Hi, I’m Chris from Hampshire Market Garden, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favourite tools from last growing season with you.
As a market gardener, having reliable tools is key to staying efficient and ensuring the crops thrive. These tools were real game-changers for me, and all of them are available right here on ReAg Tools:
1. The Broadfork
The broadfork is an essential tool for preparing the soil without disturbing its structure. I used it extensively to aerate compacted beds, which improved root development and water infiltration. Unlike a rotavator, the broadfork keeps the soil biology intact—a win for soil health and the crops. It’s sturdy and comfortable to use, even on heavier soils, making it my go-to for prepping new beds and revitalising old ones.
2. Double Wheel Hoe with Lelievre Blades
I can’t say enough about the double wheel hoe with Lelievre blades. It’s the perfect combination for precise and efficient weeding. The Lelievre blades slice just below the surface, making quick work of weeds while preserving the soil. I found this tool especially helpful in keeping paths and rows clean, and the double wheels provide excellent stability, even on uneven terrain. It’s a must-have for any serious grower.
3. 3.25” Stirrup Hoe
When it comes to tackling weeds in tighter spaces, the 3.25” stirrup hoe was my best friend. Its slim blade allowed me to get right up close to crops without causing damage. The oscillating action is brilliant for cutting through weed roots quickly and efficiently. It’s lightweight but durable, making it a joy to use during those long weeding sessions.
4. Solar Irrigation Pump (Futurepump SF2)
I’m a big fan of sustainable practices, plus we have no mains-power in our field, so the solar irrigation pump was a no-brainer. This pump allowed me to draw water from tanks to irrigate the beds without relying on mains electricity or petrol. It’s powerful enough to handle multiple drip lines, and it’s great knowing we aren't using any fuels or carbon while keeping the crops hydrated. If you’re looking to save on energy costs and embrace eco-friendly methods, this is a fantastic investment.
5. Opinel x Grower’s Co. No. 10 Harvest Knife
Finally, the Opinel harvest knife became an indispensable part of my toolkit. Its sharp, ergonomic design made harvesting quick and precise, whether it was lettuce, courgettes, or butternut squash. I appreciated how comfortable it was to hold during long harvest days, and the blade stayed sharp even after heavy use. It’s a small tool that delivers big results every single day.
These tools didn’t just make my work easier—they helped me grow better crops, faster. If you’re a market gardener or even a home grower looking to up your game, I highly recommend checking these out.
Huge thanks to Reag Tools for offering such high-quality equipment—it’s made a real difference at Hampshire Market Garden.
Happy growing!
Chris
Hampshire Market Garden
hampshiremarketgarden.co.uk