Hi

I've just got an allotment and have already picked up some useful tips here from an earlier thread on what to do first.

Has anyone got any tips about the essential equipment?  I've got a spade and something that looks like a giant comb on a stick.

Does anyone know where I can pick up inexpensive, used or free equipment (trowel, wheel barrow, etc.)?  

Thank you for any help

It depends where you are based.

e-bay will cost you as you have to pay for postage - Unless you can pick up localy. Then there's Freecycle Harrow - people give away stuff they no longer want and you get it all for free!

If you are near a local Horticultural Society or Trading Hut then they can often do a good deal on some items (membership is usually only a nominal £2).

It is worth spending some money and getting a good Fork and Spade (and B&Q usually do a reasonably priced wheelbarrow) as you are going to use them constantly and they will pay for themselves.

Go for ones with a smooth surfice - it's hard to believe but having a fork or spade made from a rough metal (or painted and thus rough surfaced) really makes it harder to work the soil. It sticks to the surface more when ideally you want the mud just to slide off.

Hope this is of some help to you - good luck with it!

Hi Alice

Thanks so much for your reply.  We will look into all those routes.  We do have quite a smooth spade and a good rake so that's a good start.

Have a successful season !

Rahul