There are many garden gadgets for sale, and many are not very useful or are so specialized that they are not worth getting. However, there is one gadget I find particularly handy and use all the time in the garden. It is called a tool or garden bucket caddy and is used, among other things, to carry your tools around, but it has also various other uses.
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| Caddy over a bucket with knee pad inside |
This caddy is supposed to be slipped over a plastic bucket. In fact, it works better with two buckets. You need a second, smaller bucket to fit inside the first one on which you have fitted the caddy. That way, you can use the first one to carry tools but also to weed. You put the weeds in the smaller bucket that you have fitted inside the larger one. When you are finished weeding, you tip over the contents on the compost heap, without having all the tools fall off. My model has 16 pockets outside, more than I can use. It has inside pockets as well, but I never put anything in these as it would interfere with the smaller bucket.
With such a bucket, you have all your small tools with you all the time. If you are weeding and realize you require your pruners, or a length of string to tie up a plant, you have both with you. You don't need to go all the way back to your tool shed all the time. One thing I always carry, but which is too big for the various pockets of the caddy, is a knee pad. I simply put it inside the bucket. Many of the tools I store in this bucket are the ones you would expect, such as secateurs, string, dibber, knife etc.
However, I have a few tools that you might not be familiar with. One of the these, which I use most often, is a old table knife. This is a very useful tool to weed between stones or in very narrow places. It is easily mislaid, so the bucket is perfect for it. I carry two trowels, a regular one and a narrow one (pictured above) which is much more useful and, because it is narrow, much sturdier.
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Another unusual tool is a chop stick. I do have a dibber I can use to plant bulbs or onions. But when you are planting or transplanting very small plants that have recently sprouted, a chop stick is particularly helpful. I used to have a small metal tool that was meant just for that. However, I long ago lost it. If I lose a chop stick, it is cheaply and easily replaced.
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I've just bought some kneelers that I fasten to my legs. The trouble is that my legs aren't wide enough and the pads slip down. A longer strip of velcro would have made the pads more one size fits all but maybe the think kneeling pads should be man sized!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. It must really save on time out in the garden. Who wants to keep going back for things when all you have to do is make a list of what you require and pack your caddy. Knee pads help the bones last a little longer too, all that bending down on hard ground takes it's toll over the years I guess.
ReplyDeleteWe use the multiple bucket trick, too. One for all the handy tools, two for weeds, three grandchildren to carry them, although one can bring all three in one trip. I have a garden kneeler/stool, but since I can only use it as a stool it is generally referred to as Grandma's throne.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteThis would come in handy around our garden as well. Thanks for sharing Alain.
ReplyDeleteWHat a great idea!! I am always losing tools around the garden. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a garden tote bag designed for that purpose but it usually just acts as a storage space. I like the idea of using a big bucket and occasionally do so. But what I use most often is my pockets. :o)
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea. Have a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly more colourful than my plain-ol' bucket. And maybe if every tool in my bucket had its own pocket, I wouldn't have lost my grass shears this summer. :(
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good way of keeping track of equipment. I'm forever misplacing my secateurs or trowel. I keep spare secateurs to use until I can find my misplaced pair! Eventually, they show up...right where I left them. Sheri
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