Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned gardening expert, has shared valuable advice for gardeners in his latest YouTube series, “Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh.” During a recent episode, he emphasized the importance of using tools correctly while recalling a cautionary experience from his time at horticultural college.
In discussing fundamental gardening tools, Titchmarsh highlighted the spade as an essential implement for tasks such as planting trees, shrubs, and border perennials. He also underscored its role in earthing up potatoes. Transitioning to another vital tool, the rake, he delivered a crucial safety warning aimed at preventing potential injuries.
While demonstrating the rake, Titchmarsh pointed out the common mistake of leaning it with the teeth facing upward. He advised viewers: “Never, ever, ever put a rake like that because you’ll tread on it and it’ll come up and whack you in the eye.” He further explained the correct way to position the rake, ensuring that it remains safe to use.
Reflecting on his past, Titchmarsh recounted a moment when a lecturer at horticultural college reprimanded him for misusing the rake. “He said, ‘The rake is not for breaking down soil. That’s what a fork is for. The rake is for levelling and you only need a few strokes across the ground to make it level with a rake,’” Titchmarsh recalled.
In addition to discussing the traditional rake, he introduced his audience to the springbok rake, which features wire tines. He described this tool as “the nearest we get to a musical instrument in the garden,” noting its specific purpose for removing dead grass, thatch, and moss from lawns.
For leaf collection, Titchmarsh recommended using a plastic or rubber-toothed rake. He described these types as “much more giving” and effective for sweeping up leaves without getting stuck in the grass. He stated that if he could only choose one rake, it would be this type for its efficiency in both leaf collection and soil levelling.
In a light-hearted moment, Titchmarsh also expressed his personal preferences regarding certain tree species. He noted his lack of fondness for the weeping birch, stating, “Personally, I don’t like it very much,” but acknowledged its suitability for smaller gardens. He suggested Young’s weeping birch for compact spaces and jacquemontii for larger areas.
Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Titchmarsh continues to inspire both novice and experienced gardeners to enhance their skills while ensuring safety in the garden. His YouTube series serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering a community of garden enthusiasts eager to learn and grow.
