When it comes to gardening, it can be hard to know where to start, especially for beginners - it might be that you have recently moved into a new house which has a garden that’s a blank canvas, or perhaps it’s already established and you want to keep on top of it. You’ll need the right tools and equipment to help tackle some of the main tasks at hand in the garden, so we’ve come up with a list of gardening essentials to help get you started.
1. Wellies
It’s always a good idea to have a dedicated pair of shoes for the garden, and we love these Bees Ankle Wellies, which are easy to slip on when popping out. Pretty and practical, they are made from 100% rubber, so will keep your feet dry against rain-soaked grass – perfect for all year round. Sophie’s stylish Bee adds a touch of nature, and they come in a lovely gift box, making them an excellent gift idea for gardeners.
2. Gloves
Every gardener needs a practical pair of gardening gloves. From ripping up weeds to planting vegetables and flowers, you’ll need to protect your hands when out in the elements. Gardening gloves are a great barrier and will help keep your nails and hands free from compost and dirt, whilst also protecting them from thistle and nettle stings. Sophie has a beautiful collection of gardening gloves that come in three different patterns – Bees, Rose and Dragonfly. Each has been designed for the ultimate protection, made from a cotton canvas with leather palm and finger detailing for extra protection.
3. Secateurs
Pruning is a gardening essential we love and loath – we love it because after pruning you know that beautiful blooms will be guaranteed, but we loath it because it can take several hours to complete in a well-established garden. Secateurs make pruning a lot easier and are a garden essential if you want to maintain plants, shrubs and flowers. Available in three different designs, Bee, Dragonfly and Rose, these secateurs are made from ash wood and have a stainless steel blade. They also come in a beautiful pouch made from canvas with a natural jute lining.
4. Garden Tools – Fork and Trowel Set
A hand fork and trowel are the basic gardening essentials for anyone. Perfect for helping to maintain flower beds, clearing weeds, planting new bulbs and tubers, growing seeds, and potting on. This practical set includes a garden fork and hand trowel tool made from stainless steel with ash wood handles. The practical ties mean they can be hung in the shed for ease – discover the Dragonfly, Bee and Rose designs. They come in a smart gift box, making an excellent gift idea for gardeners or those new to gardening.
5. Gardening Kneeler
Whilst gardening is relaxing for the mind, it can be quite physically challenging, which is why a garden knee pad is a must. It makes tending flower beds and pulling weeds much more comfortable, with the sponge foam inner saving your knees from digging into the ground. Our practical garden kneelers are made from a canvas and synthetic fabric, meaning you can wipe it clean and leave to dry after a day of gardening – discover Sophie’s Dragonfly, Rose and Bee designs.
6. Gardening Apron
Are you tired of running back to the shed every 10 minutes? Well, a gardening apron with pockets is super practical for pottering around the garden and is ideal for keeping all your gardening essentials in – from your gardening string and plant labels to your gloves, trowel and fork set – it’ll also help keep your clothes free from dirt and mess. Made from a cotton canvas, Sophie’s garden apron is available in three designs Rose, Dragonfly and Bees, and makes gardening life that little bit easier.
7. Mug
Every gardener needs a dedicated gardening mug – whether it’s for a cup of coffee whilst checking on your veg and flowers in the morning or you might be having a well-deserved tea break! Our collection of fine bone china mugs and stoneware mugs is a perfect choice. This Home Grown 'The Kitchen Garden' design is excellent for those that love growing vegetables or how about this pretty 'English Country Garden' design? Not sure what style of mug you like? Read our guide on how to choose the best mug.
8. Hand wash and lotion
It’s important to have a great quality hand wash and lotion as a gardener, since you’ll be using your hands constantly, from being pricked by rose bushes to cracked skin! A hand wash and lotion will keep your hands nourished and soft! We love this Honey Spiced Lavender Scent, offering unique blends of aromatic lavender flowers with sumptuous honey and golden spices, layered atop a creamy vanilla musk base – it almost makes your mouth water! All of our hand washes and lotions are made in the UK with rich shea butter, and they are free from animal-based or derived ingredients - they are also not tested on animals either!
