2009

Where trial meets Style - 'Stephanie Harrod seems to have it all - an idyllic early 20th-century house just a few miles from the sea; four and a half acres of beautifully tended gardens; two Golden Retrievers and an organic vegetable plot. Beyond first impressions, there are lots of clues that this is no ordinary kitchen garden, and that Stephanie is not someone who puts her feet up while others do the work....'
Read more... (PDF article from The English Garden magazine)   Glorious Gardens, Norfolk, September, 2009

Children's Lightweight Wheelbarrow- Choose well made tools from sustainable sources – Children’s Wheelbarrow.
‘Little Green Fingers – A selection of great gifts for budding young horticulturalists, Gardening Special, The Green Parent, June/July 2009

Children's Yellow Can and Bucket - Choose well made tools from sustainable sources – Children's Yellow Can and Bucket. ‘Little Green Fingers – A selection of great gifts for budding young horticulturalists, Gardening Special, The Green Parent, June/July 2009

On Test - First Look: Blight Pocket Check - One way to prevent blight is to look out for early signs of it, remove any infected plant material and start spraying the remaining plants with Dithane 945. However, identifying blight can be tricky. In the past, the only way to be sure was to send plant material to a test lab. This new test kit allows the disease to be identified in minutes.

To use the kit, you tear a small piece of what you think may be infected leaf, add it to a liquid, shake, then add a couple of drops onto the kit. We were impressed with the instructions and the kit itself. The technology behind it was developed by The Food and Environment Research Agency, who have developed a range of other kits such as one for pepino mosaic virus, widely used by farmers and growers. It's not cheap as each kit can only be used once, but it may help reduce your chemical use. Our Verdict: A handy product for the very keen veg grower.
Which? Gardening magazine, June 2009

A compact funnel-shaped design. The Green Water Butt is supplied in apple-green coated metal, perfect for an urban yard.
How to Install a Water Butt, Real Homes magazine, June 2009

Heavy-Duty Butterfly Netting - Stop butterflies from laying eggs, which will turn into pesky caterpillars, by covering your plants with netting.
Wage War on Garden Pests... Your Home magazine, June 2009

Bamboo Cloches - Keep birds, rabbits and deer off your tender young plants by protecting them with these pretty bamboo cloches
Wage War on Garden Pests, Your Home magazine, June 2009

Stainless Steel Recycling Bins - Brushed stainless steel bin with extra wide foot pedal, each section has a colour removable plastic bin for easy waste management.
Ethical Living magazine, June 2009

Sneeboer Long Handled Rulemaker - On the home front - Needless to say, friends and neighbours come up with various queries and problems, some of which I feel are worth airing here. My neighbour Nessie, undoubtedly the star of Round Oak allotments where she cuts a mean furrow, had a smallholding in Romania before she settled in Wadhurst. There the universal cultivating tool is something that slightly resembles an onion hoe, but which has a pointed triangular head – excellent for everything, she says, from hacking at lumpy soil to weeding between rows to creating fine drills for seed planting. Many moons ago she asked me if such an implement is available in this country. I trawled around on the internet and leafed through my catalogues and brochures and came up with nothing. Then at Chelsea Flower Show this year I saw what I assumed is the very thing she is looking for. Made by Sneeboer, the makers of traditional Dutch tools beloved by many; it is a new thing called a long-handled rulemaker hoe. It looks fantastic and is, Nessie agrees, the very thing she has been looking for.
Thorny Problems with Helen Yemm, Daily Telegraph, 13 June 15, 2009

Good Enough to Eat  - 'It’s not just that the superior produce is good enough to eat; Stephanie Harrod’s beautifully structured kitchen garden also offers food for the soul. Barbara Segall went to meet her at her garden in Norfolk...'
Read more... (PDF article from GrowIt! magazine)
GrowIt! magazine, May 2009

Strawberry Tower - 'This strawberry tower has rigid polypropylene sides with cup-shaped slots and a top surface area to take 32 plants. At 2ft (60cm) with a diameter of 17in (43cm), it takes a large bag of compost. Once planted up, it should remain in the same position or moved on a pot mover. The central watering tube with slits over its entire length makes sense - very handy to ensure even watering. Another nifty feature was the protective netting included. My only complaint was the number of components needed to construct this flat packed tower, which meant getting it up and running was a bit of a trial. I had to insert four tensioning wires in order to hold the base and rim to the main body of the tower. I found this an awkward task but once completed the tower felt strong. Ideal for the keen strawberry grower.'
Shop Around: Products Assessed with Julia Heaton, Amateur Gardener, 30 May 2009

Wire Harvesting Trugs - 'These are great for gathering veg, as the wire frame keeps them fresh for longer and allows you to wash and drain them in the basket.'
'Terrific Trugs' - Daily Mail 'Weekend magazine, 23 May 2009

Anti-Pigeon Netting is available from Harrod Horticultural.’ Plot Essentials: May, This month’s jobs on the vegetable patch and patio, Grow Your Own magazine, May 2009

Flexi Tie was voted Helen Yemm’s favourite  – ‘I mostly use Flexi-tie for tying up fairly tough, woody stems. The ‘flexi’-ness is a real boon as it completely prevents wind chafing. I also use Flexi-tie to make almost invisible supports for perennials, stringing it around stems and between canes. It is so long-lasting that stray bits are now turning up in my compost.’  Testing, Testing: Plant Ties, The English Garden magazine, April 2009

Cedar Bee and Ladybird House - 'Great Buys - Bamboo House – Place this cedar box in the garden to create a home for bees, which like the bamboo tubes, or ladybirds who prefer the small holes.
Birds, Bees and Butterflies – Welcome all varies of wildlife on the wing to your garden this summer with our practical guide', Garden News in Good Homes magazine, May 2009

Kew Glazed Terracotta Pots - 'Create the Look - It's not just about the pots - use these great buys to get a gorgeous container garden: Seal of Approval – These hand-thrown pots come with the seal from the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens.
Container Garden feature, Ideal Home magazine, May 2009

Mini Garden - This is a new product designed to bring a touch of ‘vertical planting’ to a wider audience. Made from polypropylene, its three layers can be used separately or stacked to create a dramatic three tier planter. Plus it comes with a base saucer, so it could be used indoors, and a ‘lid layer’ so another ‘Mini Garden’ could be stacked on top… The unit can be used for flowers, salads, herbs or strawberries… Pros: The planter was quick and easy to assemble and the polypropylene was thick and survived last winter without damage. The plants were left to get on with it and there was sufficient volume of compost to sustain them for several months, with little problem of drying out or waterlogging. Easy to clean and it would last at least another planting.'
Equipment Guide - Tried and Tested, Gardens Monthly, May 2009

Sneeboer Draw (aka Pull) Hoe – 'This is another tool from the excellent hand-made Sneeboer range recently introduced by Harrod Horticultural. Weeds certainly stand no chance, as the blade is slanted back at exactly the right angle to behead them, while the razor-sharp edge ensures the job is done instantly. Used on hard, dry soil it virtually shaved the surface clean of weeds. The smaller head and its angle made it slightly less effective for earthing-up but it produced a nice drill. Its weed killing efficiency makes up for any other deficiencies. The sturdy shaft is of generous length and a hand-forged head gives it a traditional look and feel. I half felt I should be wearing a smock and gaiters while using this piece of bygone craftsmanship!'
Voted Best Traditional Tool in Product Review, GrowIt! Magazine, May 2009

Hunter RHS Gardening Clogs – 'If you enjoy pottering about on the plot, or if your vegetable patch is conveniently located in the backyard, these stylish clogs will make nipping outside for a spot of gardening even easier. They feature a steel shank insole, and are also cushioned for added comfort. There’s the option of either a ‘rose’ or ‘vegetable’ design.’ Pick of the Crop: Garden Footwear, Grow Your Own magazine, May 2009

Welly Warmers –‘Not just a pair of socks, these comfortable fleecy stockings will keep your feet warm in style. They can be used with all nylon lined boots, and come in a range of colours: pink, pale blue, navy, green and cream.’ Pick of the Crop: Garden Footwear, Grow Your Own magazine, May 2009

Multi-level Patiogro Patio Growing System – 'BEST BUY! – ‘Where space really is at a premium, this clever 3-tier arrangement contains 12 deep trays to accommodate all variety of plants. Difficult for slugs to invade, it’s designed to give the maximum light and ventilation to all plants and also inhibits the growth of weeds. So, whether you want to plant an entire salad outside your back door, or have a complete selection of fresh herbs at your fingertips, you won’t need to dig up half of your garden!' Voted Best Buy in feature ‘6 of the Best Herbs to Grow’ in Cook Vegetarian magazine, May 2009

Insect Conservation Study Centre – ‘Give insects a safe place to live with this clever study centre.’ Create a Garden for all the Family: Create a Wildlife Haven, Your Home magazine, May 2009

Grow Bag Cane Frame - Which Tomato Support?
Cordon or indeterminate varieties are vigorous vines and need support such as tying the plants to a bamboo cane. There are a number of purpose-made tomato supports you can buy, ranging from £6 for a set of wires that slip under growing bags up to £38 for aluminium frames. Last summer, Which? Gardening (June 2008) reported on a trial of ten different tomato supports where the assembly, ease of use and yield of tomatoes was assessed. They concluded the Grow Bag Cane Frame... and the A-Tom Frame (now discontinued), were best being simple and easy to assemble and use.
How to Eat: Cuttings, Gardens Monthly magazine May 2009
And,
Grow Bag Cane Frame - Erecting was just a case of slipping a growbag along the base of three arched shaped wire supports. Squeezing the sides then allowed me to form a central loop of varying dimensions for canes of different diameters.
I've assessed these frames on quality of materials, ease of assembly and how well I think they will support plants. This frame felt super sturdy for what it was. The canes could be pushed through for extra support and were held at a good height. Excellent value for money if you want to plant several bags. And being plastic coated, to prevent rust, they should last a good period of time.
Star Score: 10/10 (Features 5*, Value 5*), Shop Around with Julia Heaton, Amateur Gardening, 16 May 2009

Y-Stakes - These consist of an aluminium tube coated in brown plastic and with a pointed base, and two flexible wires coated in green plastic at the top to form the Y shape. The stake is pushed into the ground and the wires can be bent into different shapes depending on how you want to restrain the plant. The Y can be opened out to give a horizontal arm to hold stems back or several stakes can be placed around a plant and the arms linked together to form a circle. Used singly, the arms can be bent to create a loop around stems. This works well where a plant is flopping forward; it can be placed behind it and the arms bent around the stems to pull them back without it being seen.

Pros: The stake is very sturdy and is easy to insert into the soil because of the pointed base. The colouring of the stake and arms helps the support blend into the background. By relying on only a single stake it is useful for pots, such as tall lilies.Cons: Not so suitable for bulky clumps with may stems.

Singer turned gardener Kim Wilde has appeared on Better Gardens as well as her own show Wilde Life. She has also published books aimed at first-time gardeners and to encourage children to take up the hobby. She says:
"It has to be my Sneeboer (Ladies) spade. This fantastic company from the Netherlands clearly were gardeners before they went into business. They make gardening tools that are strong but also do the job brilliantly."
...Sneeboer Large and Ladies Spade: Build Quality ****½, Value for Money ***, Aesthetic Appeal *****
Sunday Mirror, 24 May 2009

Professional Wire Growing System - Harrod Horticultural has just designed, with the RHS, an 'idiot-proof' wire growing system for fruit trees. A 16.5ft starter run of metal posts and high-strength steel cable costs £189.95.
Chelsea Flower Show supplement, Telegraph Gardening - 'From Pots to Border Controls: Harriet Lane Fox does the legwork on who is selling what and where', 19 May 2009.

Harrod Horticultural's new allotment timber raised beds come in every conceivable shape and height.
Chelsea Flower Show supplement, Telegraph Gardening - 'Four of the Best: Raised Beds' - Harriet Lane Fox does the legwork on who is selling what
and where'. 19 May 2009.

Japanese Tripod Ladder - Just occasionally a revolutionary piece of gardening equipment comes along which oozes class. The Niwaki tripod ladder is in this bracket. Being made from aluminium, and with its compact foldability, carrying it around the garden proved a doddle.
Hailing from Japan there's something strange yet cheeky about it - it wouldn't look out of place with sweet peas twinning up it in a summer border.
It arrived in one piece so I didn't need to do any assembly. Designed as a tripod it's very sturdy and wobble-free. This is achieved by careful positioning of the adjustable back leg. The main thing to remember is to make sure that a marker on one of the two front legs is at a 90 degree angle before you climb up.
To get the most out of it the Niwaki necessitates a bit of initial thought, but once you trust its sturdiness, working high up will be a pleasure and will bring an added dimension to vertical gardening.
Star Score: 13/15 - Voted This Week's Best Buy, Shop Around with Julia Heaton, Amateur Gardener, 2 May 2009

Raised Beds - Traditionally vegetables were grown in long rows on flat soil, with spaces between the rows to allow for easy harvesting, but this method takes up a fair bit of space. However, by building raised beds you can grow a wide range of produce in a much smaller area.
Get Ahead with Raised Beds, ‘Your Home’ magazine, April 2009

Plant Supports - Upright supports can be bought 'off the peg' from companies like Harrod Horticultural.
The Allotment Gardener, Grow Your Own, April 2009

Sneeboer Flowerbed Trowel - A tool with a longer, shaped ash handle and a narrow blade of stainless steel for accurate planting in restrictive places. Overall: The narrow blade was good for planting bulbs and bedding... Verdict: ***
Tried and Tested: Trowels - Can You Dig It, Gardens Monthly, Spring Special 2009

If your budget is tight, then why not invest in the Bell Boy mini propagator? This intensive indoor growing system is perfect for deep-rooted seedlings, plug plants and cuttings. Plus, the plastic pots feature clear propagating lids with an integral vent, which will help you control temperature and humidity for excellent results.
Lets Grow Veg magazine (Issue 7) 2009

Sneeboer Heart Shaped Trowel - Loving Touch to Trowel – This thoughtfully designed 26cm long, heart-shaped planting trowel by Sneeboer combines a fine cherry wood handle with a very sharp point, making it ideal for bulb planting. It makes a lovely gift for your favourite gardener, which is extra special when a personal engraved message is included on the blade.’ 
Garden Heaven magazine, March/April 2009

Sneeboer Ladies’ Tools – The growth in ladies tools has been equally fast. Five years ago, women tended to opt for a border fork or spade, as these were lighter than conventional digging tools. Stephanie Harrod of Harrod Horticultural comments: “Many female gardeners have tools which were designed to suit everyone, not specifically women. You can do a lot of damage to your body by struggling with tools that are over-sized, too heavy and imbalanced… Sneeboer’s Ladies collection for example is designed with females in mind and is designed to be the perfect height, weight and balance.
‘Tools for Kids and Women – UK is Setting the Trend’ (by Angela Youngman), Garden International magazine, April 2009

Brown Flexible Steel Lawn Edging - As the only steel edging on test, I initially thought this would rust but it has a corrosion-resistant coating… [it] has a built-in staking system, each piece having six stakes, the jointing was quite easy, all I needed was a screwdriver to push a connecting tongue into the next piece.
I was very pleased with the end result, it was the most unobtrusive and natural looking of all the edging and it should maintain a nice edge. The metal can be flexed with a little force, so it could be made to form a curve.
Ideal for every edging application including paths, gravel, borders and lawns. Good value when you consider it should outperform plastic...
Star Score14/15: 5* Features, 5* Performance, 4* Value
Amateur Gardening magazine, 4 April 2009

If your soil is still wet and cold, start to warm it up with fleece cloches (Longrow Super Cloche, from Harrod Horticultural)…
‘Kitchen Garden Tasks’ – Gardeners’ World magazine, April 2009

Slug Inn - ‘Use slug control to protect your seedlings. If you must use pellets, make sure they’re organically approved and won’t harm wildlife. Or you could dispatch them happy, by using beer traps… half-filled with beer, which you bury so it’s rim is level with the soil. The greedy slugs and snails are attracted by the smell, fall in and die. Slug Inn Beer Trap from Harrod Horticultural.
‘Get Ahead with Raised Beds’, Your Home magazine, April 2009

Smart Edge - Made of 2mm thick polypropylene, this was the highest edging at 5.5in (14cm). It can be cut to fit, either straight or curved edges and its height allows it to retain an edge next to a path or drive. Positioning this edging was fairly straightforward, Gloves are a good idea as its got sharp bits. It comes with pins that are inserted into holes at the top of each A-shaped flap to secure into the lawn (the grass grows through it). I found my less than perfect lawn edge hindered fixing of this edging. In some places the levels dipped and the pins had no surface to key into… preparation is key to success. Amateur Gardening magazine, 4 April 2009

Slug it Out! This month’s warmer temperatures and spring rains means that slugs and snails will begin to reappear in your garden ready to devour any new growth on your plants. If you’re plagued by the slimy critters, then you may want to resort to slug pellets. Ensure you use an organically approved variety that won’t harm wildlife, like Growing Success Advanced Slug Killer from Harrod Horticultural. The pellets absorb water to attract slugs and once they’ve done their job, they transform into iron and phosphate to help enrich your soil. Your Home magazine, April 2009

Traditionally most children’s garden tools had been just toys, plastic tools which were more suitable for use in sandpits than serious digging and planting. Recognising that children especially older children – want tools that actually do a job, that are ‘real’ tools, companies such as Joseph Bentley set out to create a suitable range... The Gardener’s Apprentice range includes the basic tools required, using wood and metal in a conventional design but available in a range of sizes to match different heights.
Tools for Kids and Women – UK is Setting the Trend’ (by Angela Youngman), Garden International magazine, April 2009

If your soil is still wet and cold, start to warm it up with fleece cloches (Longrow Super Cloche, from Harrod Horticultural…
‘Kitchen Garden Tasks’ – Gardeners’ World magazine, April 2009

Sneeboer Ladies Digging Fork – It’s an intriguing tool and would certainly be versatile. I’m a little concerned that there is only a staple holding the T-handle in place. The protruding shaft rivets may damage hands, though the handle is so long your hands are likely to be kept away from the head when working. It isn’t cheap but if the look and feel of your tools is important and you’re tall like me then this may be your choice.  Build Quality: 4*, Value for Money: 3, Aesthetic Appeal: 5*
‘Product Review - Border Control: It’s best foot forward as Mike Woolnough puts some top brand border forks through their paces.’
'Grow It' magazine, April 2009

Slug Buggers is a waste product from the wool-processing industry. The material, which is dirty or knotted wool, would otherwise be burned so it’s a very eco-friendly product. Applied around the surface of pots or individual plants in the ground, the pellets form a rough carpet of fibres which slugs and snails won’t cross because they find it uncomfortable, and it also dries them out. So along with protecting vulnerable plants, these pellets form a moisture-retentive , weed-suppressing mulch. Long term the pellets will provide small amounts of nutrients, too.  The handy size of tub with a handle is easy to carry around the garden.  The only downside is the cost but you could club together with neighbours or fellow allotment holders and buy three tubs because this way, you would forego the postage charge.’ Star Score: ***** Features, *** Value – Total Score 8/10’.
Grow, Cook and Eat, Issue 1, 2009

Certain purpose-made containers may given even better results for some crops. For example, a ‘Potato Barrel’ is just 33cm in diameter but has an 80 litre capacity, which is enough to provide a generous crop of potatoes. As well as potato barrels, spud tubs and strawberry towers, grow-bags are also popular particularly when used in conjunction with purpose made re-usable grow pots which help to water and feed as well as providing additional compost.’
New Series: Gourmet Gardener, Foodies magazine, March/April 2009

Organic Seeds – ‘Choosing your Fruit and Veg –Suitable Container Varieties: Choose varieties that specify suitable for containers, baskets or small gardens… Many of the varieties listed are available via mail order from www.harrodhorticultural.com .
New Series: Gourmet Gardener, Foodies magazine, March/April 2009

Garden Track - "Getting a wheelbarrow across your plot can sometimes be difficult if the soil is soft but using a Garden Track helps...the track is made of weatherproof injection-moulded plastic...a wooden version of the track is also available...the Garden Track would also be ideal for creating a path down the centre of your greenhouse, polytunnel or fruit cage." What To Buy, Kitchen Garden magazine, March 2009

Advanced Slug Killer Pellets: Voted BBC Wildlife magazine's 'On Test' Winner! March 2009
BBC Wildlife magazine, March 2009

Y Stakes - Plastic-coated metal stakes with flexible arms that you can bend around the stems of top-heavy flowers such as lillies. They can also be linked with each other to support large groups of plants.
Gardener's World, March 2009

Raised Bed Kits - Harrod Horticultural offers a complete raised bed package for the organic gardener. It includes seed and plug plants, soil and three exclusive new bed designs, as well as made-to-fit hoops, tubing, net kits and irrigation systems. The firm's newly designed beds - the Allotment, Standard and Superior - are available in a variety of sizes, heights and shapes, including a triangular version for awkward corners.
Garden Essentials... Prepare your plot for the warmer months ahead, Period Ideas, March 2009

Fitted Hoops and/or Mesh Protection Covers - These galvanised rust-resistant steel hoops create a frame for mesh, netting or fleece and at 110cm (43in) high will easily cover taller crops, such as fruit bushes or brassicas. Mesh covers cut to shape and secured by hooks are also supplied, either sold together as a kit or separately...
Crop Protection - A raised bed makes it easy to protect crops with a variety of covers, Gardens Monthly, March 2009

Strawberry Mulch Mats - Stop your strawberries rotting where they come into contact with the soil, and prevent weeds from growing around your strawberry plants with these handy mulch mats. They’ll also help the soil retain moisture, deter slugs from your crops and keep the fruit free from muddy rain splashes. Easy to put into place and re-usable. Can also be used to protect lettuces and salad crops.
Keep Weeds Under Control, Buyers’ Guide, ‘Garden News’, 24 March 2009

Equipment Guide: Crop Protection – This Pyramid Cold Frame has an aluminium frame and twin-walled glazing panels. The triangular roof vents are removable for easy access, and can be replaced with fine mesh for ventilation without the risk of insects damaging plants. It can be placed directly on the soil or used with a specially designed raised bed kit. Other sizes are available. Gardens Monthly, March 2009

Paper Potter - "Here is a simple gadget that helps you make pots out of newspaper. It will certainly reduce your reliance on plastic pots!...The beauty of these home-made pots is once the plants are large enough they can be planted straight out in the pots, no need to unwrap the newspaper, it will rot away naturally and the roots will grow through." In the Garden Shed, Kitchen Garden magazine, March 2009

‘Keep Seeds Tidy – File your seeds by month using the monthly dividers in this smart storage tin… Five seed storage envelopes and a pencil are included too, so there’s no excuse not to be organized this year.’ Gardening Inspiration, ‘Your Home’ magazine, March 2009

I recently erected a 6m x 3m heavy-duty steel fruit cage purchased from Harrod Horticultural. I am pleased with the product... The door is robust and hung by two steel hinges. I live in West Cork and we experience high winds so I have reinforced the cage with galvanised steel wire bracing across all side section diagonals. This was easy to install, looks fine and makes the cage much more rigid...
Fruit Cage advice, Your Letters, Kitchen Garden magazine, March 2009

Garden Gear Tried & Tested: Sneeboer Short Fat Trowel – This trowel is beautifully made and feels good in use. In fact, it felt as if it would last forever. It has the option to engrave a name on the blade making it a great gift.
Garden Answers, March 2009

Super 7 Propagator – A very handy electric propagator designed to fit on a sunny windowsill. It holds seven quarter-sized seed trays, each complete with their own vented covers. Spare trays are available so that you can move your young seedlings on to the next stage of development and replace them with the next batch of seeds for germinating in another tray.
‘Grow it!’ magazine, March 2009

Sneeboer Short Fat Trowel  - Any grow-your-owner would be delighted to receive a personalized trowel as a gift. Harrod Horticultural offers the option of having a customized engraving of up to 75 characters impressed on the stainless steel blade of this Sneeboer model. The blade itself is 15cm in length and pointed at the end, which makes it great for planting and digging out weeds.
Pick of the Crop: Trowels, Grow Your Own magazine, March 2009

Three of the Best Garden Cloches: Bell Cloche - ‘Seedlings will stay cosy (although fresh air is available through the adjustable vents) and your pocket will hardly notice the difference – what’s not to love?’
‘Dome Sweet Dome’,CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), March 2009

New Horizon Organic and Peat Free Growbag –‘This peat-free growing bag produced on average 11.3kg of tomatoes per bag in our trial. We harvested almost 2kg more fruit from this Best Buy than from any other peat-free growing bag on test. Often, peat-free composts need more watering, but this bag retained moisture well and didn’t need any more water than the peat-based growing bags in our trial.’
‘Our Best Buy Growing Bags, Which? Gardening, March 2009

‘Out Slugs is the only barrier and repellent system on the market that will guarantee no slug or snail will cross over the Out Slug repellent and enter your protected plot. Environmentally friendly it does not kill slugs and snails it simply repels them and does no harm to wildlife. Hedgehogs and birds can eat slugs and snails with no ill effects after using Out Slugs system.
All Out Slugs sets come with repellent and everything you will need to install the barrier system.’
Organic Garden and Home magazine, March 2009 issue

Gripple Plant Support System – ‘This plant support starter kit can be used both outdoors and in the greenhouse to train and support a wide range of plants. The kit contains 30m (100ft) of lightweight flexible plastic wire and four green plastic gripple joiners which contain internal serrated rollers. These allow you to easily tension and join the training wire to create a secure plant support system’. Voted Best for Vigorous Climbers, Buyer’s Guide, Garden News, 17 March 2009

Galvanised Steel Gripple – A gripple allows you to effortlessly stretch, tension and secure training wires so that your climbing plants don’t sag and collapse. This gripple has a traditional galvanized steel casing with a stainless steel and ceramic internal mechanism for maximum durability. It will hold both plastic and steel wire and has a load-bearing capacity up to 400kg (880lbs).’
Voted Best for Permanent Wall Shrubs, Buyer’s Guide, Garden News, 17 March 2009

Timber Raised Beds - The RHS Head of Gardens Creative Development, Matthew Wilson, introduces the benefits of raised bed gardening in Harrod Horticultural beds.
Period Ideas, March 2009

‘Kits on Test’ (Superior Timber Bed) – As far as assembly and looks go, we were impressed with how easy they were to put together… and would recommend for gardeners who are not confident about cutting wood or DIY.  This upmarket kit is made of 3.5cm (1.5”) thick FSC Swedish timber treated with a Garden Organic approved treatment and guaranteed for eight years.  Strong, sturdy and good-looking, it was easy to assemble but not all the places to screw are pre-drilled.  Gardens Monthly, March 2009

Sneeboer Short Fat Trowel – “Any grow-your-owner would be delighted to receive a personalised trowel as a gift. Harrod Horticultural offers the option of having a customised engraving of up to 75 characters impressed on the stainless steel blade...the blade is 15cm in length and pointed at the end, which makes it great for planting and digging out weeds."
'Pick of the Crop - Trowels'; growfruitandveg.co.uk, March 2009

Pocket check for blight – Blight on potatoes and tomatoes is the scourge of many gardeners and this new little gadget is a handy way to identify diseases early… You simply take a sample of leaf or stem, put it into the bottle of liquid, shake and then add two drops onto the test devise for a negative/positive result in three to five minutes.  There are two single use tests in the pack.
‘What’s New? Hot off the press… the latest products for gardeners’, Garden News, 17 March 2009

Max-Min Mercury Free Thermometer - A traditional thermometer, updated with a digital screen showing the recorded max/min temperatures. I liked the fact that there are two clear and easy to read scales for centigrade and Fahrenheit.
It was easy to hang as I could see the hook I was fixing it to when mounting. Thermometers should be positioned out of direct sunlight but this one has a helpful hood to shade the scale, just in case the sunlight catches it.

It was useful having the max/min temperatures displayed on the digital screens without having to press a button and then alternate between centigrade and Fahrenheit. Another button cleared the reading to reset.
An attractive and useful thermometer.  Star Score 13/15: 4* Features, 4* Performance and 5* Value.
‘Shop Around’ with Julia Heaton, Consumer Editor, Amateur Gardening magazine, 7 March 2009.

‘W2 On Test: Slug Deterrents’: Copper Tape:  ‘Method: Self-adhesive copper tape with a serrated edge that works to obstruct slugs. How it Works: It creates a barrier around your plants. Slugs and snails do not like crossing copper because a toxic reaction occurs between the metal and the slime, giving them an unpleasant electric shock. Pros: Easy to use, especially around pots… ‘
BBC Wildlife magazine, March 2009. 

Weather Station: ‘You get a lot for your money with this surprisingly small gadget that you simply fix to a post. There is a thermometer, rain gauge, wind speed and direction indicator and a wind chill chart. Great for weather fanatics, possibly before they graduate to something more elaborate. ‘Testing… Testing… Weather Kits with Helen Yemm. The English Garden magazine, March 2009

Useful contacts - Heated propagators and grow lamps from Harrod Horticultural.

Yeominis Childrens Telescopic Gardening Tools - "...Harrod Horticultural supply two ranges of proper child-size gardening tools (ie not toys), including the Yeominis telescopic range that 'grows' with your child."
Little Helpers, a 4-page feature on Children's Gardening in the March 2009 edition of Grow It! magazine

Heated Jumbo Propagator - "This well-designed electric propagator comes complete with a thermostatically controlled, 150W heat mat with a temperature range of 0-40°C...you won't need tools to put it together and it can be rolled up for storage when not in use."
Let's Grow Veg, Issue 7, March 2009

Longrow Super Cloche - "This old favourite has been with us for years, and for good reason. Robust corrugated PVC is slotted under considerable tension into the rust-proof galvanised metal frame, which makes the cloche very solid. Construction is simple...it is fairly easy to move around..."
Cloches on Test, English Garden magazine, February 2009

Sneeboer Lawn Edger - Verdict: The wide-topped handle of this edger really made me stand up straight and insert the blade downwards rather than at an angle. The blade is also very wide so lawns with dratight edges can be very quickly edged, although curvy lines are more of a problem to edge accurately.  Not the lightest of tools, although it feels like it would last a lifetime, which would justify the price.  Rating: 4*

Hardwood Plant House - Recommended in 'Crop Covers - a selection of handy aids to give plants a little extra cosseting' - a feature in the February 2009 issue of Garden's Monthly magazine

Winter Touch Gold Leaf Gloves - "Tough gloves with many good features. The 'Thinsulate' lining means that hands feel instantly warm...and a second 'Ski-Dri' waterproof layer means that hands still feel warm and dry even if the gloves get wet. The outer leather layer has a reinforced palm to help with digging. Verdict - 4 Stars."
Tried and Tested - Gloves, Gardens Monthly magazine, February 2009

Paper Potter: Use this gadget to make your own biodegradable seedling pots from old newspaper. Genius!
‘Gardening for Less: 10 Under £10’CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), February 2009

Once you buy a tool belt, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one. Gardening for Less: 10 Under £10, CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), February 2009

Showa Thermo Gloves - "These gloves offer a different but increasingly popular solution to keeping hands warm and protected in the garden. A cosy acrylic/cotton/polyester knit liner is coated with latex on the palms and fingers to provide good protection, waterproofing and grip. Easy to machine wash at 40°C. Verdict - 4 Stars."
Tried and Tested - Gloves, Gardens Monthly magazine, February 2009

Crop Covers - A selection of handy aids to give plants a little extra cosseting - Plant House Hardwood... from Harrod Horticultural"
Equipment Guide, Gardens Monthly, February 2009

Kitchen Garden Cloche – “...round domed shaped and open-and-close air vent...I liked the handle on top, making it easy to manoeuvre, and the dark-painted metal frame."
Cloches on Test, English Garden magazine, February 2009

If your true love has a practical side, this good looking stainless steel tool with beautiful ash handle will surely hit the spot. Incurable romantics can get a message engraved onto the trowel blade. Sneeboer Heart-shaped Trowel… including an engraving up to 75 characters.
‘I Heart You’, CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), February 2009

Mini Greenhouse Cloche – “These rigid...stackable cloches...create a roomy growing space with snug-fitting end panels. Secured to the ground with metal ground pegs, they feel quite substantial..."
Cloches on Test, English Garden magazine, February 2009

Easy Poly Tunnel – “With a series of thin galvanised metal hoops as supports and 'anchoring' legs, it concertinas up when not in use."  
Cloches on Test, English Garden magazine, February 2009

RHS Clogs - "These were extremely soft, comfortable and flatteringly shaped; they also had good, thick soles with a wellie-like tread..." Boots on Test, The English Garden, January 2009

Tumbleweed: ‘If you make just one resolution this year, make it a gardening one: to compost. All you need is a corner of the garden that gets a bit of sun and a daily dose of organic waste. Say yes to: veg peelings, tea bags, coffee grinds, eggshells, egg cartons, a bit of shredded newspaper and softish prunings. Say no to: meat or cooked food, perennial weeds, really woody prunings (unless they’ve been through a shredder – see Jobs to Do Now) and an overload of grass clippings… and then if it looks dry, turn occasionally. A few months down the line, you’ll have crumbly, sweet smelling compost that’s rocket fuel for plants. For a speedy alternative (and a guaranteed way to get the kids involved), try this Tumbleweed Compost Tumbler from Harrod Horticultural… With a quick spin every other day, you’ll have compost in just four weeks!’
‘Green Zone’, CSMA (Civil Service Motoring Association), January 2009

"Invest in a heated propagator - the Vitopod is state-of-the-art and was voted Best Buy by BBC Gardeners' World magazine - and you will be able to coddle seedlings into an early start this spring." 'Sow Seeds of Summer' - Plan now for a riot of colour in the garden and bring the warmer months closer, Patti Barron, Evening Standard (Homes and Property) 14 Jan 2008

Pro-Seeder - "A nifty gadget to help you sow seeds - particularly very small ones - in an efficient and accurate way. Simply squeeze the green air bulb to pick up the seed, and transfer it to the soil. At 11cm long, the Pro-Seeder is ideal for sowing begonia, lobelia and onion seeds, as well as many other flower and vegetable seeds." Get Growing, The English Garden magazine, January 2009

3 OF THE BEST WEBSITES FOR GARDEN TOOLS - www.harrodhorticultural.co.uk - An extensive range of garden tools for all essential gardening tasks.
Grow Your Own magazine, News and Media section, January 2009

PR June - Dec 2008 >>