Enjoying something of a salad revival, Spinach is probably most well-known for allegedly giving Popeye super-human strength - but it's the vitamin C and calcium contained in the dark green leaves of our organic F1 Palco variety which is proving popular with vegetable gardeners. Resistant to four strains of downy mildew, this variety can be sown almost all year round and is delicious added to salads in 'baby leaf' form or as mature leaves. Supplied in packets of 250 seeds.
• Packet of 250 seeds • Seeds certified organic by the Soil Association • Spinach can be sown almost all year round; from mid-winter to early autumn • Late sowings (early autumn) will overwinter for spring harvest • Crop takes between 10-12 weeks to mature during main season • Can be harvested as tender 'baby leaves' or left to grow • Suitable as a 'cut and come again' crop • Sow seed 8cm apart and leave 30cm between rows • Sow in a fertile soil capable of retaining water • Choose a sunny aspect with partial summer shade for best results
Work to rule and keep your seeds on the straight and narrow with this very useful Sneeboer Long Handled Rulemaker; 168cm (5'6") of hoe-typed tool perfect for creating long, even furrows for sowing or planting seedlings. Manufactured by hand in their own inimitiable style by Dutch tool making masters Sneeboer, the pointed and angled 15cm (6") deep blade carefully draws out a furrow for seeds and thanks to the long ash handle, painful back and knee aches caused by the usual bending or kneeling whilst working are eliminated. Endorsed by well-known garden writer Helen Yemm, the Rulemaker lends itself prefectly to the 'long reach' technique and allows you to work effectively and in comfort.
• Handle made from ash wood • Blade measures 15cm(6") in depth • Overall length 168cm • Manfactured by hand in Holland • Offers comfort when working thanks to long handle • Easy to use with a 'long reach' technique (see below) • No more bending or kneeling when drawing out furrows • Blade both angled and pointed • Can also be used for weeding • Adept at breaking up compacted soil • Perfectly balanced and comfortable to use • Acclaimed by Helen Yemm, top garden writer
Long Reach Technique Using the 'long reach' with this super long, lightweight tool will help you to work in comfort and more effectively. Standing side on to the plot just follow this simple handling tip: the rear hand grips the end of the tool handle with thumb aligned along the shaft at about waist height and work backwards and forwards. The leading hand grips the tool part way along the shaft and presses down. Remember the other golden rules; • Keep back straight - don't stoop • Push/pull with the arms, never the back • Slightly bend and flex the knees
What the Experts Say:
"...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