanks to Gilly, Francijn, Felicity, Nina, Robbie, Stephen, Dave and Steve