Hello and welcome to The Compost Bin. I'm Compostwoman and I live with my family in rural Herefordshire. We have nearly four acres of garden and woodland, all managed organically and to Permaculture principles, which we share with Chickens, Cats and assorted wildlife. We also grow a lot of our own food, run courses in all sorts of things and make a lot of compost!

I am a Master Composter and have spent more than a decade as a volunteer Community Compost adviser with Garden Organic and my local Council.
I'm a self employed Environmental Educator so I run workshops and events where I talk about compost, veg growing, chicken keeping, cooking, preserving and sustainable living. I also run crafts workshops and Forest School/outdoor play sessions in our wood.

We try to live a more self sufficient lifestyle here, as best we can, while still having a comfortable life and lots of fun.


To learn more about us click on the About Compostwoman tab and remember to click on the photos to make them full size!


Wednesday 26 April 2017

Product review - Ratchet secateurs and Tool Tidy from Qwerkity


I was recently sent some garden items to review, which was actually great timing as I spent the day outside finally doing some pruning and tidying up!



First up are these very useful rachet secateurs. I found them comfortable and easy to use, switching between rachet and single cut mode at the flick of a switch.  They were easier to use in rachet mode and certainly I felt my dodgy wrists benefited from the rachet action



The only very small quibble I had was that they did seem to open rather more than any of my other secateurs - I had to really stretch my fingers to hold them and reach the handle (see above) 
However this wasn't uncomfortable, just different. 


Qwerkity's website has this to say 
Make light work of pruning with these 2-in-1 Ratchet Secateurs. Lightweight and easy to use, they are perfect for cutting back and dead-heading roses, clematis and all types of plants and shrubs.Designed in the UK and expertly crafted by hand, the secateurs can be changed from single cut to ratchet mode at the flick of a switch. Beautifully crafted with super-sharp non-stick carbon steel blades, and soft grip handles, they are ideal for anyone with limited hand mobility or who suffers from arthritis.
In single cut mode the secateurs snip with ease through stems up to 18mm thick. In ratchet mode, the scissor action cuts through thicker stems up to 22mm with virtually no effort at all. There’s a safety lock to prevent accidents when not in use and an oil sponge for keeping the blades in perfect condition.
20cm long. 18+ 5 year guarantee £14.99



The other item I was sent was this rather nice William Morris Tool Tidy . I love the pattern and it's a good size to put hand tools in, with useful pockets on the outside for seed packets etc.  I did at first think that, with all the things I have to do here at Compost Mansions, it  would be a bit small to take all the stuff I use  - I tend to need a wheelbarrow to cart around all the tools, seeds, etc I  need when working in the garden!

But I have actually found it very useful, particularly for times when I am pottering around weeding the patio containers or herb beds or for taking a load of seed packets out to the polytunnel..

So, if you wanted to buy a present for a gardener, I think it would be a thoughtful and welcome gift.

There are other items in this William Morris pattern on the website also.

Qwerkity's website has this to say 


Take your tools with you as you work your way round the garden. A beautifully elegant accessory for any lady gardener, this sophisticated tool tidy is printed with William Morris's ever popular Strawberry Thief. Crafted in strong cotton canvas with faux leather carry handles, it has plenty of space for all your garden essentials. Four pockets in the front of the bag offer a handy home for secateurs, dibbers, trowels and more.26 x 12 x 25.5cm. £14.99


You can find these items and many more useful gardening gifts and items on Qwerkity's website. Go and have a look!



Disclaimer. I was sent these items to review. All opinions are my own and I was not paid to write this post.

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