Gardenware

Quality Products for Garden Enthusiasts

Gardening For a Lifetime

Bulldog Tools Offer One Piece Forging so There is No Welding!

garden-spadeGenerations of Britons have relied on the strength and durability of Bulldog tools.

These handmade gardening tools are still created in much the same way that they were in the old days, but with modern advancements that make them tougher than ever.

Bulldog forks and spades are truly built to last and are exceptionally strong. Farmers and gardeners all over the world have come to expect durability and long lasting strength in all of their forged metal tools from the Bulldog forge in Wigan.

These are the only handmade and forged metal gardening tools that are still made in the UK. All of the tools made by Bulldog exceed British standards for quality and are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The tools are also FSC Certified and guaranteed to be made from a single piece of steel. All of Bulldog’s gardening spades and forks have heads that come from a single piece of steel. Then the company creates an Ash shaft and buries it deep within the head socket. All of the Ash used to create the shafts comes from sustainable sources.

So what makes Bulldog tools so strong? The answer lies in their one piece forging method.

Here is how the process works. First, raw planks of steel arrive at the forge. These are heated and stamped with a 600 tonne press into T-shaped blocks. Then each piece of newly pressed steel is reheated to 1100 degrees so it can be beaten and pressed into shape by the forge’s skilled craftsmen.

To create gardening forks the piece is heated and bent into a rough shape for further shaping down the line. Once the heads are finished they are shot blasted and powder coated. Finally, they receive a coat of paint for added protection. No welding means no weak spots. One piece forging creates gardening spades and forks that are unbelievably strong and durable.

Bulldog tools currently operates Britain’s oldest running forge. This one piece forging method has changed little in the last hundred years or so. One piece forged metal gardening tool choices include spades, shovels and forks, as well as rakes, hoes and cutting tools. Bulldog even makes a series of high quality super tough gardening tools for kids.

Everyone deserves quality for their money, and farmers and gardeners who choose to purchase one piece forged forks and spades from Bulldog will get a tool that will last them a lifetime.

Bulldog Garden Spades – A Tool Guide

Bulldog Tools Offer One Piece Forging so There is No Welding!Bulldog makes some the of highest quality and longest lasting garden spades available on the market today.

Garden spades from Bulldog are produced by hand by the skilled craftsmen of the Wigan Forge, which is Britain’s oldest operational forge.

Little has changed in the way these forged metal garden spades have been made over the last hundred years. They were super strong in the old days and they are super strong today!

The secret to Bulldog tool’s legendary strength and durability is their one piece forged construction. One piece forging means no welding and therefore no weak spots! Today Bulldog garden spades are still the best that money can buy.

All Bulldog tools are FSC certified and guaranteed to exceed British standards for quality. If you are looking for a rugged and durable garden spade then you have come to the right place.

Available Bulldog spades include the Digging spade, the Metal Digging spade, the Long Handle Spade, the Evergreen Open Socket shovel, the Rabbiting spade, the Border spade, the Evergreen Digging spade and the Junior Garden spade for the kids.

The original Digging spade is a classic traditional style spade. It is solid forged from a single piece of metal to ensure that it is strong and durable. It is 28 inches long and comes with an ash handle.
The Long Handle spade offers additional leverage when digging out deep holes or for prying out large shrubs and plants. The Metal Digging spade is lightweight and easy to clean and includes a treaded blade for improved grip.

The Evergreen Open Socket shovel offers a soft touch grip with ergonomically designed handles, an ash shaft and a flat blade. This shovel is comfortable to hold for a long period of time and offers plenty of control.

The Rabbiting spade has an ash handle for strength and a narrow curved blade. This spade was originally designed to dig out dogs during rabbit hunts. Today its narrow blade is perfect for transplanting shrubs and plants.

The Border spade has a 28-inch long ash handle. The Border spade is a traditional one piece solid forged border style spade with a flat blade. It is perfect for establishing garden borders.

The Evergreen Digging spade is a solid-forged digging spade with a forward tilt ergonomically-designed handle grip. This helps to reduce stress when digging for a long period of time.

The Junior Garden spade is smaller and easier to handle, but still strong and durable.

Any of these fantastic gardening spades will work hard and last a lifetime!

Leyat Pruning Shears Care and Maintenance

Gardeners who are serious about caring for their plants rely heavily on their tools. This is especially true when it comes to a good pair of pruning shears.

A high quality and great working pair of pruning shears are worth their weight in gold. If you are a truly serious gardener or if you make a living as a horticulturalist, then you understand the importance of high quality garden shears and odds are, you have got yourself a real good pair.

You probably have a set of Swiss pruning shears if you are indeed serious about quality and performance. Without proper care and maintenance, however, even the world’s best secateurs will break down and lose their cutting ability. Here is a brief rundown of the proper care and maintenance of your Leyat pruners.

You should get into the practice of washing down your Leyat pruners or loppers with warm soapy water at the end of each day. This not only helps to protect your blades but it also helps prevent the spread of disease.

Once you are finished washing them down you can use a little vegetable oil to help keep the blades from rusting. Even though Leyat blades have a coating to help them resist rust, it is still a good idea to clean them and rub them with vegetable oil frequently.

It is vitally important for you to keep your Leyat pruning blades sharp at all times. It is highly recommended that you purchase a diamond sharpener for this task. Blunt blades are dangerous to plants and will create ragged cuts, which can increase the likelihood of disease.

Do yourself and your pruners a favour and get a good sharpening tool. They are not expensive and they work wonders.

To sharpen your pruner’s blades all you have to do is rub them over the sharpening stone. While you are sharpening your blades you should also take a moment to inspect them for damage. If you spot any damaged blades then you might need to replace them. This is the exact reason why Leyat blades are replaceable.

Finally, it is important to protect your pruning shears when you are using them and when you are not using them. Carry them in a leather holster to prevent unexpected bumps and knocks that can cause potentially serious damage.

Take care of your Leyat pruning shears and they will take care of your garden in return.

Quality Leyat Pruners are Durable and Affordable Pruners

There is a newcomer onto the world of professional grade high quality pruners for serious gardeners. Actually, Leyat pruners aren’t exactly new; they have been made for almost a century in Switzerland. They are new to the Australian region however and they appear to be taking the scene by storm. Now these specific pruners, loppers and hand saws are available on GardenWare and are ready to win your heart.

So what makes Leyat secateurs so different? The answer is in the details. For starters, these pruning shears come with non-stick, super sharp blades to ensure the perfect cut every time.

They also feature ergonomically designed handles and a bright yellow grip covering that makes them easy to find no matter where you drop them. They are also equipped with smooth gliding springs that ensure the blades reopen quickly and efficiently after every single cut. This feature alone makes these shears worth it – especially if you are the type of gardener who puts in long hours of pruning.

Forged aluminium blades and handles mean strength but not a whole lot of weight. The blades also feature a PTFE coating to keep them rust free for years and each set of shears features a sap groove to keep the blades free of gooey sap.

They also feature wire cutters. Leyat shears come in a wide variety of styles and specialized model types, so you will be able to find the perfect set of blades for your exact style of gardening.

For example, the regular or novice gardener will probably love the GLA Classic, with its ergonomic handles, shock absorbers and 3-way opening position.

Professional horticulturists will enjoy the GLA RP or Rose Picking shears. These shears are suitable for all sized hands and have precision cutting blades that make it possible to pick flowers with a single hand.

The NL2 shears feature a reinforced cutting head and the NL 11 is specifically designed for horticulturists and gardeners with larger hands.

The NL6 is better for people with smaller hands. Leyat loppers feature shock absorbing cushions and super sharp blades. Leyat also makes a mean hand saw for the really big jobs.

Leyat has been making high quality pruning shears, loppers and hand saws since 1917. They are quickly gaining popularity in the Australian market due to their commitment to quality and their lower prices. If you are a serious gardener then you may want to give these pruning shears a try.

How to Grow Capsicums in Your Garden | Gardening Tips and Guide

How to Grow Capsicums, Hot Chillies and Sweet Chillies

Capsicums, chillies and sweet chillies are all from the nightshade Solanaceae family and all How to Grow Peppers, Chillies and Capsicums | gardening tipsrequire similar growing conditions.  There are so many different varieties– red capsicums, black capsicums, jalapeno peppers, etc.  It is a great idea to grow multiple varieties to be able to try each kind. Each kind of capsicum has a flavour unique to another kind.

Steps on How to Grow Capsicums in your Garden

1. Capsicum or chilli seeds tend to take a long time to germinate, up to three weeks, so plant them indoors in containers. They can be a bit tricky from seed so many gardeners just opt to buy seedlings.

2. Depending on the type of pepper that you intend to grow, the plant will mature in a period of 70 to 90 days.

3. Much like all night shade plants, capsicums will need a lot of sunlight so choose a good spot to plant them on.

4. Prepare the soil with compost, but not mushroom compost as it is too alkaline, and fertiliser when transplanting seedlings.

5. Keep a space of at least 18 inches (45cms) between seedlings and at least 24 inches (60cms) between rows.

 

How to Water

1. As for watering, capsicums/chillies need moist soil but not overly wet. When seedlings use a watering can to regulate the amount of water poured in to your peppers.

2. Once established, water deeply up to every second day in hot weather.

3. As the plants grow, add mulch and switch to fertiliser with phosphorus and potassium for better yield. Chillies are heavy feeders so keep up the fertiliser.

 

When to Harvest Them?

As for harvesting, there is no defined criterion. You can harvest the fruits any time you want.

Spider mites and aphids are common problems for capsicums. Organic pesticides can help with any pest problems. Ladybugs, on the other hand, can help get rid of aphids. Fruit fly will also cause problems in the sweet varieties which is hard to control. If this happens, you might just need to pick them green before the flies set in.

So that’s how you can easily plant, grow, harvest and care for your hot chillies, sweet chillies and capsicums. If you have some expert tips and advice that I failed to mention here, feel free to comment and share your thoughts in our comments box below.

More interesting and fascinating ideas:

 

  • How to Grow Peppers in a Window Box – Spade Spatula – How to Grow Peppers in a Window Box. Guess what? Peppers are the perfect plant to pop into a window box. For oh so many reasons. Let me count the ways: First, they don’t get all that big. So unlike, say, tomato plants which …
  • How to Grow Peppers | HGTV Gardens – HGTV Gardens farmers Judith Winfrey and Joe Reynolds share tips for growing peppers in your garden.

 

How to Grow Carrots | Gardening Guide and Tips

How to Grow Carrots

Carrots are relatively easy to grow and highly recommended for the beginner how to grow carrots - gardening tipsgardener and a great way for getting kids involved. They are rich in essential nutrients, mainly in Vitamin A which is needed for good eye sight. Just ask Bugs Bunny.

Steps on How to Grow Carrots in your Garden

1. Prepare the soil where you will be planting. Note that carrot seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the last expected frost date. Make sure the soil is rich in compost and well aerated, up to a foot or 30cms into the ground since carrots can reach very deep. A sandy loam is the best but a clay soil can be suitable if there is lots of humus.

2. Sprinkle the seeds in rows. A good trick is to mix the carrot seeds in a jar with sand or seed raising mix and sprinkle the mixture out along the rows. Keep at least 10 inches or 25cms in between rows. Once the seeds are sown, a strip of hessian or shade cloth lying flat over the seeds will keep the birds away and assist in germination. Make sure to remove as soon as they have sprouted.

3. Water your carrots regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the tops have grown to 2-3 inches or 5-7 cms, water less often but more deeply. This will encourage the carrots to grow deep in the soil where the moisture is.

4. At this stage of growth you can fertilise with a complete fertiliser and start mulching around the stems to conserve moisture and keep the weeds out. Your carrots will mature in between two to four months depending on the variety. When harvesting, use a hand fork or trowel to loosen the soil and be careful not to damage your carrots.

Harvesting Tips

You can start harvesting your carrots when the plants reach mature size. Thin seedlings out after around 8 weeks so competition between seedlings is reduced and your carrots will grow lovely and fat. Chop any leaves off your carrots as you pull them from the ground and store them somewhere cool.

Carrots the long lasting vegetable

Another good thing about carrots is that they keep well. Even though eating them fresh out of the ground is great, they do ok in your veggie crisper for a couple of weeks. To enjoy your carrot crop for a bit longer, why not give pickling them a go.

Learning how to grow carrots will keep you stocked up on Vitamin A. Vitamin A is very good for keeping good eyesight especially in kids. The sweetness of a home grown carrot can be a hit even with kids that don’t like veggies.

What are your secrets in growing carrots in your garden? Feel free to share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Interested for more? Here’s what other garden experts say about growing carrots in your garden:

  • How to grow carrots, with Dr. John Navazio — A Way to Garden – how to grow carrots, with dr. john navazio. March 15, 2012 at 8:10 am. WHEN THE MOST COMMON CHALLENGE readers confessed in a recent story on vegetable gardening was “I can’t grow carrots,” I knew whom to call: John Navazio…
  • How to Grow Carrots | HGTV Gardens – HGTV Gardens blogger Gayla Trail offers pointers for growing a very difficult vegetable: the carrot…

How to Grow Beans | Gardening Tips for Growing Beans

How to Grow Beans

how to grow beans - gardening tips - vegetable gardeningBeans are a great crop to grow in the garden. For newbie gardeners, beans can be a first crop of choice as they are pretty easy to grow. In a short time after planting seeds, you can already see bean sprouts which is always rewarding to me, as I love seeing new growth popping out from the soil…gives me hope that I’m on the right track

Types of Beans

There are many types of beans to choose from – string beans, yellow beans, green beans or even purple king. First, decide on the type of bean that you want to plant. Note that beans should be grown on the summer months but if weather conditions permit, you can plant it even during spring. Just be aware that they hate cold so if you are still getting some late frosts in your area, make sure they are protected. I have used a fleece tunnel on my beans to keep them warm.

how to grow beans - a guide to vegetable plantingPreparation

Before planting, prepare the soil using a garden fork and add a compost mix. Other than that, beans do not really need fertilizer, actually give ‘em too much fertilizer and their growth will be concentrated on leaf growth and not so much on the flowering. Still, beans require a lot of moisture so water them regularly. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 inch. Keep a distance of 2 to 4 inches between the seedlings.

Pests & Solution

Beans are pretty resistant to most pests. Aphids can be a nuisance causing sooty mould. Keeping the ladybug population high can help with aphid problems.

When to Harvest

The harvest really depends on the type of beans you planted. Some beans you need to harvest when they are still young. Others, you have to wait until they mature. For some varieties of beans, you can harvest every week. You can even keep some beans for the seeds for next planting season. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place.

For more about gardening tips for growing beans, here are some interesting articles you can read as well:

  • How to Grow: Beans – How to Growing – Learn how to grow beans including different vegetable varieties, planting, fertilizing, weeding, watering, pest control and cooking.

 

Haws Watering Cans: Setting the Standard

Haws Watering Cans 8.8 Professional LitreJohn Haws started to design watering cans in the 1880s with the intention of solving the problems that he encountered with the cans he is using while tending to his own garden. He did not let aesthetics dictate the form of the cans he created. Instead, he followed the path of functionality. Hence, the Haws watering can became a name of unmatched quality. True to this day, Haws watering cans are still made using the same methods that Haws used all those years ago; making it the much sought-after brand of watering cans.

In life, there are some things you just need to have. Something that performs the way it should perform and looks right. When it comes to watering cans, that “something” that you just need to have is the Haws watering can. It may just be a watering can but it is “something”. It is perfect in all aspects: functional, stylish, beautiful, and durable. In fact, many gardeners who experienced using it refuse to use any other watering can. They have even been chosen by certain Australian garden celebrities.

But what makes a Haws watering can a Haws watering can? In this present day, the can is manufactured in a small factory in Smethwick in the West Midlands but it all started in Mauritius. It was the time when John Haws wanted to beat the new French ‘water pots’. While the French idea seemed practical, it failed it a number of ways. The French ‘water pots” have handles attached from the back of the body to the top of the watering can up to the spout. This allowed for lifting the can with two hands. But John Haws was not satisfied since the French cans were not balanced, difficult to use and created backaches. It also feels very awkward to carry with both hands but Haws had to endure since there was nothing else to use.

Haws Watering Cans : Setting the Standards

When he retired and came back to England, it was the height of professional gardening in England’s prime estates. He lived in Lea Valley in East London and nurseries and private gardeners were thriving. With nothing to busy himself with and despite the lack of any formal engineering experience, Haws started constructing a can that will cater to his demands. He came up with a can that does not make your back ache, does not soak your feet, and does not wash out the plants. This was later patented in 1886 to become the Haws brand that we know. The design was perfected over the course of a few years. Until then, the design remains the same and has not been surpassed by any other.

Instead of selling the patent to a company, Haws made the wise decision of starting his own company which sells the watering cans. While ownership of the company has changed a few times since it was established, the Haws Watering Cans are still made using the same methods that it was originally designed. In fact, the only thing that has changed about the cans is the size. A heavy 3-gallon can was brought down to 2 gallons to meet the requirements of the modern gardener.

The Anatomy of Haws Watering Cans

The Haws cans are made up of three parts: the base, the handle, the spout and the spout support. These parts are made of thin mild steel. One distinct characteristic of the Haws can is its handle. It has a breast (the lid of the watering can) and a neck to support the back and spout handle. This is the Professional line of Haws cans. The neck, up until now, is produced how like how Haws originally made it, which is through manual rollers which is similar to a plumber’s pipe bender. The parts are attached together using interlocking flanges with the edges being bent so it won’t hook together. It is then welded manually. No sophisticated machines are used in the creation of the cans. Everything is manually done to sheer perfection.

The next method in the production of the Professional line may seem a bit strange. The cans are intentionally left outside to rust. Why you ask? According to John Massey, director of Haws Watering Cans, the cans are galvanized by diluting it in molten zinc, which is currently the best known method of weatherproofing steel, and incidentally, zinc is better absorbed if the surface is rusted. After the zinc treatment, the cans come out looking good as new. Still, the cans need to be polished and painted. Finally, the brass Haws medallion is applied to mark that these watering cans are the best watering cans in the world.

 

Choosing Which Haws Watering Cans to Buy

How to Choose the Right Haws Watering Cans


Choosing Which Haws Watering Cans to Buy - Haws Watering CansHaws Watering Cans vary in size, shape and purpose but still, they are all attractive and functional. They are all easy to handle, durable and will last you a lifetime. Get good value for your money with Haws. All Haws watering cans are made in England and are equipped with removable brass roses to provide the best gentle spray.

Other than aesthetic value, there are a number of things to consider before buying a new watering can. What is the purpose for buying a can? Where will it be used? Do you need a metal or a plastic can? Obviously, metal cans are heavier, more durable, and more expensive. It can last you a lifetime provided you do not let the water inside freeze during winter. If you want a lightweight can, then the plastic can is perfect for you. Currently though, the plastic cans are not being sold in Australia.

From the Haws brand, you can choose between injection moulded and blow moulded. Blow moulded cans can still last you a good five years while the more durable injection moulded can can last up to 10 years. Naturally, the life of plastic cans can be extended if it is not stored in a place that gets direct sunlight.

Another consideration is can size. Note that water can be very heavy even if the can is well-balanced. Also note that it is easier to carry two cans of the same amount of water at one time instead of carrying just one full can.

Length of spout is another consideration. Typically, long spout cans are used to water hard to reach places. This type is also more suited to watering seedlings since these cans usually have finer spray roses. Short spout cans are more appropriate for your general watering needs. Short spout cans are also easier to store particularly the oval shaped cans such as the Haws Slimline Watering Cans.

If the can will be used to apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, it is important to know that certain chemicals could react to galvanized steel which is used in the cans. As such, it is important to have backup plastic can to use exclusive for such purposes.

How to Get the Best Spray Out of Your Watering Can

How to Properly Use the Watering Can

haws watering canThe key to a proper watering can spray has to do with pressure, particularly when using an oval rose with an upward facing brass plate.

When used properly, the watering can will produce a good spray which is ideal for seedlings.

When using the watering can, slowly adjust the angle so that sufficient pressure to the spray is maintained. This way, water is sprayed properly from the small holes of the spray plate. If insufficient pressure is applied, the water will just run across the brass face and will not spray properly. This will lead to the water streaming to the tip of the rose and it may appear like the rose is trickling.

Good watering cans like Haws watering can are equipped with a long neck to stop water from spilling when the watering can is tilted.

When watering young plants, it is always advised to get a good spray before actually going to spraying the seedlings. You should stop spraying when the good spray settles down which occurs when the can is nearing empty. Just refill the watering can with water and repeat.

If you need heavier spraying to a confined area, you may choose to turn the rose so it’s downwards, with the holes facing towards the ground.

rose for watering canTroubleshooting Tips if The Rose Isn’t Spraying.

Ensure that the problem is the rose and not the can by confirming that the water flows properly when the rose is not attached. If the water isn’t flowing properly, the spout is probably blocked by debris. To check for debris, hold the watering can towards the light and look inside. Any debris can be removed by sticking a cane or any other long material into the spout.

If the can is ok, the rose may be blocked. Try running water through the rose ideally at high pressure to flush any blockages out. Hold the rose towards the light to check if there is remaining debris. Debris can also be cleared by running the rose through an airline at your local auto shop or garage.

If these two steps do not solve your problem, check out the rose further to see if it is blocked by algae or limescale. If found to be blocked by algae, you may treat the rose in a mild bleach solution, taking care to give the rose a good clean with fresh water before using it to water any plants again. If the problem is found to be limescale, you may use a biodegradable kettle descaler to remove it.

 

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