Keeping on top of lawn maintenance has never been easier, thanks to the rise in powered trimmers and edgers. In addition to a mower, they can help trim the hard-to-reach spots and clean up areas around paths and patios with much more precision. This is helpful when you want the lawn to grow a little longer – great for wildlife – but don’t want it to encroach on your paving slabs. They can tackle areas that lawn shears can’t reach. Let a new strimmer/trimmer take the strain.

If you’re in the market for a lawnmower, you can find a helpful guide to 10 of the best lawnmowers. Looking for a model that takes care of mulching too? We’ve got mulching mowers covered here. And if you’ve got a lot of lawn to look after, take a look at our ride-on mowers here.

Our list of trimming tools features everything from a handheld grass trimmer for perfecting the edges of a small lawn to a corded garden strimmer for larger, more overgrown areas.

The best powered grass cutters for the garden

Makita Cordless Grass Shears

Hold in your hand to get up close, or attach the arm and use it while standing, this completely cordless option from Makita is part of their huge range of power tools which all use the same 18V battery system.

It’s also used for hedge trimming, the cutting height can be adjusted to 15, 20 and 25mm, and the blades are nickel plated with an anti-abrasion surface for long-lasting performance.

When it comes to battery life, it has a warning light to tell you when the battery is running low so you don’t run out of charge in the middle of carefully cutting your lawn. The grass receiver is a useful addition and the handle is comfortable to hold. The battery and charger isn’t included (but can be) but if you already have other Makita batteries in this range then this is their perfect partner.

Flymo Contour Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger

This is a 3-in-1 tool to trim and edge the grass in your garden without causing any damage to trees and shrubs, thanks to the built-in plant guard. And it’s corded with a 10m cable so you can run it all day with no need to worry about batteries running out. The handle is telescopic to allow for height adjustment, and the handle is adjustable too to allow for maximum comfort whilst working.

It has a dual line feed for more overgrown areas and you can change the cutting head from trim to edge at the press of a button. A great multi-tool for gardens of all sizes.

STIHL Cordless Grass Trimmer

• Buy now from Charlies (£109.00)

A leading name in power tools, STIHL has a great selection of grass cutting equipment. We liked this cordless trimmer because it’s compact and lightweight. Exactly what you need for straightforward grass maintenance and perfect edging.

The battery has a working time of 20 minutes, you can see the charge level on the indicator on the handle, making it perfect for small to medium gardens. When it comes to cutting, the adjustable mowing unit can be used for vertical edge trimming alongside the standard cutting tool, which is better used for cutting and clearing.

Buy for £109 from Charlies

Black & Decker Cordless Strimmer

The downside of cordless tools is battery life. But, Black & Decker have a clever way around preserving power for when you need it most with a ‘power select runtime extender’. This clever feature allows you to power up when you need to tackle stubborn overgrown areas, and power down when doing more menial cutting. This conserves the Strimmer’s energy and help your session last longer.

Like some of the trimmer’s above, this has an edging mode as well as a cutting mode and it’s easy to flip between the two. There’s even a precision guide to help you achieve a perfect edge.

Spear and Jackson Cordless Grass Trimmer

For the price, this Spear and Jackson grass trimmer has lots of great features. It’s cordless and has a 1-hour fast charger to speed up the time between sessions. On this amount of charge the battery can run for approx. 35 minutes. Changing the angle of the cutting blade is easy with the foot pedal and there’s a foldable wheel to help with stability of the trimmer when edging lawns or flowerbeds.

It’s an easy-to-use versatile tool, perfect for lived-in gardens where the gardener has to contend with trampolines, benches and washing lines.

Bosch Strimmer

This Bosch Strimmer has cutting line (3.5mm) to tackle long, coarse grass and a blade that’s more suitable for cutting nettles, brambles and thistles. It’s a good option if you need to clear large areas in the garden when re-landscaping. Or if you’re the new steward of a neglected allotment.

The cutting arm and the handle are separate pieces, which is helpful for storage. You can also store extra lines in the safety bar. Being able to balance the Strimmer comfortably can be tricky, but this model comes with a strap that you can easily adjust before you begin to make sure you’re not holding the tool awkwardly when working.

Victor Tools Rechargeable Grass Trimmer

• Buy now from Coopers of Stortford (£39.99)

Now for something less industrial but equally easy on the back and arm muscles. This rechargeable trimmer is so lightweight you can use it in one hand. It runs on small wheels to help with precision in cutting, and the long-reach (60cm) handle is detachable to give you the option of a handheld tool, or not.

This trimmer comes with two blades. One for grass edging and one for trimming. Completely cordless, the battery can run for 35minutes on one charge. Making it ideal for quick touch-ups, trims and tidying up tight spaces.

Buy for £39.99 from Coopers of Stortford

Hyundai Wheeled Grass Trimmer

Let’s wind things up with the larger – and more expensive – side of the strimming spectrum. This wheeled grass trimmer and its 52cc petrol engine does the hard work for you. As it’s on wheels with a generous adjustable handle, it takes the strain away from lawn maintenance, with no lugging around or strapping on machinery required. With a 430mm cutting width, it can cover a lot of ground. So, perhaps one to consider if you have lots of grass to keep tidy or an entire wilderness to tame.

The large wheels at the back help move the machine with ease and thanks to the 1200ml fuel tank, you won’t have to keep stopping to refuel. For a petrol-powered machine, it’s surprisingly compact and lightweight. The handle is even foldable. A useful feature if you need to transport your grass trimmer around your grand estate…

A trusty wheelbarrow is an essential for a huge variety of different outdoor jobs, from transporting heavy bags of compost or gardening tools and just general garden tidying such as deadheading. Handy for use both in allotments and larger gardens, it’s a versatile piece of kit and makes quick work of otherwise difficult tasks. 

Here’s how to choose your wheelbarrow

How to choose your wheelbarrow 

While we’re probably all familiar with the standard steel wheelbarrow you can find in most garden centres, there’s actually a huge variety of options out there. With so many different models on offer, you’re sure to find one to suit your needs. 

A single-wheel pushcart will have a good level of manoeuvrability, ideal for small spaces, but less stability with heavy loads or on uneven ground than an option with two or three. You’ll also find garden wheelbarrows with a closed handlebar, as opposed to two straight handles, which makes pulling heavy loads much easier. 

Choosing the material of the tray is probably the most significant decision you’ll need to make. Most of the best wheelbarrows are constructed from steel, for heavy-duty jobs, or plastic, for light work and easy transportation. But these days there are a few eco-friendly options around too. 

Then, of course, there are your own personal requirements to consider: any mobility problems you have, where you’ll store your wheelbarrow and how much you value aesthetics. We’ve selected a range of options to tick all the different boxes. 

The best wheelbarrows for your garden or allotment

County Compact Clipper Wheelbarrow, 90L

Made from a mixture of polypropylene and rust-resistant zinc-plating, and fitted with a pneumatic tube for quick puncture repairs, the Clipper Wheelbarrow is a practical choice. Despite being lightweight, it can carry a load of up to 90 litres, thanks in part to its double-bearing wheels and high-grade wheel bracket. 

You’ll need to assemble this garden wheelbarrow on arrival, but the process is quick and simple.

Chillington County Galvanised  Wheelbarrow, 120L

• Buy now from Wickes (£64.00)

If you’re after a reliable option within an affordable price bracket, this is one of the best wheelbarrows on the market. Whether you need to transport heavy building materials or just take your lawnmower cuttings to the wheelie bin, its galvanised steel tray and pneumatic, puncture-resistant tyres should be up to the job. 

You’ll be able to transport loads of up to 200kg, and easy-grip handles lend added comfort.

VonHaus Wheelbarrow, 78L

• Buy now from eBay (£89.99), Amazon (£89.99) and Vonhaus (£92.99)

For smart design, try this compact wheelbarrow from Vonhaus. The frame is made from robust steel and the 78L plastic tray has enough space to transport medium-sized loads weighing up to 100kg. 

Plus, the two wheels give it extra stability; ideal for sloped gardens or rough terrain.

Lasher Ecobarrow, 70L

• Buy now from DIY Direct (£95.60), Zoro (£119.99) and Zoro (£129.99)

An innovative, sustainable solution, this option from Harrod Horticultural is made from 100% recyclable material and as such is resistant to rust and corrosion. In fact, it’s one of the best wheelbarrows for anyone interested in sustainability and reducing plastic use in the garden. 

The pan has a 70-litre, 200kg capacity and an ergonomic handle for good grip and easy manoeuvring. Plus, the Ecobarrow is easy to clean and comes with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee for peace of mind.

Outsunny Heavy Duty 4 Wheel Trolley, 125L

• Buy now Mano Mano (£119.99), Amazon (£128.99) and Aosom (£129.99)

This option is one of the best wheelbarrows for anyone who has trouble lifting things or just wants to take the hassle out of their gardening projects. Its four wheels, powder-coated steel frame and pneumatic, steel-rimmed tyres make it a stable and sturdy piece of kit, unlikely to tip to the side and drop the load in transit. 

When you need to empty the wheelbarrow, you can set the tub to tip by 75 degrees.

Bullbarrow Bronco Duo Wheelbarrow, 110L

The Bullbarrow Bronco Duo makes a great all-rounder. It comes with a steel frame, 110L capacity and two pneumatic tyres for stability. Plus, you can choose from a range of fun colours, including red, orange and blue, so it’ll add a cheerful touch to your garden.

Sherpa Tools Power Barrow, 170L

Far from your average garden wheelbarrow, this unusual model is battery powered and moves heavy loads for you. Just squeeze the trigger to control the speed and use the brake lever to stop. When you’re ready to empty out the contents, you can use the tipping mechanism to upturn the powder-coated steel tray without having to lift the frame. 

The wheelbarrow has a 170L capacity and can hold loads weighing up to 150kg, so it should be able to cope with most gardening jobs. 

Plus, topping up the power is simple, thanks to the removable 24v battery pack, which you can take indoors to charge.

Bucketbarrow Wheelbarrow Kit, 88L/130L

For maximum convenience, try this ‘bucketbarrow’ with individual compartments to help you separate different materials. In the smaller, green design, you get four 15L containers and a metal-edged scoop pan, and you can lift them all out to collect materials and tip them into the wheelie bin. 

If you don’t want to use a combination of the buckets, you can remove them completely to make full use of the 88L tray underneath. It can hold a total weight of 150kg, while each of the four containers have handy litre markings on both the inside and outside to help you measure their contents. 

There’s also a bigger version of the Bucketbarrow available, with a 130L and 200kg load capacity; perfect for large gardens.

Haemmerlin Vibrante Pick Up, 110L

• Buy in yellow from Garden Chic (£135.00)
• Buy in green from Garden Chic (£135.00)

Have you ever become frustrated by long-handled tools sliding around in your wheelbarrow? This clever design removes the problem with small grooves to keep spades, rakes and other implements in place as you travel. 

You can choose between a pneumatic or puncture-resistant wheel. And there’s even a measuring scale inside the tray to help you when mixing formulas.

Take a look at our list of the best water butts for more garden equipment.

Handy Large Garden Trolley THLGT

While not strictly a garden wheelbarrow, this trolley-style carrier is a great alternative if you have particularly large quantities to move. The tray has 119cm x 58cm of space inside, but all four walls are removable, making it easy to transport awkwardly-shaped loads. 

With steel construction and puncture-proof tyres, it’s able to carry up to 350kg in weight, while the ball bearing wheels and turntable steering boost its manoeuvrability.

Walsall Barrow In A Box Galvanised Duraball Wheelbarrow, 85L

One of the more unusual garden wheelbarrows, this alternative product swaps wheels for a single puncture-proof ball, designed to boost maneuverability in confined spaces. According to existing users, it’s more suited to transporting lighter loads than heavier materials like gravel and stone, but copes well on tricky surfaces. 

Walsall Black Metal Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow, 85L

If you need to transport fairly heavy loads or have a big gardening project coming up, this heavy-duty wheelbarrow should meet your needs. A reliable and sturdy option, it has a maximum capacity of 85 litres or 150kg. Plus, it comes with a puncture-resistant wheel for added durability and peace of mind.

Walsall Multi-Purpose Wheelbarrow, 90L

• Buy in green from Wilko (£45.00), Argos  (£65.00) and VioVet (£88.99)
• Buy in lilac from Mano Mano (£69.75), Cherry Lane (£79.99)
• Buy in burgundy, green or lime green from Equus (£90.00)

Here’s a garden wheelbarrow you may not have seen before. If you’re bored of investing in dark-coloured products for your outdoor tasks, why not jazz up your space with this lilac number? It may not be the most sophisticated model on the market, but it’s a great everyday option for those who want to inject a sense of fun into their jobs. 

And if lilac’s not your colour of choice, don’t worry – this wheelbarrow also comes in burgundy and both lime and racing green. For extra durability, opt for the version with a puncture-proof wheel.

Folding Wheelbarrow

If you’ve got a small outdoor area or need a carrier to take between different sites, this collapsible garden wheelbarrow could be just what you need. Thanks to its easy-to-use design, you can fold it up and pop it in the car boot, and hang it from its handy loop when you’re done for the day. 

With a strong metal frame, the wheelbarrow can hold loads of up to 20kg, and the PVC-backed polyester bag should be easy to clean. 

Short on space? You can find the best kit for small gardens in our dedicated article.

Wheelbarrow booster

If you’ve already got a wheelbarrow or you want to maximise space in your new one, why not buy a clever ‘booster’ which increases capacity by up to 300%? It’s ideal for loose materials like grass clippings, leaves and compost, and it should attach to most wheelbarrows. Just stretch the elasticated section over the rim of your tray to set it in place.

If the carrier gets mucky, you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

If you’re looking for a way to carry more delicate or lightweight garden wares around, such as fresh produce or bulbs, why not take a look out our roundup of the best garden trugs?

What should you consider when buying a wheelbarrow

Size and capacity

The size and capacity of a wheelbarrow are crucial factors to consider. The size of the wheelbarrow determines how much load it can carry, and the capacity indicates how much weight it can hold. Wheelbarrows come in different sizes, ranging from 2 cubic feet to 10 cubic feet. If you’re short on shed storage, make sure to opt for a smaller size, whereas if you have a large garden or allotment, a bigger wheelbarrow with a higher capacity would be more suitable.

Wheels

The type of wheels on the wheelbarrow is another important factor to consider. Most wheelbarrows have either one or two wheels. Single-wheel wheelbarrows are more manoeuvrable, but they may not be as stable as two-wheel wheelbarrows. Two-wheel wheelbarrows are more stable and can carry heavier loads, but they are not as manoeuvrable as single-wheel wheelbarrows. It is important to choose a wheelbarrow with the right type of wheels based on your needs.

Wheel types

There are different types of wheels used in wheelbarrows, such as pneumatic, semi-pneumatic, and solid. Pneumatic wheels are air-filled and provide better shock absorption, making them ideal for rough terrain. Semi-pneumatic wheels have some air, but they are mostly solid and are more puncture-resistant than pneumatic wheels. Solid wheels are entirely made of solid rubber and are best suited for use on flat surfaces. Choose a wheel type based on the type of terrain you will be using the wheelbarrow on. Check that you can easily buy a spare tyre for your chosen wheelbarrow model if needed.

How robust is the barrow material

The material of the wheelbarrow is an important factor to consider, as it determines the durability of the wheelbarrow. Wheelbarrows are typically made of steel, plastic, or wood. Steel wheelbarrows are the most durable and are suitable for heavy-duty use. Plastic wheelbarrows are lightweight and easier to maneuver, but they may not be as durable as steel wheelbarrows. Wooden wheelbarrows are aesthetically pleasing but are not as durable as steel or plastic wheelbarrows.

How well does the barrow handle

The handle of the wheelbarrow is an important factor to consider, as it determines how well you can manoeuvre the wheelbarrow. The handle should be comfortable to grip and should be at the right height. Some wheelbarrows come with padded handles for added comfort. It is important to choose a wheelbarrow with a handle that suits your needs and is comfortable to use.

Read more:

• Watering cans: the best watering cans to buy
• The best mulching lawn mowers
• The best ride-on mowers
• Garden tools for sustainable gardening
• How and when to trim a hedge
• 9 of the best gardening shoes 
• 9 of the best garden trolleys

Keeping bees is a fascinating and rewarding hobby, with the bonus of some delicious honey at the end of the season. You can keep bees in an urban or country garden, on a sheltered rooftop or on an allotment, as long as you have lots of ‘forage’ plants nearby – plants that offer plenty of pollen.

In order to keep bees, you will need to invest in some kit, including, of course, a beehive. In the wild, bees make their nests in cavities in hollow trees and holes in rocks, and beehives were developed to make it easier for humans to collect bees’ honey. Beehives are larger than the cavities that bees would nest in naturally, to encourage a swarm to stay.

There is a variety of beehives to choose from, but the the most common is the national beehive. At the bottom is the brood box, where the queen lives and lays eggs in cells. The top section is called the super and is where the honey accumulates. A queen excluder between the super and brood box ensures that the supers at the top contain only honey (and no eggs).

Monitoring varroa mite is essential for beekeeping. A good hive should also come with a varroa tray at the bottom of the hive, for monitoring any varroa that fall down from the hive.

There is a lot to learn when keeping bees, so before you embark on keeping them, it is a good idea to go on a beekeeping course.

You may also like

• Wild bee hives: become a bee watcher rather than a bee keeper
• The best bee friendly plants
• Garden trends for 2020: wildlife, climate, sustainability
• Lawn bald patches can be good for wildlife
• How to attract wildlife into the garden

The best bee hives to buy for your garden

AGS National beehive

This national beehive is made of top quality pine and comes flat packed for home assembly. It comes with a standard brood box and two super boxes with metal runners, a varroa floor (including mesh) with a slide out inspection tray, plus an entrance block with summer and winter holes. The roof has breather vents and a robust steel cover. This national bee hive does not include frames or beeswax foundation, which need to be purchased separately, from the same supplier.

This national beehive measures 55cm x 54.9cm x 23.7 cm.

WBC Hive Empty Kit

• Buy now from Beekeeping (£410.00)

A traditional beehive with a classic look, this WBC hive is double-walled and would make a lovely garden feature. You can have this one delivered pre-assembled which is a bonus if you’d rather not have the hassle of building the hive yourself, but the option of purchasing it flat packed (for £345) is also available if you’re keen to roll up your sleeves.

Beehaus Beehive

• Buy now from Omlet (£799.00)

The Beehaus beehive is a great option if you have a rooftop space and fancy providing your bees with a modern pad. It is straightforward to use so it’s ideal if you’re new to the world of beekeeping.

There is space for as many as 22 frames and the hive comes with four supers. For easy handling and lifting, the super boxes are supposed to be lighter and smaller than more traditional bee hives.

The bright and cheery yellow colour works well if you want to add a vibrant splash of colour to your garden.

• Buy now from Cornish Honey (£192.00)

To give your bees a high-rise living space, bolt on legs can be added to this bee hive.

The kit includes a varroa mesh floor and inspection tray as well as a gabled roof that can be lifted off with one hand, so this hive has been created with beekeepers in mind.

If you fancy jazzing up the hive and tailoring it to your needs, you have the option of adding an observation window. You can also choose from a variety of paint colours from sage green to poppy red.

Easipet National Bee Hive

This flat packed national beehive is made from top quality cedar. The pack contains a complete set of instructions so that you can build the hive easily yourself (it does not include nails). The pack contains an two super boxes, a brood box, entrance block with summer and winter holes, a varroa floor (including mesh) with a slide out inspection tray, metal runners, queen excluder and crown board with cut outs for two porter bee escapes. The attractive, gabled roof has an aluminium cover. You will need to buy brood frames and brood foundation sheets separately.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner on 19 March, it’s time to get the all-important gift sorted. There are plenty of presents out there for green-fingered mums; the choice can seem overwhelming. Whether your mum will spend her Sunday out in the garden, or wrapped up on the sofa with a cup of tea, here you will find some of the best Mother’s Day garden gifts that are sure to make this year feel extra special.

Mother’s Day Garden Gifts for 2023

Grow your own seed box

Seed sowing season is officially underway by the arrival of Mother’s Day, and this set from Garden Pack is the ultimate kit to get your mum growing. Containing a hundred packets of seeds along with detailed growing instructions, this set could transform any garden into a plant-filled haven. Sixty-five packets are vegetable seeds too, so if your mum is hoping to fill pots and beds with produce this year, then this pack will help her be well on her way. The wooden storage box makes this gift especially practical, as it can be easily stored. It even comes with a pair of gardening gloves.

Niwaki secateurs

• Buy now from Amazon (£185.00), Niwaki (£169.00).
• Buy the set now from Amazon (£493.90), Niwaki (£449.00)

These Niwaki secateurs are the real deal. Made out of carbon steel and hand forged in Yamagata, they are the pinnacle of luxury gardening tools. The 210mm Japanese pruners are useful for heavy and demanding pruning jobs.

If you want to splash out this Mother’s Day, you can also buy these secateurs as part of Niwaki’s Tokusen set (see below). The perfect present, the set contains all three of their Tokusen range wrapped in cotton and in a neat gift box – ideal for easy wrapping.  The 165mm Pruners are smaller and better for light garden pruning, dead heading and cut flowers. The final addition to the set, the Barracuda Secateurs are longer and more slender than their counterparts. These are perfect for day-to-day garden work. If your mum is planning to spend her day tidying up the garden, these tools will make it a breeze.

Garden speaker

Time spent in the garden can be very mindful, but sometimes hours of weeding need to be accompanied by a bit of music or a good podcast. Whereas most bluetooth speakers might be vulnerable to damage in damp grass or get lost amongst garden off-cuts, this speaker from Kitsound is freestanding. With a stake to hold the speaker in place in the ground, it can be easily placed anywhere in the garden. It is water and dust resistant and has up to eight hours of play time; plenty to get all those garden jobs done while listening to an audiobook.

Garden design book

• Buy now from RHS Shop (£30.00)

If your mum is planning a big garden overhaul this year, the RHS Encyclopaedia of Garden Design would be the ideal present. With tips on how to plan, build and plant an outdoor space, this book is filled with inspiration. The guide will teach you the fundamentals of garden design, help you to find your own style and show you how to bring these ideas to life. The book contains tips on building and planting up ponds and perennials as well as assessing garden drainage and laying patios. Showcasing a portfolio of garden styles, including Japanese, modernist, urban, family and cottage gardens, the book has ideas to suit all tastes.

A bouquet of flowers

The classic Mother’s Day gift, and one that will always be a winner, is a bouquet of flowers. If you’re planning on having a relaxing day in with your mum, a bunch of flowers will definitely brighten up the house. Bloom and Wild have a beautiful selection of flowers, including some Mother’s Day exclusives.

If one bunch of flowers isn’t enough, how about a flower subscription. There are some brilliant companies out there that can keep your mum’s house full of flowers for weeks to come.

Cherry blossom cushion

• Buy now from RHS Shop (£30.00).

The RHS have released a new cherry blossom collection using a print held at the Lindley Library. Kondo Yuho’s 1888 ‘Double Cherry Blossom’ print has been adapted by designers into an exclusive range of homewares, soft furnishings and accessories for the RHS. The cushions from this new collection would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift. The bold, ruffled cherry blossom design screams of spring and would be a welcome burst of colour to any outdoor sofa.

Herringbone throw

• Buy now from National Trust Shop (£42.00).

If a couple of cushions weren’t quite enough to make a Mother’s Day on the sofa more comfortable, why not add a woollen throw to go with them. This Herringbone Throw from the National Trust would be absolutely perfect. Made from one hundred percent wool, the blanket has a soft and cosy texture. It can be bought in several colours, but we think the petrol blue would go well in any room.

Indoor watering can

Houseplants are the perfect addition to any home, but they can often come with a lot of plastic care equipment that needs hiding away. Burgon and Ball have a range of houseplant accessories that you’ll want to keep on display, like this charcoal grey watering can. Moulded in steel for a smooth finish, this watering can is durable and will stand the test of time. The wood handle is made from FSC beech wood and allows precise control over watering, while the slender spout is perfect for delivering water only to the spot where it is needed. We think that this would make a perfect gift for any houseplant-loving parent on Mothering Sunday.

Gardens Illustrated magazine subscription

A subscription to Gardens Illustrated would make an excellent Mother’s Day present. Each issue is filled with planting ideas, beautiful gardens and expert advice all accompanied by stunning photography.

Year-round garden visits

• Buy an RHS membership
• Buy a National Trust membership

For a gift that will keep on giving all year, why not buy your mum a membership that will allow her to visit hundreds of beautiful gardens and parks through all the seasons.

An RHS membership grants access to all five RHS gardens, as well as over two hundred partner gardens. Members also receive a monthly magazine and personalised gardening advice. Another great membership to gift is for The National Trust. This will provide access to hundreds of stately homes and gardens, as well free parking at National Trust beauty spots all over the country.

Looking for more inspiration? Find fantastic present ideas for younger family members in our round-up of the best gardening gifts for kids.

Finding that perfect gift for the gardener in your life can be hard work. Unless they’re a complete gardening novice, your gardening friend or loved one probably has quite a lot of the tools, clothes and seeds that they need. But shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, when it comes to finding the perfect gardening gifts we’ve done a significant amount of the work for you.

We’ve put together the below list of unusual, innovative, unique gifts for gardeners who have everything. But there should be gardening gift ideas to suit every level of garden knowledge, from people who you want to encourage into gardening, to those who are starting their journey, to those who are experts.

Behind the scenes at our gardening gift guide shoot

Our list is also a round up of gifts for garden lovers – they don’t have to be into digging and mulching, they can just love the outdoors, appreciate an excellent planting plan and be enthused by the wonders of botany.

These gardening gifts are a real mixture of things we’ve spotted from our favourite brands, but also gifts that surprised us and charmed us too. Some are for entertaining in the garden, some are for the nitty gritty garden tasks, some just have a gardening theme. We’re certain you’ll find the gifts you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for garden furniture, we’ve rounded up the best.

Jump to:

• Best gardening gifts for flower lovers
• Gardening gifts for indoor gardeners
• Best gardening gifts for young gardeners and families
• Gardening gifts for fruit and vegetable gardeners
• Best garden clothing gifts
• Gardening tool gifts
• Gardening days out and subscription gifts
• Unusual gardening gifts
• Botanical gardening gifts
• Garden lifestyle gifts
• Picnic, garden party and decorating gifts

You may also like

• Garden gifts for kids: Christmas presents
• Last minute Christmas gifts: gardening memberships and subscriptions
• Best flower subscription services
• Best hand cream for gardeners

Gardening gift ideas

Best gardening gifts for flower lovers

Fresh flower subscription

• Buy now from Bloom & Wild (from £19.58)

A flower subscription makes a wonderful gift and the regular deliveries bring joy again and again as the months go on. So, it’s a great choice if you know someone who loves to have a steady supply of fresh blooms in their home.

Bloom & Wild is one of the UK’s most popular flower subscription providers, delivering fresh bouquets in fully recyclable, letterbox-friendly packaging. Delivery prices vary between £19.58 and £26.66 per month, and you can choose a three-, six- or 12-month subscription, or an ongoing monthly order.

To browse alternative packages, check out our list of the UK’s top flower subscription services. Or, if your intended recipient is more of a plant-lover, why not take a look at our favourite plant delivery boxes?

• Buy now from Bloom & Wild (from £19.58)

Seed Tin

This seed tin is sure to help out a messy gardener who is in need of some organisation. 

The team here at Gardens Illustrated love the simple yet fun design of this seed tin from Suttons. There are internal compartments to help create a neat system so seeds are easy to find. It is made with powder-coated steel and we think it would look super perched on any window sill or greenhouse ledge. The handles also make it easy to carry when on the move. 

It is also available in dark grey and cream if you fancy selecting a different colour. 

Don’t miss our list of favourite seed boxes to buy. 

Gardening gifts for indoor gardeners

Plantsmith Houseplant gift set

• Buy now from Waitrose (£29.99)

Most of us have built up a healthy house plant obsession in recent years, and succulents, which were absolutely in vogue before 2020 hit, are still high on the houseplant list for many people. Even if your loved one is a seasoned gardener, we’d wager they probably don’t have something as stylish as this  house plant care set, which will help keep your plants looking and feeling healthy.

The set is designed to offer everything you need to keep your house plants alive, with all the essential nutrients they might need.  It’s a lovely and thoughtful gift from for the gardener who has everything.

• Buy now from Waitrose (£29.99)

Jute Rope Flowerpot

The perfect way to add a touch of style to large house plants in plastic pots, this jute pot is both flexible and sturdy. 

We love the rustic appearance of this handmade item and feel it would look gorgeous in a bright, sunny porch or even a corridor to help create a relaxing feel to the space. 

When it’s not filled with beautiful plants, it can be used as a storage basket – perhaps for vegetables or plant ties, twine and your bits and pieces –  so this is a handy gift any gardener could make use of. The handles mean it can be easily carried and moved from room to room. 

It is 28cm in width and height and best fits a 25cm flower pot. 

If you want a good list of eco plant pots, don’t miss our round up. 

Take a look at more great pot cover ideas here.

Indoor Herb Growing Kit

One of the best gifts for gardeners, especially those who don’t actually have much space outside. This zesty herb kit from Plant Theory comes with everything you need in order to grow your own herbs. The seeds and compost are organic and vegan and the kit is 100 per cent plastic free.

There are five classic cooking herbs in the kit, basil, chives, oregano, parsley and thyme, alongside biodegradable bamboo pots, wooden plant labels, vegan, peat free compost, a pencil, tweezer, jute bag and instructions. A whole series of gardening gifts in one, and even those gardeners who have everything will likely put these to good use.

Haws Copper Indoor and Seedling Watering Can

• Buy now from Harrod Horticultural (£55)

As attractive as it is useful, the Haws copper watering can would make a great gift for those who take great pride in caring for their beloved indoor plants. 

It is particularly suited for greenhouse use too, so it is a solid option for a friend who has lots of greenhouse seedlings to look after. The watering can can be polished to retain the sleek finish or if left alone, it will eventually turn green, giving it a more rustic look.  

It is 16cm in height and 36cm in length and can hold 1 litre of water.  

Check out our selection of the best watering cans for gardeners.

Terrarium Bottle and Extending Tool Set

Terrariums may be all the rage, but there’s a reason for that: they’re beautiful and easy to maintain too. If you know someone who’d be great at experimenting with growing their own this 5 litre glass bottle terrarium is an excellent place to start.

There’s a telescopic shovel and rake for you to help adjust your curated ecosystem, but note: this gardening gift doesn’t come with the soil, pebbles or plants themselves. Those will need to be sourced separately. For tips on how to plant a terrarium, head to our guide.

Gold mister plant set

• Buy now from John Lewis (£37)

A stylish and functional mister made from stainless steel and complete with an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to look after your plants. The mister holds 300 ml of water and is 15 cm high. This bundle comes with a nifty plant and pot that will make the entire set look very fetching on your windowsill.

Find more cleverly designed gear in our guide to the best ergonomic garden tools you can buy online.

• Buy now from John Lewis (£37)

Best gardening gifts for young gardeners and families

Bee Brick

If you’re stumped for gardening gift ideas, this Bee Brick would make a fail-safe choice. Designed by Green and Blue in Cornwall, the Bee Brick is an innovative concrete block, created to support the declining bee population. The concrete brick can be left as a freestanding bee home in the garden or it can be built into a wall for an integrated look.

The bee bricks contain cavities for solitary bees to lay their eggs in safety; their offspring emerge the following spring and the cycle begins again. It’s an eco-friendly gift that would be perfect for a sustainable gardener or a bee-lover.

The bee brick comes with high praise too; it won the Soil Association’s 2014 Innovation Award, sponsored by the Duchy Future Farming Programme.

Looking for bee hives? We’d recommend these.

Tree Vision: Know Your Trees in 30 Cards by Tony Kirkham and Holly Exley

If you’re looking for gifts for young gardeners or just gardeners wanting to know more about trees, look no further. Both a gardening gift and an educational gift, the card game format will help players learn about a tree’s leaves, seeds, flowers and more in an accessible and fun way. Ash, beech, birch, cedar, hornbeam, juniper, lime, maple, oak, pine, spruce, sycamore, yew are just a few examples of trees that players will soon be able to recognise in a flash!

Each card is beautifully illustrated by Holly Exley and the text is written by Tony Kirkham, former Head of Arboretum, Gardens and Horticulture Services at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, so you can rest assured that you’ll be learning from an expert.

Here’s our guide on how to identify oaks.

The Botanist’s Sticker Anthology

Gardening is one of the most mindful activities you can do, but over the winter we have to find other activities to keep us busy. If you’re looking for a gift for a busy gardener, a young gardener, or just an arty, nature lover, this sticker anthology should tick your box. Mindful and pleasing on the eye, this sticker anthology is packed full of vintage, intricate botanical drawings; including flowers, ferns, exotic plants and fungi.

Perfect for scrapbook lovers, or gardeners in need of some plant escapism during the colder months, this is a gardening gift that brings nearly as much joy and mindfulness from the act of gardening itself.

Find more outdoor-inspired presents in our edit of the best gardening gifts for kids.

Beeswax Wrap DIY Kits

These DIY Beeswax wraps are a great, eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps for food that will keep your produce fresh in a natural way.

A great feature of these wraps is that they are reusable. This would make a fantastic gift for an eco-conscious friend who is actively trying to reduce their plastic consumption.

The kit contains a set of detailed instructions, three organic cotton fabric squares, two pieces of baking paper, three beeswax blend bars – made with pine resin and organic jojoba oil – and a fairtrade canvas tea towel. To make the wraps, you’ll need an iron.

Looking to make them literally from scratch? Here’s our guide on how to make beeswax wraps. 

A Bee Grow Bar

• Buy now from Waterstones (£12.99)

No, this isn’t something to help your grow bees, instead it’s the gardening gift for people who care about wildlife but aren’t expert gardeners. Grow Bars makes planting extra easy and curates a series of seeds around themes. This one is catered for making bees happy – and who doesn’t like doing that?

All you do is put the bar in a container, keep it watered and place in a sunny position and eventually the seeds should start to germinate. Once they’ve grown up a bit, you can plant them around the garden. Easy.

The seeds include hyssop, verbena and lavender. A perfect gift for garden lovers and an unusual gardening gift too.

We also love these seed bombs. 

Gardening gifts for fruit and vegetable gardeners

Garden Bag

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£15)

For those who prefer not to use a traditional garden trug to carry their garden goods, this altogether more rugged canvas bag is a perfect alternative. 

Whatever needs to be carried from the garden into the house – vegetables, fruit, bulbs or even a leftover coffee cup –  this handy khaki bag is sure to help. It would also make a nifty storage bag that could live in a shed or a greenhouse. 

The khaki bag is made with waterproof canvas and has a capacity of 15 litres. 

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£15)

You can help your loved ones have a more comfortable time in the garden with this delightful kneeler from Burgon and Ball’s RHS Flora & Fauna collection.  

Spending hours at a time weeding and planting can be tough on knees, so this kneeling pad – which is made with memory foam technology – would be a perfect gift for those looking for a bit of extra support. 

It also prevents gardeners from ruining their favourite jeans so it’s a pretty useful item to have.  

Thanks to the cut-out handle, the pad is easy to carry and after a long day’s work, it can hang up in the shed for easy storage.  

You’ll find more garden kneeler recommendations in our list of the best garden kneelers.

Rob Smith Heritage Veg Selection

Begone plastic novelty gifts, here’s a gardening gift that connects your loved one directly with the earth. The perfect gardening gift for either a person new to gardening or a pro, this veg collection offers a host of seeds for planting in the coming year, something lovely and very, very tasty, to look forward to.

This gardening gift includes bean seeds, cucumber seeds, pea seeds and squash seeds, the heritage veg harks back to more traditional garden growing times: don’t expect any of these newfangled cucamelons. As such, the selection is bound to excite the gardener or garden lover in your life and what’s more, they aren’t difficult to grow either.

Here’s more on where to buy seeds online.

Apple Tree

Give the gardening gift of a lifetime this season, with this apple bramleys seedling – the ultimate English cooking apple. This particular version Is on dwarf rootstock, which means it’s the perfect gardening gift for smaller gardens.

Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to plant a tree, something that we should all be doing much, much more of in order to support the wildlife and local eco system. These apples can be harvested from October, and ideally you’d grow this tree near another apple tree, as it isn’t a self pollinator.

We’d class this as one of the of garden gifts which is good for the gardener in your life, but also nature, birds and bees too. Plus you could also be on the receiving end of some very tasty apple pie. This apple tree needs to be planted in a sunny border in well drained soil. For more on how to plant a tree, head to our guide.

Sussex Garden Trug

This handcrafted trug is perfect for those of your gardening friends who enjoy spending an afternoon picking delicious fruit and vegetables. 

It is made with naturally rot-resistant birch aircraft ply wood in a gorgeous colour and is durable enough to guarantee long lifespan and years of good looks. 

It measures 53cm long, by 28cm wide so it’s ideal for longer produce such as leeks and asparagus… Or anything that want to look great in your new garden trug.

Ceramic Plant Labels Set of five

For gardeners who are well into their herb growing, these little labels are a thoughtful and handy present. 

These ceramic plant labels allow herb growers to organise their produce so they know exactly what they have planted and where. 

There are five sticks in the pack and you can either get them pre marked or ask for your own. 

Looking for more plant labels? We love these. 

And take a look at our favourite seed suppliers.

Gardening days out and subscription gifts

Gardens Illustrated Magazine Subscription

• Buy now from Gardens Illustrated and Save 50% on a subscription

An absolutely necessary gift for the intrepid gardener, a year’s subscription to Gardens Illustrated will be absolutely worth you while. Yes, we’re biased, but we are confident that gardener in your life will love the mixture of beautiful photography, inspiring gardens, practical advice and plant expertise. Make sure they never miss a copy by getting it delivered direct to their door each month.

What’s more there’s always a fabulous offer or two available and you can save up to 50% on a subscription in our Christmas offer.

National Trust Membership

• Buy now from National Trust (adult membership £76.80)

2020 was, to put it mildly, a tumultuous year. But one of the key things many people took away from the last few month was a greater appreciation of nature, open spaces, trees and greenery. What better way to continue the connection than by investing in a membership for the National Trust, which does vital nature management work up and down the country and conserves historic, fascinating buildings and gardens for the country.

The charity, as with many charities, suffered during lockdown, having to content with decreased visitor numbers, so supporting the organisation goes some way to helping with that.

Become an RHS Member

• Buy now from RHS (from £71)

The vital work the Royal Horticultural Society does throughout the UK is a huge part of the country’s world-beating reputation in horticulture and gardens. There are four RHS gardens, soon to be a fifth, alongside 218 RHS partner gardens, all of which have something unique and exciting to offer.As the world continues to change and understanding about nature, wildlife, the earth and growing becomes vital to all of us, the RHS stands as a place for experimentation, research and education.

If you buy a gift membership before the 24th December, you will receive a £15 voucher to spend at RHS Garden Centres.

Looking for more garden subscriptions? 

Best garden clothing gifts

 

Canvas Garden Apron, Khaki

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£28)

 

 

If your friend spends most of their time in the garden, often with damp soil on their jeans and hand wipe marks on their top, this khaki canvas apron from Garden Trading is the perfect gift for them.

Designed to ensure that their clothes will stay clean underneath, ready for a full day of gardening, the apron is a practical piece of kit. The waist strap is long enough to tie at the front of the apron for an even better and closer fit. In addition to this, there is a handy front pocket for keeping gardening tools close to hand. 

Our list of the best garden aprons will also provide you with more potential options.

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£28)

Birkenstock Schuhe Super-Birki Clog

Available in a range of colours and sizes, the versatile Super-Birki can be worn by anyone and everyone. Made from dirt-resistant polyurethane, with a fabric footbed lining and non-slip sole, these are both practical and durable. The super-resilient shoe can actually be washed at up to 60C.

Plus, the removable, cork-latex footbed can be removed and popped in the washing machine. A practical addition to keep by your door or in your allotment or greenhouse for sliding on and off.

Take a look at the best boot scrapers for clean hallways and wellies!

For more garden footwear recommendations see our list of the best gardening shoes.

Evercreatures Raspnavy Tall Wellies

A top pair of wellies are an essential piece of garden gear. 

The unembellished yet attractive design makes these boots from Evercreatures easy to wear with a range of different items, whether it’s a mucky pair of overalls or a nice pair of jeans. As well as running along the bottom of the boot, the red raspberry stripe can be found at the back too. 

For a very reasonable price, these reliable wellington boots are a practical gift that your outdoor loving friend is likely to make great use of. 

Here’s our list of the best wellies to buy.

Burgon & Ball Tweed Gardening Gloves, Medium Grey

Great for protecting every gardener’s most valuable tools, these stylish gloves will not only keep busy hands safe when working in the garden but also warm during the colder months. The gloves have an adjustable strap allowing for maximum comfort and are recommended for people with medium-sized hands. The strap itself is a rip-tape fastener so the wearer will be able to tighten or loosen the gloves with ease.

They feature some padded protection with a soft felt liner in the palms and fingers which won’t stiffen when the gloves are dried. There is also a breathable mesh that will ensure that fingers are kept cool with improved mobility.

For more stylish handwear visit our list of the best gardening gloves.

Boot Socks

These stylish Merino wool boot socks from HJ Hall are the perfect gift when paired with walking boots for countryside strolls and dog walks for any nature lover.

With 135 years in the industry you know that you’re in good hands (or socks!) with HJ Hall’s products. Merino wool is known for its ability to help regulate body temperature making these fashionable socks an appealing choice that should keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry. The socks also come with a six month guarantee.

Belstaff jacket

Made for adventurers, Belstaff products are designed to stand the test of time. Although they were originally intended for use with motorsports when the brand launched in 1924, they’ve since found fans across the world. Che Guevara, Amelia Earhart and David Beckham have all owned Belstaff jackets. And Steve McQueen wore one in The Great Escape. 

The Trialmaster has been around since 1948 and is Belstaff’s ‘definitive’ jacket. With its waxed navy cotton, checked twill lining and brushed corduroy linings at the collar, cuffs and hem, it’s a smart choice. 

Don’t miss our round up of the best garden jackets for women and the best jackets for men.

Statement Donegal Jumper, oatmeal

• Buy now from John Lewis (£112)

An 100 per cent wool jacket will keep you warm when you’re working in the cold outside and make you feel 100 per cent better about yourself. This chic, traditional style jumper is like a lovely, warm cup of cocoa and you’ll love it every time you put it on. We’d recommend for days in or for working in the garden too.

• Buy now from John Lewis (£112)

Rab down jacket

Warm yet lightweight, down jackets are becoming more and more popular, and a Rab version is a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly higher-end option. Founded by climber Rab Carrington, who started out making technical sleeping bags designed to withstand the icy conditions on mountains, the brand specialises in cold-weather gear.

This lightweight Rab jacket is the one to buy for easy storage as it comes with a convenient stuff sack, which you can clip to a larger bag. It’s filled with recycled, hydrophobic down and has three pockets and a stiffened peak on the hood. 

For more great men’s gardening jackets take a look here.

Gardening tool gifts

Fallen Fruits copper plated trowel

• Buy now from Farrar and Tanner (£14)

A garden trowel that’s brilliantly stylish as well as being very high quality. This copper plated trowel includes a leather loop for storage and measurements on the blade to make sure you’re planting at the right depth. You can use it for removing weeds as well as planting and if you want, you can get it engraved with your loved one’s name to make it an extra special present.

The perfect gift for a gardener that’s also lovely to look at.

Here is our round up of the best trowels for the garden. 

Copper plated dibber

• Buy now from Farrar and Tanner (£14) or The Worm that Turned (£16.95)

A dibber is a must for any dedicated gardener. Essentially a little stick that you push into the ground to make a hole, a dibber is perfect for planting seeds, seedlings and also small bulbs. This smart, copper-plated version has a lovely look to it and a handy leather strap from which to hang it. It also goes very well with the copper plated trowel, seen above.

• Buy now from Farrar and Tanner (£14) or The Worm that Turned (£16.95)

Copper plated row marker

• Buy now from Farrar and Tannar (£16) or The Worm that Turned (£18.95)

Complete the set with this lovely copper plated row marker. If you’re planning any kind of garden, be it vegetable or flower patch, knowing you’re planting in a straight line can be very helpful. That’s where this row marker comes in. Use natural twine to mark out the space between planting on your seed beds so you’re giving your plants enough space and everything grows in the right spot.

• Buy now from Farrar and Tannar (£16) or The Worm that Turned (£18.95)

Niwaki 4′ Tripod Ladder

• Buy now from Niwaki (from £259.00),  Harrod Horticultural (£309.99)

Tripod ladders are a garden essential, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subject for pruning, sculpting, crop picking and more. The third – front – leg negates the need to prop the ladder against anything so you can place them anywhere without requiring something firm (and bruiseable) to lean against. Niwaki have been bringing their Japanese gardening know-how to bear globally since 1997 – the tripod ladder being their first product to market, so they’re truly kings in this court!

Available in nine sizes from 4 feet to 15 feet high, there’s something for every purpose, being built-to-last from tough and sturdy (yet light and portable) aluminium.

Here’s our round up of the best garden ladders.

Niwaki Tool Roll

Niwaki tools are some of the best in the business and we’d recommend this as a gardening gift for the gardener who has everything. It’s a handy tool roll, with five lined pockets for all your essential tools. Made from weatherproof canvas, you could fit anything in it from pruners to cutlery for picnics. The linings are for the sharp items, so you won’t cut through to your clothes and it wraps easily and neatly round the waist for ease of transportation. A perfect gardening gift.

Garden scissors

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£22) and Ebay (£24)

These stainless steel gardening scissors look beautiful and are perfectly sized for simple jobs. Use them to cut flowers, prune, snip off dead stalks: have them near when you’re in the garden at all times.

These snips take their inspiration from Japanese bonsai scissors, which have precise cuts. These come in stainless steel and have a polished brass finish and come in a handwoven bamboo bag. They could be the perfect quirky garden gift for your loved one.

Here are a few more ideas for great pruners. 

• Buy now from Garden Trading (£22) and Ebay (£24)

Niwaki Rattan Kiridashi Knife

• Buy now from Niwaki (£79)

This is a hand forged blue carbon steel blade, that has a handle hand wrapped in wisteria rattan. Niwaki are the best in the business when it comes to specialist garden tools, and their designs are a pleasure to use.

This is a comfortable knife, that comes complete with a leather pocket sheath. It’s the sort of knife you can use for the kitchen, garden, craft jobs and more. It is an incredibly sharp knife, but also, because of the nature of the way it is forged and the material it is made from, quite brittle. So not for use on heavy handed jobs.

Don’t miss our round up of the best pocket knives for the garden. 

Shuro brush

• Buy now from Amazon (£9.60) and and Niwaki (£9)

This small but very very fetching hand broom is a perfect addition to a carefully thought through cleaning cupboard. The brush is made from palm fibres of Trachycarpus fortunei and bound together with copper wire. It’s the perfect tool for delicate jobs such as sweeping up around a bonsai or in corners of terraces and patios.

• Buy now from Amazon (£9.60) and and Niwaki (£9)

Unusual gardening gifts

Sprout Pencils

If you’re looking for an unusual gardening gift that they won’t expect, these plantable graphite pencils from Sprout are a great gift idea.

Once the pencils are worn and too short to use, you plant them upside down in soil and wait for them to grow. The pencils can grow into luscious flowers, fragrant herbs and even fresh vegetables.

They are made from sustainable and certified wood and are 100 per cent natural and non-toxic. This packet of eight pencils features a range of seeds, with each pencil indicating what plant it will grow. A brilliant and unusual gift for the gardener who has everything.

The Urban Forager: Find and Cook Wild Food in the City by Wross Lawrence

Another cool title from Hoxton Mini Press who publish great little books packed with class and style. The Urban Forager tackles the intriguing and enlightening subject of city foraging. If you know any urban gardeners who love nothing more than a day on the veg patch, this would make the perfect garden gift for them. Writer Wross Lawrence, a professional forager, supplies 32 vegetarian recipes, all using ingredients sourced from the city streets and green spaces. Cherry blossom shortbread or nettle ravioli anyone?

With more and more people turning to vegetarian and vegan diets due to the worries surrounding climate change, this is a timely book that would interest many an eco-savvy gardener, or help to reconnect an urban dweller to nature. Don’t forget our list of the best gardening books for more great reads.

For a practical gift, take a look at the best boot scrapers.

Emma Bridgewater Ladybird Mug

If you know of someone in need of a new favourite garden mug, this cute option from Emma Bridgewater could be a winner.

 It is made from earthenware so it’s suitable for everyday use and it is also dishwasher safe. Holding half a pint, it’s a great option for when you want a big cuppa to take outside. 

The sweet and delicate ladybird paintings make this mug a top choice when having a spot of tea and cake in the sunshine. 

Looking for more mug inspiration? Don’t miss our garden cup round up. 

Great Trees of London Map by Blue Crow Media

We are slowly understanding more and more about the wonders of trees; Judi Dench’s documentary My Passion for Trees and Richard Powers’s book The Overstory are just two recent examples which have contributed to society’s rediscovered fascination for them. If you know a tree-lover, this specialist tree map would make a fab gift choice for them. It focuses on 50 trees throughout our nation’s capital, from magnificent English oaks to delicate cherry trees.

Each tree has a description from Paul Wood, the founder of the Urban Tree Festival and Tree Talk. The map is printed on recycled paper and comes with a protective band, helpful for when you are carrying it out and about.

Don’t miss our round up of the best books about gardening. 

An Opinionated Guide to London Green Spaces by Harry Ades and Marco Kesseler

Did you know that half of the area of London is made up of green spaces? With a staggering 3,000 parks, London is one of the greenest cities on the planet. In this beautifully photographed book, Harry Ades breaks down the city’s top 50 hot spots when it comes to natural, green areas. Urban parks, canals, woodlands and stately gardens are just a few examples of what London has to offer.

This aesthetically pleasing and informative book would make a fab gift for style-savvy urban gardeners or for those wanting to discover more about city gardens and beneficial public green spaces.

The Almanac: a Seasonal Guide to 2023

Now in its fifth edition Lia Leendertz’ annual Almanac is a must-have for anyone who spends their time out in the open working through the seasons.  We’d absolutely recommend Lia Leendertz’ Almanac, which compiles all sorts of interesting lore and tales of the natural world, as well as the moon’s phases, tide timetables, sun rises, seasonal recipes and gardening tips. A perfect Christmas gift for the thoughtful, discerning, smart gardener.

Behind the scenes at our gardening gift guide shoot

Kikkerland Shovel Bottle Opener

Perhaps a gift for the gardener in your life who likes to round off a hard day’s work outside with a refreshing drink. A subtly themed and beautifully designed item which could also be classed as an essential tool.

With a copper plated finish, this is 17.4 cm in length and is part of John Lewis’ smart copper’ series. A great novelty gift for a gardener.

Gardener’s leather journal

This beautiful brown leather covered journal is the perfect garden journal for the gardener in your life. Protected from the weather and muddy feet and paws by its lovely brown cover, inside are 60 pages of plain white craft paper that can be used as you might wish. Sketches? Weather recording? Planting plans? This journal offers everything you might need from a garden journal.

It’s the perfect garden gift for those sorts of gardeners who like to think and plan and will be a cherished item for years to come. Who doesn’t enjoy looking back over their journals at what they had been up to in the past?

There is chestnut and walnut browns available in the series, plus there’s a journal size which is w15cm x h19cm and a sketchbook size, which is w19.5cm x h23cm.

Want more garden journals? Here is our list. 

Botanical gardening gifts

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

We tasted this gin as part of our quest to discover the best gin with botanicals (the results of which you can see here). It’s called Monkey 47 because there are a whopping 47 botanicals listed, including lingonberries, locally sourced near the distillery in the Black Forest.

It has a gorgeous nose and a bottle that we love – think apothecary aesthetic and there’s a great story behind the company, which was originally started by British RAF officer Montgomery Collins who was posted to Germany after the second world war and stayed for good.

Seedlip Drinks

Seedlip has been busy in the garden developing a new range of non-alcoholic spirits inspired by botanicals. The spirit garden option is infused with the taste of hand picked peas and homegrown hay and will likely transport you to the countryside at first sip. Other flavours include citrus grove, spice and the drinks are sugar and sweeteners free, calorie free, without allergens, artificial colours or flavours.

These could be a tasty, refreshing gift for a thirsty gardener who wants a drink but doesn’t want to be distracted from the job in hand. Perfect for serving while entertaining in the garden.

Looking for more botanical drinks? Here’s our list of the best botanical gins. 

Epicurean Herb Melamine Picnic Rectangular Serving Platter

• Buy now from Wayfair (£14.99)

This serving platter does a grand job of holding tasty treats for hardworking gardeners in need of a break.

You’ll find dill, parsley and thyme printed on this rectangular tray so it’s another item on our list for the herb growers in your life. It is made with shatter-resistant melamine so it’s appropriate for outdoor use and it’s also dishwasher safe. 

Whether it’s for a picnic or a party platter, this is a gardening gift that is sure to be used. 

Garden lifestyle gifts

Kilburn and Scott Wool throw

To prevent an outdoor party from being cut short, it’s always a good idea to have a cosy blanket close by. 

This woven throw from John Lewis is a beautiful addition and although it can’t be put in the washing machine, its natural fibres will make it a robust addition to your picnic plans.  Whatever the deco, this pink number would look fabulous in any garden. 

Drape it over an outdoor sofa or day bed for extra cosiness or take it inside to add a fun splash of mustard and brighten up a room. 

Here are lots more blankets we love. 

Lion wall mounted feature

• Buy now from Cox and Cox (£97.50)

This neo-classical eye-catcher is a great addition to anyone’s garden, whether it be big or small. A water feature is always a must, with the sound and motion of the fountain guaranteed to set of beautiful corners of your space and make them feel bigger and calmer. We love this lion-design, which harks to grandeur but can be presented with chic style and subtlety. There’s also LED lights atop the lion’s head so this is a perfect feature for night or day.

• Buy now from Cox and Cox (£97.50)

Gardener Man Illustration

• Buy now from Etsy (£18)

A beautiful and unique illustration, hand drawn digitally using an iPad Pro by artist Emily Lou Holmes, her print ‘Gardener Man’ is a wonderful piece of art that will make a brilliant gift for a gardener who already has everything.

The illustration print is available in sizes A2 and A3, but also as a greeting card and can be gift wrapped if desired.

It is part of a series of illustrations by the artist where she found inspiration from British gardeners and lovers of the outdoors. We think that it’s a lovely piece or art that would make a brilliant gift for any passionate gardener. There is also a female version of the print called ‘Gardener Woman’ available to shop on Etsy.

• Buy now from Etsy (£18)

Barrington Fire Pit

The Barrington Fire Pit from Garden Trading is formed in raw metal and is available in two sizes. Intended for use with logs only, the Barrington’s exterior is curved, creating an attractive and contemporary design. Similar to other fire pits left exposed to the elements, this model will naturally age and become rusted over time.

Dome Gozney oven and stand

• Buy now from Gozney (Dome oven £17,99 and stand £289)

A beautifully designed professional grade outdoor wood-fired oven, the Dome works for beginners for open air cooking and for professional chefs. You can roast, stem or bake with this oven and although wood fuel is recommended for taste, there is the option of a built in gas burner. It comes complete with a digital thermometer, excellent heat retention and a weather resistant outdoor shield that will protect it from whatever mother nature throws at it.

• Buy now from Gozney (Dome oven £17,99 and stand £289)

Trancoso beach bat set

• Buy now from Frescobol Carioca (£245)

One of the things we love best about this bat set – perfect for beach or garden games – is that for every bat sold, a tree will be planted. This bat is made from five pieces of sustainably sourced Brazilian wood offcuts and heat stamped. It is coated in natural waterproof and sand-resistant resin and comes with balls to boot. This is a bat set that will last you a lifetime and beyond.

• Buy now from Frescobol Carioca (£245)

Lexon Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

A wireless Bluetooth speaker may not seem like an obvious choice when it comes to gifts for gardeners, but these handy gadgets are a joy for those working outside for long periods, wanting to listen to music or a podcast hands free and without the faff of earphones or headphones.

When the weather is warmer, they’re also a great accessory for garden parties and entertaining in the garden. This particular Bluetooth speaker has a battery life of three hours, and takes only an hour to charge. Simply stream your music, podcast, audiobook or radio station via your smartphone or tablet.

Find more fun tech in our guide to the best smart garden products and the best garden gadgets for a quick upgrade.

Check out our handy gift guide for outdoor entertaining too.

St Ives Harbour Outdoor Pendant Light

An outdoor light is a much needed item when your garden dinner party continues late into the night. 

This pendant is weatherproof but can also be used inside. There is a 2.5m cable which can be adjusted so you can hang the light at the height of your choice, making it suitable for a variety of spaces. It could be used as a reading light over a comfortable chair, or it could hang over a table for al-fresco entertainment. 

It is worth noting that the light needs to be wired in and it is recommended that you use the help of a qualified electrician.

Here’s our list of the best outdoor lights.

Picnic, garden party and decorating gifts

Corkcicle X Rifle Paper Co Canteen

Flasks are an essential item for gardeners; they keep us cool and hydrated in the summer and warm in the winter. This water bottle is a great gift for gardeners as it does two jobs in one: it keeps cold drinks cold for up to 25 hours and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. 

Better yet, it has been beautifully designed by American stationery company Rifle Paper Co., known for its striking floral designs, and Corkcicle, a clever brand creating innovative barware and sustainable drinking vessels.

A practical and pretty gift, this would be a welcome addition to a gardener’s essential kit.

Each stainless steel bottle takes up to 16 oz. 

Looking for more picnic ideas?

Matchbox Seat Pads

• Buy now from Graham & Green (£35)

Garden seating doesn’t have to be dull. And thanks to these bright, retro-inspired cushions, you can really liven up dark or outdated garden furniture. If you know a gardener who loves to entertain, these would be an ideal gift for them.

Taking inspiration from retro matchboxes, these handmade cushions come in a range of quirky designs including lovebirds, parrots and cockerels – a great gift for gardeners and for nature lovers alike. The pads can be used both indoor and out too, making them a great transitional item.

Each seat pad measures 5cm in height, 40cm in width and 40cm in depth.

And take a look at our favourite selection of garden seating here.

Eucalyptus & Laurel Wreath

• Buy now from Lights4Fun (£39.99)

Bring the outdoors in with this stunning fabric work of art from decoration experts Lights4Fun. The soft fabric leaves are amazingly life-like, giving the appearance of freshly picked Eucalyptus and Laurel, while the delicate linen bow adds a stylish decorative finish. Give your guests a festive welcome by hanging the wreath on your door, or it could be hung on your wall, or even lain flat on the dinner table as a striking centrepiece.

This botanical wreath would also make a wonderful garden-themed gift which loved ones can bring out year after year, without having to worry about any unhappy, crispy leaves!

The wreath measures 50cm in diameter.

And learn how to make your own garden wreath here.

Kikkerland Ivy String Lights

A great addition to brighten up any outdoor or indoor area, these remote controlled ivy-inspired string lights by Kikkerland will add a gorgeous level of comforting light to any room or outdoors area at home. Guaranteed to make rooms feel cosier in the evenings and less up-keep than real ivy!

The lights are 10 feet long and features eight different animation settings that you’re able to toggle between using the remote control provided. Batteries are also included for the remote control when you buy the string lights and all is required is a USB port to plug the lights into.

Don’t miss our picks of the best string lights for gardens. 

Don’t miss our Christmas hub page for gift and decoration ideas.

What is a garden trug?

An indispensable tool for gardeners, trugs are compact, shallow and easy-to-carry baskets used primarily for carrying garden produce. They’re handy for gardeners growing flowers, fruit and veg, or gardeners just looking for an easy way to carry their tools around. For kitchen gardens, and gardeners with a glorious harvest on their hands, they can’t go without a trug.

Here’s how to choose a garden trug

Trugs don’t have to be used just for transport though, you could get inventive and use them as a container for a succulent plant display, keep a bouquet of dried flowers in them, use it as storage for seed packets or go the extra mile and learn how to make a trug yourself from scratch!

From classic Sussex trugs to modern, multi-purpose garden trugs, there are plenty of options below, for all your gardening needs. And while we’re on the topic of gardening needs… If you’re on the hunt for a gardening gift for a gardener who has everything, take a look at our Garden gift guide here.

The best garden trugs to buy in 2023

Colander trug

For gardeners specifically wanting a trug that will carry their veg, this option is a great choice as it comes with a built in colander. Once you’ve finished collecting your harvest, you can easily wash it all clean under the tap without having to move it all into a separate colander. It would also work well for weeding as well as collecting muddy plants or flowers that are in need of a rinse.

The colander garden trug is lightweight but has plenty of room, so you can fill it up with plenty of produce.

L56xm x W31cm x H12cm

Kitchen garden trug

• Buy now from Crocus (£27.99)

Inspired by garden trugs from the 1950s, this metal trug from Crocus would be a great choice for retro-loving gardeners. The trug is made from tough, galvanised steel, making it durable and weatherproof. The lacquered surface keeps it safe from rust and scratches, and it’s lightweight and comfortable to carry too, so you can collect your harvest with ease.

And with plenty of space for delicious apples, learn how to grow apples from scratch and be inspired by our Baked apples with maple syrup and cinnamon recipe. It’s a perfect recipe for autumn.

L45cm x W32cm x D11cm

Hip-trug

For busy, on-the-go gardeners with plenty of jobs to do and produce to pick, this hands-free hip garden trug from Burgon & Ball is a great investment. The hip trug simply clips on to a belt, pocket or waistband, making it easier for you to get on with your gardening tasks.

The hip garden trug may also come in handy for older or disabled gardeners, as it saves the need for having to bend down to drop and collect produce. When the trug is full, it can be emptied by slipping it out of its red sleeve. The trug is easy to clean, and is safe to put in the dishwasher.

The hip trug comes in a small and large size, the large being best for collecting harvests.

3 litre capacity

Rattan forage basket

Named the forager basket, this is a garden trug with plenty of space for plants and produce. Its multi-purpose design makes it usable indoors as well as out, but for gardening it would be great to carry larger fruit and veg such as apples and potatoes and root vegetables like squashes and pumpkins. Its length and depth would also make it a good log carrier.

This trug is made from thick Kubu rattan and has a strong, twisted handle, making it strong and sturdy. Due to its natural materials though, it’s best to not use in rainy weather.

H32 x W50 x D35cm

Sussex garden trug

For a reliable, traditional garden trug, look no further than the classic, famous Sussex trug. This Sussex trug from Crocus is the real deal; it is handcrafted in the village of Herstmonceux, East Sussex, the home of the iconic Sussex trug.

The rectangular trug is made from sustainable birch aircraft ply which is a sturdy, rot-resistant wood – ideal for using outdoors. It’s also covered in a thin coat of sunflower oil to keep it looking and performing its best.

The Sussex trug is both long enough to hold flower stems without breakage, and strong enough to carry the heavy veg, win, win!

L53cm x W28cm

Galvanised gardener’s tool trug

• Buy now from Burgon & Ball (£28.49)

This stylish, galvanised steel garden trug, designed by Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball, comes with two compartments, handy for gardeners wanting to separate their produce or plants when transporting them. It would also make a great tool carrier and would come in use for garden parties, BBQs and dinners, for example, carrying cutlery and napkins, as pictured above. You could even use it as seed storage or as a herb container.

Each trug is handmade and aged giving it a characterful appearance and the smooth handle is made from waxed beech wood.

L33.5cm x W21cm x D13.5cm

Willow trugs

• Buy now from Sarah Raven (£38.95)

These wicker trugs from Sarah Raven are a darker, more rustic style of garden trug. Perfect for autumn, these garden trugs work just as well as display baskets for veg and flowers as they do as practical carriers for produce. Each trug is made from strong, long-lasting unpeeled willow and have smooth curved handles for comfortable carrying.

With plenty of depth, these trugs could fit a substantial amount of produce, enough for a winter feast! Check out our warming, home-grown recipes here if you’re in need of inspiration for the coming colder months.

L47cm x H30cm (medium trug), L56cm x H35cm (large trug)

Garden trugs are versatile and practical tools that can be used for a wide range of gardening tasks. Whether you’re harvesting fruits and vegetables, collecting weeds, or transporting tools and soil, a garden trug is an essential accessory for any gardener. Not only are they functional, but they can also add a touch of rustic charm to your garden. You can also check out our best garden trolleys that would work for bigger harvesting tasks.

Axes are all pretty much the same, right? Wrong. Different activities require different types of axe – and if you’re looking for one to efficiently split your firewood, you’ll need a splitting axe. This is sometimes also called a maul.

While felling axes are designed to cut against the grain of wood – to chop it, essentially – splitting axes are intended to cut in parallel with the grains. Quite literally, you’re splitting them apart. Their axeheads are typically heavier than those of felling axes, since they’re intended to come down on their target with force. The vast majority also have a flat, hammer-like side: this is for you to drive a splitting wedge into your wood. These are also known as ‘log bombs’ or ‘log grenades’.

Looking for log splitters? Take a look at our guide to the best manual and electronic devices to prepare winter firewood.

What size axe for splitting wood?

Splitting axes and mauls come in a range of sizes, too – from small, single-handed hatchet-sized options to long-handled models intended to be swung with both hands. The size you’ll pick will depend on the size and toughness of your wood. It may well be a wise idea to buy both a single- and double-handed option.

Here’s how to choose a splitting axe

Read on for our pick of the best splitting axes and our favourite splitting wedges. These cover a range of sizes and prices. For more information on splitting wood, head to our article on how to chop kindling page. And you’ll want to make sure you’ve got something to store your wood, so take a look at our list of the best contemporary log holders.

The best splitting axes and mauls 2023

Davaon Log Splitting Axe

Splitting axes need to withstand a fair bit of abuse, especially in the way they often need to be wrenched out of half-split logs. 

Every log splitting axe on this list has been picked with durability in mind, but if you’re looking for a smaller axe that’s extra-likely to serve you faithfully over many years, this model by Davaon is a smart choice. It’s 46cm long, and its head is made of high-grade carbon steel.

It also comes equipped with a protective sheath for the head and blade so you can keep it in top condition when it’s not in use.

Bulldog Fibreglass Splitting Axe

• Buy now from Bulldog Handtools (£18.88)

Bulldog stocks a wide range of sensibly-priced, no-nonsense garden equipment, and the brand’s splitting axe looks like a smart option for larger logs that need a full, double-handed swing. Its 6lb axehead has a flat side for wedge-driving, while the ergonomically-shaped handle with a grip section looks like it offers ease of use. 

Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe

• Buy now from Toolden (£74.79)

Finnish company Fiskars has been making and selling chopping tools since the seventeenth century, so we’re highly confident in the quality and reliability of its splitting axes. You’re certainly spoiled for choice: there are five different sizes in its range. But we’ve picked out the X11 as a solid, single-handed option for smaller logs and kindling. It measures 44cm in length, and comes with a plastic blade guard for when it’s not in use.

Hultafors HY Splitting Axe

• Buy now from Hultafors

Another Scandinavian brand (this time Swedish); another that’s been making tools since the seventeenth century. In contrast to Fiskars’ X range, Hultafors’ HY axe is wooden-handled and traditional looking. If you appreciate the aesthetics as much as efficiency in your tools, you can’t go wrong with this – we love everything from the finish on the hickory handle to the delicately inscribed logo on the axehead.

Jackson Log Splitting Maul and Splitter

Spear & Jackson’s splitting maul comes in four different sizes. We’ve picked out the 4.5lb (2kg) maul as a smaller double-handed alternative to the Bulldog and Hultafors, but there is a larger 6.5lb (2.9kg) size, too. Best of all, this maul comes with a splitting wedge, something you’re highly likely to need at some point.

Husqvarna Splitting Axe S2800

Buy now from Buxtons (RRP £67.49)

Husqvarna is a company from – yes, you guessed it – Scandinavia. And yes, it was founded in the seventeenth century. The S2800 is a heavy-duty splitting axe that’s intended for use with particularly large logs. Its steel, resin-coated axehead weighs 2.3kg – but with an overall weight of 2.9kg, this heavy-duty axe isn’t all that heavy.

Niwaki Ono Splitting Axe

Buy now from Niwaki (RRP £129)

An ono is a Japanese splitting tool that’s larger than a hatchet, but light than a standard Western axe. It’s ideally suited for smaller logs, its lightness offering you plenty of swing. We’re simply enamoured by the elegant design on display, from the subtle curve of the white oak handle to the darken carbon-steel head. A lovely addition to anyone’s tool rack.

Roughneck Grenade Splitting Wedge

If you’ve got some particularly tough wood to split, and your axe simply doesn’t have the requisite brute force, then bring in this little guy. With the flat end of your axe, you can knock this ‘log grenade’ into the wood – then a heavy blow should split it apart. We particularly like this splitting wedge from Roughneck as its four toothed ridges will split the log not into two but four pieces.

AGMA Swedish Log Splitter

We couldn’t leave this incredibly clever-looking contraption off the list. It’s one that looks especially suitable for people who are less physically able to split wood, or have vast amounts to get to that could quickly become difficult to manage.

You can fix it in place by using the 20 millimetre drill bit that comes included to create a 12 centimetre hole into your base log. Then you’ll just need to begin throwing the weighted blade down into your wood for an effective end result, making this the ultimate labour-saving log-splitter.

No serious garden is complete without a compost bin or compost area of some kind. Not only is composting an environmentally friendly way of dealing with your kitchen and garden waste, but it’s also a fantastic method for enriching your garden soil and therefore helping to grow healthy plants. Don’t miss our guide to improving soil health.

Composting can be done all year round (with late summer to early winter being a peak time) and while there are general rules to follow, anyone can try it. The key is to find the best compost bin for your outdoor area – even if space is at a premium, there are small composters that will make it possible. For a few key pointers, read our guide to composting in a tiny garden.

We’ve picked out a selection of the very best compost bins available, plus a few composting accessories you might need. We also have a guide on the best types of compost to buy. First, though, read on for our guide to help you pick the right compost bin for your outdoor space.

How to choose the best compost bin for your garden

How do compost bins work?

Compost bins work by speeding up the decaying process that takes place naturally with dead, rotting organic materials. This would happen organically in an unenclosed space too – but a compost bin creates the perfect conditions for microorganisms to break down discarded material and turn it into nutrient-rich soil. The compost will emerge over the months, or even up to a year, and you can then add it to your beds as a fertiliser.

This process is aerobic, which is another way of saying that oxygen is vital in order for those microorganisms to work their magic. A natural byproduct of the composting process is heat, and temperatures inside composts can reach as high as 75C. 

As our society grows increasingly environmentally aware, more and more people are turning to compost. Even some plastic manufacturers are marketing their products as biodegradable and compostable – claims that are currently being put to the test in The Big Compost Experiment.

Types of compost bin

Unsurprisingly, they come in a range of sizes and types. You’ll find the best compost bins in each category down below, but here’s a quick round-up of the main varieties: 

Wooden compost bins

Wooden compost bins are generally made of slats, which allow air in through their sides – handy for assisting the composting process. Some come with a roof that keeps the rain out. One drawback to slatted compost bins is that they won’t retain as much heat as completely sealed plastic bins. But the convenience of removable slats can make a huge difference.

Plastic compost bins

Plastic compost bins are suitable for smaller gardens and outdoor spaces. Their non-porous sides mean they are effective at retaining heat, and since they don’t let in light, they prevent weeds from growing inside the compost. Cheaper plastic bins are unventilated, while higher-end choices have holes to allow air inside.

Compost bags

You can turn any old sack or tarpaulin bag into a composter, but far wiser is investing in a special composting bag. These are made of breathable, durable fabric that allows oxygen to enter inside, and won’t rot or get damaged by the stored compost.

Worm composts

Worm composts, or wormeries, are one of the best compost bin options for people who have limited outdoor space but are keen to see something useful done with their kitchen scraps. The wiggly little inhabitants of these bins break down the material and produce a nutrient-rich liquid that works as a highly effective fertiliser.

Bokashi bins

Developed in Japan, bokashi is a fermentation, rather than decomposition, process, and takes place far more rapidly – in as little as 10 days, you can have nutrient-rich material that can be added to your garden. Read our guide to bokashi for a proper run-through of what’s involved. Bokashi bins typically come in twin backs, so you can add to one bin while the other is fermenting.

For more on fermentation and feeds, read our piece on everything you need to know about foliar sprays. 

Why should I use a compost bin?

There are plenty of benefits when it comes to composting, for both your personal garden and the environment.

Breaking down your own waste not only limits the amount that’s thrown away, helping to manage your carbon footprint, it can also be recycled back into your green space, enriching the soil and helping your plants thrive.

15 of the best garden compost bins

200L Aerobin Hot Composter

The innovative Aerobin was invented in Australia to accelerate the composting process in a natural way. It has a special core, which circulates air to support the microorganisms feeding on the waste. Thanks to the clever design, it’s one of the best compost bins for fast decomposition; you should be able to see compost forming in just 8-12 weeks of using it.

At 117.5cm tall and 51cm across, this bin can hold a lot of material. And, as it comes in an attractive ‘Brunswick Green’ colour, it should fit in nicely among trees and foliage in your garden.

Buy 200L Aerobin Hot Composter now from Amazon

Blackdown Beehive Wooden Composter – 6 Tier

Compost bins can be fairly unsightly at times, but this clever option from Blackdown hides its function by masquerading as a beehive. It’s constructed with attractive British redwood timber, and each plank is 22mm thick. It’s also been pressure treated for a 15-year guarantee to give it that added longevity.

The roof attaches to the body of the bin with hinges and a sash cord, so, after opening it, you can keep your hands free to tip in your waste. Plus, there’s a handy door at the base to access your compost.

315L CompoSphere Rollable Tumbler Composter

Here’s a product you may not have seen before. The CompoSphere Rollable Tumbler has a circular shape so you can quickly churn up the waste inside. It’s also one of the best compost bins for easy transportation, as you can push it around the garden rather than keep it in one spot.

With a capacity of 315L, this compost bin can hold a large amount of household and garden waste. And it’s made from recycled, UV-protected plastic, so it should stand the test of time. 

Lacewing Hazel compost bin – 900 Litres

If you’re after an understated compost bin to blend into your garden, why not opt for this attractive woven one, made from hazel? When set up, it measures 90cm across and 1m tall, so it should hold up to 900L of material. 

While it doesn’t have the aeration technology of some other compost bins, air can get in through the gaps in the hazel weave, supporting the decomposition of waste stored inside. 

Green Cone Waste Digester

The Green Cone is a twist on the standard compost bin. With its sleek design, which widens towards the base, it’s a more modern option for anyone who wants to create a minimal, uncluttered look in their outdoor space.

The bin is made up of a basket installed below ground level, as well as a green outer shell and black inner cone on top. It also comes with a kitchen food waste caddy and a sachet of composting ‘accelerator powder’. 

Lacewing Easy-Load Slotted Compost Bin

This 1,000L-capacity unit is one of the best compost bins for people with big gardens who find themselves producing large volumes of waste. It’s made of pressure-treated pinewood, that has been guaranteed by the manufacturer to last for 15 years against wood rot.

But the key to this compost bin is the removable slats, which helps you adapt it to suit the size of your compost area, and make adding and removing from it much more convenient. It’s also available in 373L, 605L and 893L sizes.

Symple Stuff Compost Bin

This mesh compost bin is made of powder-coated steel and is both rust and corrosion-resistant. Those mesh walls allow for plenty of oxygen to enter the compost, although it will retain a lot less heat than the plastic and wooden options on this list. Each of the bin’s sides can be simply removed by unwinding the coiled wire on each of the four sides.

A simple, straightforward choice – and one that’s ideal for composting with leaf mould.

Buy Symple Stuff Compost Bin from Wayfair

Bacsac Compost bag

Not strictly a bin, but we’re including Bacsac’s range of compost bags on our list as they’re aimed at people with limited space such as a balcony. The geotextile cloth is breathable, meaning it will keep the compost well-contained, but will still allow oxygen inside to assist the decomposition process.

We’ve featured the small 20L option here, but it’s also available in 40L and 80L sizes.

Buy Bacsac Compost Bin from Made In Design

Krikoris Garden Thermo Compost Bin

Basic plastic composters keep their contents unventilated, meaning they have to be opened and the compost turned over to properly aerate. It can also be a real pain removing the compost when it’s ready.

The Krikoris bin, however, comes with a range of user-friendly features: its sides are ventilated, and there are latched lids on both the top and one side. You can also set it up on four little legs, so liquid can drain from below. If convenience is a priority for you in your garden, give this one real thought.

Buy Krikoris Garden Thermo Compost Bin from Wayfair

Wiggly Wigglers Urbalive Worm Composter

Another smart solution to composting in smaller spaces is to invest in a wormery, like this 20L kit from Wiggly Wigglers. The idea might sound a little off-putting, but there’s a reason that the waste worms produce is known as ‘black gold’.

This kit contains a stone composter along a bedding block, some lime mix, a moisture mat and, of course, 500g of composting worms. A guide is also included, and the brand has a YouTube channel to help teach you in the ways of worm composting. 

Buy Urbalive Worm Composter from Wiggly Wigglers

Roesler 328L Compost Bin

Another wooden unit; this one with a pitched roof will keep the elements out of your compost.

Unlike the Lacewing, it only has a single removable slat at its base. It’s also pressure-treated to stand the test of time, although the makers do recommend you spray the compost bin with water in the hottest months, in order to avoid small cracks as the wood regains its moisture later on.

Buy Roesler 328L Compost Bin from Wayfair

Meridian Compost Tumbler

A tumbler is one of the best compost bin designs out there as it helps you physically churn your compost and protects it against rodents. Scurrying little pests do often like to break into compost bins, so a way to avoid this issue is by keeping your compost up on stilts in a tumbler, and turning it periodically.

This option from Sol 72 Outdoor is made of ventilated plastic, and has two separate compartments.

Buy Meridian Compost Tumbler from Wayfair

Geobin Compost Bin

• Buy now from Amazon ($38.48), eBay ($52.83) and Amazon (£87.44)

If composting is a fundamentally eco-friendly activity, then here’s the eco-friendly bin to do it in. The Geobin is essentially a rolled sheet of perforated plastic that’s 50 per cent recycled: you can unroll it to the diameter of your choice, and then fasten it together with the included closure keys.

The simplicity of the materials and the setup makes it a particularly affordable choice, too.

Wiggly Wigglers Organko 2.0 Bokashi Compost Bin

This twin-pack bokashi bin – also from Wiggly Wigglers – caught our eye on style and appearance alone. These will look just at home on your kitchen counter as in your garden.

Each of the bins in the Organko 2.0 kit has an inner container that’s easily removable for you to take to your garden. The taps at the base of each – a bokashi standard – are there to drain off the liquid that’s produced in the fermentation.

Also contained in the kit is two 1kg of bokashi active bran, which  kickstarts the fermentation process, and an instruction guide. 

Buy Organko 2.0 Bokashi Compost Bin from Wiggly Wigglers

Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 Composter

If you love a gadget, you might find yourself drawn to this electronic food composter. Rather than take up space in your garden, it sits on any worktop, table or cabinet and processes scraps in record time. Just hours after filling, you’ll get useful soil fertiliser to spread on your garden. 

In fact, you can empty and refill the FoodCycler multiple times in a single day – and chuck the 2L inner bucket in the dishwasher when you’re done. 

This little gadget can even compost tough materials like chicken bones. Just remember to use the handy carbon filters to remove any unwanted smells. 

Buy Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 from Nordstrom

Composting accessories for the garden

Thinking about the other composting necessities? Here’s our list of the best compost bin equipment for your home and garden. 

Garden Trading Compost Bucket

If taking daily walks with your kitchen waste to your compost bin sounds a bit tedious, you’ll want some kind of temporary storage for those scraps. This steel compost bucket can store 10L of kitchen waste, but also be easily tucked away in a cupboard or a shelf.

Helpfully, it also has the word ‘COMPOST’ written on it, just in case someone goes in search of a biscuit and gets a nasty surprise. A smaller 3.5L option is also available.

Microbz Compost Activator Solution

If you want to lend your compost a helping hand, take a look at this activating solution from Microbz. A blend of lactic acid, hydrocarbon-processing bacteria, molasses and water, this will assist those microorganisms in breaking down your compost and speeding up the decay process. 

Harrod Horticulture Long Handled Leaf Grabs

If you plan on adding fallen leaves to your compost, or even simply focusing on creating leaf mould compost you can make the job of collecting them much easier with this set of leaf grabs.

Designed in two large, spade-like scoops connected like the blades of a scissor, these grabs will make a quick job of collecting leaves, twigs, and other garden waste and transferring them to your composter.

Thick Canvas Waxed Apron

If there’s one thing you don’t want seeping into your clothes, it’s pungent, months-old compost. Stay clean and protected in your garden with this thick, durable waxed apron from Alaskan Maker. It’s available in both navy and olive colours. 

Buy Thick Canvas Waxed Apron from The Worm That Turned

Click here for more of our pick of the best gardening aprons

ETI Compost Thermometer

Heat is a vital part of effective composting, since it kills off things like unwanted bacteria and weed seeds. If you have a vented composter, you can monitor its progress by popping one of these thermometers inside to see if the temperature is rising.

Burgon & Ball Compost Soil Scoop

You’ll want a spade or fork for larger composts – but if you garden on a small scale, this soil scoop will be perfect for both adding and turning compost. The scoop is made of powder-coated steel and has a 10-year guarantee.

Buy Compost Soil Scoop from The Worm That Turned

You can also read out pick of the best compost for potting that you can buy in 2023.

So long as they’re not after any seeds you’ve planted, it’s always a delight to watch birds visit your garden. And between October and April, when food in the wild is much more scarce, a predictable source of food will be highly appreciated by your feathered visitors. 

Feeders come in all shapes and sizes, to cater for all shapes, sizes, species and feeding habits of birds, but to be sure of attracting the widest range and leaving no bird out an all-in-one feeding station is your guarantee of maximum delivery.

So if they want to peck at peanuts, nibble at seed or feast on a fat ball these one-stop solutions have something for every bird.

And should you want to offer your visitors somewhere to drink and bathe, take a look at our list of the best bird baths. And for more information on which berries and plants your winged guests will appreciate for food, read our article on plants for birds.

Want some tips on how to attract birds into your garden?

Where is the best place to put bird feeders?

You’ll want to put your feeder in a sheltered place that is difficult for cats, squirrels, rats and other pests to access. Birds will avoid your feeder if they see any predators near it. Hanging feeders can be attached to tree branches clear of the ground, but you should still make sure there aren’t any nearby branches that might allow pests to bother your birds. Bird tables are best erected on a tall post that keeps them well clear of the ground

Best bird feeders to buy in the UK 2023

Large Bempton Bird Table

Best table design

• Buy now from Garden Wildlife Direct (£64.99)

This quaint, wood and copper bird table is perfect if you’re lacking sturdy trees in your garden to hang a bird feeder from, or if you’re looking to adorn a fence or section of latticework. Painted in a verdant green, and with a real copper Verdigris roof, as well as enclosed sides for protection, this bird table provides a safe and easily accessible area for feeding.

RSPB Signpost wooden feeding station

Best alternative bird feeder

• Buy now from RSPB (£70)

If you’re after something a little different, we love this sturdy, yet stylish feeding station from the RSPB. Designed to replicate a traditional signpost, this feeding station offers four hooks for bird feeders to hang from. It’s a durable option, made in the UK from FSC certified timber and held together by strong bolts.

One up, one down bird feeder

Best contemporary bird feeder

On split levels, this small but multi-use feeder allows room for a birds large and small to graze your winter spread, and the aluminium roof will keep the birds and their food dry.

Simple in design and easy to clean, this feeder would suit an urban garden with less space: a balcony or roof terrace perhaps. Just remember to hang it away from any windows so the birds don’t run the risk of flying into them. 

Tom Chambers Elegance Bird Feeding Station

Best multi bird feeder

Sporting an attractive copper finish, this elegant and shapely feeder is both eye-catching and practical. There are 10 hooks in total to hang feeders, as well as a heavy duty seed tray – ideal for suet balls – and water tray for the birds to enjoy a drink and a wash. 

This is a very sturdy option and it looks smart. Plus all the feeding stations are situated a good distance from the ground to give more protection to the birds. If you have the space and love to welcome lots of feathery friends into the garden, this multi-armed feeding station will attract species large and small and you can spend many a relaxing moment watching them come and go.

Premium Bird Feeding Station

Best traditional bird feeder

This wooden bird feeding station has four platforms for your garden birds to feed from. It’s suitable for any feed of your choice, and there’s room to add more hooks for hanging feeders if you find you need extra. 

Made from FSC certified timer and slate, this design is more traditional in appearance and would lovely in a cottage-style or country garden. The solid base will help prevent the table from toppling over easily and the whole frame has been protected with a weatherproof finish to ensure it’s long-lasting.

Kingfisher Bronze Copper Effect Solar Powered Bird Hotel

Best designer bird feeder

• Buy now from Amazon (£28.39)

A ‘hotel’ is a great way to describe this rather grand feeding station. It has a bird bath, bird feeder, garden light and built in planter, so you can add a plantsman’s touch. 

It is quite lightweight so you will need to find a way of holding it in place in winter, but the copper finish is resistant to all extremes of weather and temperatures. It looks the part for a fraction of the price.

Wild Wings Feeding Station

Best elegant bird feeder

One assured way of bringing lots of birds into your garden is by setting up a bird table on your lawn, with several points of access. This shapely feeding station, which will certainly be hard for cats or foxes to climb, stands at 2.4 metres tall and has five feeder arms, a water tray and a seed tray.

In a slate grey, it’ll look good in any style of garden and we love the small details, such as the cut out robin perched on the top and the elegant curls of the hooks. A very attractive piece for the birds to dine out on.

Garden Selections Wild Bird Feeding Station

Best practical bird feeder

Buy now from Garden Selections (£19.99)

This steel, bronze-finished bird station from Garden Selections will turn your garden into a bustling hangout for your local birds. It features a water tray, four separate feeders and, what the manufacturers delightfully describe as ‘bathing facilities’. Seriously, you might want to start charging admission.

Finches Friend Cleaner Feeder

Best bird feeder for cleaning

Buy now from Finches Friend (£44.99)

Finches Friend bird feeders have been specifically created to make cleaning easy, which is vital to stop the spread of disease in garden birds. With greenfinches on the Red List and chaffinches in dramatic decline, improving hygiene in wild bird feeding is hugely important.

The Finches Friend Cleaner Feeder 1 features a single chamber and holds up to 1.79 litres of bird food (sunflower hearts are recommended) – more than the capacity of a standard feeder. It weighs 1.2kg empty and 2.4kg full.

The clever design separates the feed store from where the birds perch to eat. It features a unique, removable, enclosed feed station which minimises wastage and enables easier cleaning. The innovative design also protects the feed from the elements and ensures that it always stays clean, dry and safe, thanks to a water drainage system. A 360-degree feeding station allows multiple birds to feed at once, whilst a narrowed feeding tray make it inaccessible to larger birds such as crows.

Made in Britain, Finches Friend Feeders are a sustainable choice that are built to last. Using components and packaging that are fully recyclable, they are made from durable, UV-stabilised polycarbonate that won’t weaken or discolour in the sun.

Remember, different styles of bird feeder require different types of food, from peanuts, to fat balls, to seeds. If you’ve got your eye on a particular bird feeder, why not check out the best bird feed to fill it with?

Remember to keep your bird feeders clean. Here’s how to avoid diseases and keep good bird feeder hygiene. 

An essential piece of kit for gardeners, seedling trays are the best way to protect tiny seedlings, and begin the planting process. Not only do seedling trays let you sow lots of seeds at once, but many designs can be planted directly into the ground, so you can avoid issues such as transplant shock which can have a negative effect on your plant’s growth.

There are a number of different seedling tray options to go for, and in our roundup you’ll find peat free fibre pots, bamboo trays and reusable rubber designs – all plastic free so you can keep your garden as green as possible. We’ve also included a couple of sturdy wooden seedling trays that are ideal for transporting tools, pots, seeds or even a cup of tea, around the garden.

Seedling trays are also useful for growing cuttings, so they’re bound to become a well-used piece of garden equipment. So take a look at our roundup and find a suitable match for your planting needs.

For detailed advice on sowing seeds, head to our detailed guide to planting seeds.

Discover the best place to buy seeds online.

Don’t miss our round up of the best seed storage boxes.

Best seedling trays for 2023

Sili-Seedlings Seed Starter Tray

If you’re fed up of thin plastic seedling trays cracking and tearing, you may want to invest in a reusable design made of a more durable material. This silicone option from Sili-Seedlings offers a flexible nature so you can gently ease the soil out without effecting the integrity of the roots. There are drainage holes on the bottom, and the vibrant green colour is a nice change from the more typical black trays that are commonly used.

It’s even dishwasher safe so you can keep your garden equipment nice and clean, ready for the next batch of seedlings. You get two trays in a pack, each with six cells.

Biodegradable Seedling Starter Trays

Opt for a biodegradable seedling tray, and save yourself the hassle of having to remove the soil from the cells before repotting. When germinated, the roots grow through the fibre pot, so you can plant them directly into the soil. An easy, eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic. You can also cut between the cells and tailor them to your gardening needs.

This set comes with 24 plant labels too so you can keep track of what you’ve planted. With ten trays, each with ten cells, there are plenty to keep you going for a while.

Grow It Round Fibre Pots

A similar principle, these round, peat free fibre pots can be planted directly into the ground, or into a larger pot if you fancy. The pots are made from biodegradable wood pulp and you get 96 in a pack. Why not plant a cutting and gift to a friend? A pot that you don’t need returning!

Natural Rubber Seed Tray

If you’re looking for a more robust and reusable seedling tray, you could go for a natural rubber design. Just like silicone, it’s a flexible and durable choice. This 20 cell rubber seedling tray can be cut in half – ideal for a narrow windowsill or shelf.

Wooden Seed Tray

This sturdy wooden seedling tray can be used to sow seeds – providing robust protection for your young plants- as well as functioning as a handy garden caddy for your gardening essentials, so you can use it all year round. You could even use this wooden tray to create your own mini herb garden in the kitchen and enjoy fresh rosemary, dill and basil when you’re cooking.

We love the rustic look – the perfect way to add a homey touch to your outdoor space.

• Buy now from Crocus (£19.99)

Bamboo Seed Tray

The soothing sage colour of this bamboo and rice seedling tray makes it an appealing choice, and it’s a super option if you want to plant your seedlings in one large batch rather than working with individual cells. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting and as an added bonus, the tray is compositable. The seedling tray should have a life of around five years, but once you’re done, just break it up and add the pieces to your compost heap.

Square Fibre Pots

For a small herb patch, this pack of 20 square fibre pots could do the trick. Plant straight into the ground, and avoid disturbing the growth of your plants when repotting. At such great value, pick up a few and keep your shed well stocked so you’re always prepared!

• £1.25

Buy the square fibre pots now from Wilko

Spruce Seedling Tray

More of a garden tray for carrying fresh garden vegetables, pots and bulbs rather than a tray for sowing seeds, but a lovely garden accessory nonetheless. The tray is made of spruce, and the ‘seedling’ text stencilled on the side is a nice touch. A perfect gift for a messy gardener in need of some greenhouse organisation.

• £15

Buy the Spruce Seedling Tray now from Garden Trading 

Looking for planting inspiration? Take a look at the best meadow seed mix packs to create a wildlife haven.