Best buy 20/20
The Joseph Bentley planter has strong, traditional good looks
Stainless Steel Planter
£30.49
Tel 01905 791984
Build 5
Has a thick stainless steel head to guard against rust and ‘V’ shaped moulding for strength. Smooth ‘T’ shaped FSC approved ash handle. Overall length 391⁄2in (100cm). The head is 31⁄2in (9cm) wide and 6in (15cm) deep.
Features 5
Excellent treads and deeply notched edge to cut while twisting. The tapered head is calibrated in inches and centimetres up to 4in (10cm). Also makes a hole large enough to lift the contents of a 3in (7.5cm) pot. Comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Performance 5
With its shiny polished finish, this tool positively slid into the ground with only one foot to drive it in. The flat tread was comfortable underfoot and the handle had a lovely feel. Made a good sized, neat hole even in grass, and the depth scale was easy to read.
Value 5
Wins hands down! Super strong construction, well designed and a sound buy.
Others on test were:
* Stainless steel bulb planter by Sneeboer 18/20 £57.95 (p&p £4.95) from Harrod Horticultural code GGT368. Tel. 0845 402 5300 www.harrodhorticultural.com
* Steel bulb planter from the Bulldog Premier Range 11/20. £67.80. Tel. 01279 401570 www.bulldogtools.co.uk
* Carbon steel planter from Yeoman 13/20 £9.99. Tel. 0121 504 2700 www.yeomangarden.co.uk
* Chrome-plated carbon steel planter by Draper Tools 14/20 £10.99. Tel.023 8049 4333 www.drapertools.com
* Carbon steel double handed planter from Garden Gear (Online) Ltd. 18/20 £51 (p&p £5) Tel. 01476 576541 www.garden-gear.co.uk