Monty Don has named the single tool he 'never goes into the garden without': a pair of secateurs. The 70-year-old Gardeners' World host described himself as a 'tool obsessive' who feels 'underequipped' if he has fewer than 30 tools, but he insists secateurs are indispensable.
In a clip on the Gardeners' World YouTube channel, Don explained that he prefers Japanese-made secateurs for their sharpness and comfort. 'I never go into the garden without a pair of secateurs,' he said, advising gardeners to choose a pair that is small enough for a pocket or holster but large enough to cut effectively. He warned against over-gearing them and suggested having both a light and a heavy-duty pair.
Beyond secateurs, Don highlighted other essential tools. He has owned a bespoke spade since 1990, which he 'won't let anyone else touch' and predicts will last a lifetime. He also recommended investing in a quality trowel with a flat blade, which he uses constantly, and a decent pair of shears, describing their use as a 'delight' in any garden.
Don returns to screens with Gardeners' World on 24 April, where he will be planting lemons in containers, working in his woodland garden, and potting summer bulbs.
