Christmas Gift Ideas For Grow Your Own Gardeners

The grow-your-own bubble shows no signs of bursting with forecasts for even higher sales of seeds and plants as well as fruit and vegetable growing sundries in 2011. Anyone wanting to treat themselves or looking for Christmas gift ideas for friends, relatives and fellow gardeners need not be spoiled for choice this Yuletide. The following is just a selection from what’s available.

Labels That Won’t Get Lost

Most plant labels become hidden under a mass of mature vegetation. Burgon and Ball’s recently launched giant hardwood labels get over this problem. Measuring 30cm in length they can be used to identify plants in rows or containers. The pre-printed collection includes basil, parsley, tomato, beetroot and carrot at ¬£2.49p per label. Plain labels at 3.95 for a pack of five are cheaper and more flexible. They can be lightly sand papered and re-used for a different crop.

Containers for use in Small Spaces

Fruit and vegetable growing in small spaces such as patios, balconies and roof terraces is catered for with Burgon and Ball’s ‘Home Allotment Willow Planters’. Available in rectangular or round shape these flat pack willow containers are available in a variety of sizes to suit a range of crops including herbs, salads and potatoes. Costing ¬£19.95p the rectangular salad planter is 70cm wide x 35cm deep and 30cm high. To complement this container the company have recently introduced the home allotment ‘Greenhouse Cover’ made from heavy duty clear polypropylene which has been designed to extend the growing season by creating a warm mini-micro climate.

A Novel Introduction to Maximize the Growing Area Where Space is Limited

The ‘Ladder Allotment Company’ targets owners of tiny gardens as well as those on allotment waiting lists who can’t wait to start picking their own produce. Ladder Allotments with their unique racking system look like wide step ladders. Made from pressure-treated soft wood they come with 3, 4 or 5 tiers. The 5 tier model provides up to 5 metres of growing space and costs ¬£42.99p. These units can be leant against sheds, walls or fences. There is a free standing version of the 3 tier unit which is designed to be moved around to suit the individual needs of plants and the weather conditions. The company recently introduced re-usable polypropylene hanging bags for use with their ladders. The 3 tier free-standing unit plus bags sells for ¬£57.99p. Ladder Allotments can be seen in use at prestigious gardens such as RHS Wisley and The O(ld Vicarage at East Ruston.

A New Walk in Netted Tunnel Called A Wonderwall

Gardeners with either an allotment or a large kitchen garden surely be tempted by ‘The Walk-in Wonderwall’. At a height of 1.9 metres in the centre this netted brassica/vegetable tunnel is described as an affordable alternative to polytunnels. The pvc frame is covered with heavy duty netting to keep out garden pests and reduce wind speed.. Weeding and watering is easily carried out from inside the tunnel. The makers claim it can be assembled in 3 hours and it’s easily dismantled and repositioned. Available in standard widths of 3.5 metres a 5 metre long version costs a very reasonable ¬£209.00.

So Treat Yourself or Better Still A Friend to One of These Grow Your Own Garden Aids

Any of the above products is bound to bring joy if given or received at Christmas. But that is just the beginning. The real pleasure comes with the growing and harvesting of the crops these gifts will help to produce.