As summer fades away, it’s time to gear up for the approaching winter season by prepping gardens and outdoor areas. Investing a little effort now can lead to significant savings in time and energy when spring rolls around, all while safeguarding everything from plants to outdoor furniture.
An expert advises that for smaller outdoor spaces, having a few essential tools is all that’s necessary. Didrik Dimmen, a gardening specialist from Auk, recommends starting with a hand trowel and fork for tasks like dividing perennials and planting bulbs, especially in confined areas or containers. He also emphasizes the importance of using sharp secateurs for precise pruning, which helps plants prepare for the winter dormancy period.
For individuals facing challenges with strenuous pruning tasks, there are specially designed Votrek garden secateurs available on Amazon. These secateurs are tailored for users dealing with hand stiffness or arthritis, offering comfort and ease of use. Additionally, they are currently discounted from £25.98 to £19.99.
The Votrek arthritis-friendly secateurs come in green, orange, and black variations, featuring an ergonomic design that reduces the effort required to make cuts. With padded and contoured handles for enhanced comfort and an angled blade that demands less force, these secateurs make gardening less taxing. The inclusion of a ratchet mechanism allows for incremental cuts, particularly useful for tougher stems.
Customers have praised these secateurs for their comfort, efficiency, and lightweight design, making them suitable for extended gardening sessions. Some users noted the visibility-enhancing orange color and convenient wrist strap attached to the secateurs.
While these secateurs are generally well-received, one reviewer suggested that for heavy-duty tasks, the blade might require additional sharpening. Didrik underscores the importance of pruning for plant health and growth, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance to achieve optimal results.
As winter approaches, it’s crucial to focus on tidying and safeguarding plants rather than extensive pruning. Using sharp tools and removing dead or diseased parts is essential, while avoiding cutting the top flat to promote sunlight reaching lower branches. For tender plants like fuchsias, minimal pruning is recommended to protect against frost damage, with more substantial pruning reserved for spring.
For those seeking budget-friendly pruning options, B&Q offers the Burgon & Ball Dark Wood Bypass Secateurs for £24, while John Lewis provides the Niwaki GR Pro Right-Handed Garden Secateurs priced at £84 for those willing to invest a bit more.