what gadgets & accessories do you recommend for others?

[dtw]

I used some poly pots last year I bought on ebay.
They are like little bags with drainage holes.
You can get 15 in a standard seed tray if you don't overfill them.

They can be re-used too and fold flat for storage so they don't take up loads
of space like normal pots do.

I just had a look on ebay and found the ones I bought last year.
They are the same price too!!! :D.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/50x-Black-Polypots-3-Brand-New-Poly-Pots_W0QQitemZ130082083509QQihZ003QQcategoryZ20515QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is there anything you would recommend?

[dtw]

[quizzical1]

Had a look at that link, and see the seller has them on at  a buy now price of £1.99 for 50.

Exactly the same item available from NAKays for £1.99 for 100.

They also do larger sizes, one of which we use for growing toms and cues in the greenhouse. They are the the ones that are 12" diameter when filled. A bit more expensive at £8.50 for 50, but as you said, they are reusable.

They also do huge ones suitable for growing potatoes in at 22" diameter, costing£17.80 for 50.

[Amazin]

I use Wilkos breeding pots:

3" (8cm) dia. x 72 - 99p
4" (10.5cm) dia. x 48 - 99p

[Jeannine]

Jiffy  7 expandable discs, case of 2000 from Kays for less than £60 XX Jeannine

[davy1]

I use the dentists dust bin loads of plastic cups for nowt. Used once and thrown away

[Kea]

I couldn't do without my mattock. If my children help me they fight over it so now I've bought an azada. I only got that yesterday so don't know how good it is yet.

[artichoke]

I like a hand tool with three prongs that I can use to scratch out weeds among shallots and onions and leeks, loosen the surface of the soil and break up small lumps. Yes, you have to bend, but I find the look of the soil very satisfying when I've done it for a few minutes before moving onto something else more upright. I bought a new one, then found a 50p one in a market, so have one at each allotment for a quick rummage round. I call it the Claw From Outer Space, but I don't know what its real name is.

[flowerlady]

A pre-marked measuring yard/metre stick ;)

A pre-marked dibber :)

An abundant supply of loo rolls with tea bags to stop the ends!! :D

... and a never-ending supply of insect repellant  ;D

[sawfish]

I love my cheap leaf rake, one of those that fold up.

http://www.luxspan.com/product/upload/Grass%20Rake/rake01.jpg

Its great for the obvious but I also use it for raking small stones off the surface of the soil. You can adjust the holes on the end to the size of the stones you want to rake up.

I also love my small spade which is sized between a spade and a trowel.

[cornykev]

My Grandads old trench spade.   ;D ;D ;D

[kt.]

Hartleys jellys. They are in ready made cartons, ideal for kids. The cartons are a little larger than small plant pots. And stronger too. Excellent mini plant pots for seedlings. Tougher, stronger and more durable than yoghurt pots.

[hazelize_uk]

I couldn't do without my mattock. If my children help me they fight over it so now I've bought an azada. I only got that yesterday so don't know how good it is yet.

just looked them two up as i didn't know what they were! but now i really want them!! they are going on the list  ;D

[quizzical1]

hazel_ize uk,
If the soil on your plot is the same as mine, unless it's really compacted, I wouldn't have thought you would need a mattock.

[hazelize_uk]

it is ok on the plot but at home its like solid concrete!!! the azada looks lovely for the plot tho - have you seen berts three pronged thingy its really old but a fantastic looking thing his plot looks like a smooth ploughed fields wish you could still get them!

[Froglegs]

My onion hoe, and if you have a bad back like me a small spade and fork, and a woolly hat. ;D

[Kea]

An abundant supply of loo rolls with tea bags to stop the ends!! :D

Teabags! Thanks Flowerlady. I was using toilet rolls for the first time on Sunday and struck the obvious problem. Now I know the solution. Brilliant.