TOOLS FOR THE JOB

New or old, tools that are treated with a little TLC will make life in the garden easier and more productive. Now's the time to give them the consideration they deserve

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Tools have a sacred space in the gardening world. Perhaps you have a favourite pair of secateurs (although never get too attached as the garden has a habit of swallowing them up)? Maybe you inherited your dad's spade, or you have a collection of tools hung with ornamental precision on the wall of your shed?

With more idle time, these winter months are great for sorting through your kit. Check the blades and handles and work out what you need to repair or replace. I still get childishly excited by a new piece of kit - there's a lot of charm in a fine blade and a beautifully crafted handle. But the choice can sometimes seem overwhelming - is there really a tool for every job? And are those new, improved shape-shifting items, that claim to do more than one thing, really worth it?