We’ve found the perfect pair of secateurs suited to gardeners and green-thumbed enthusiasts who struggle to find the strength needed for certain pruning jobs – and right now, they’re on sale
With summer well and truly over, it’s time to start thinking about preparing gardens and outdoor spaces for the winter months ahead. A spot of preparation now can save a heap of effort come spring, while helping to protect everything from plants to patio furniture.
One expert suggests that if your outdoor space is compact, you’ll only need a handful of essential items.
Speaking exclusively to the Express.co.uk, Norwegian gardening guru Didrik Dimmen from Auk reveals: “In my experience, starting with a hand trowel and fork is ideal for dividing perennials and planting bulbs, especially in small spaces or containers. For pruning, a sharp pair of secateurs is always invaluable. Making precise cuts helps prepare plants for dormancy through the winter.”
For anyone who finds the strength needed for certain pruning jobs challenging, we’ve discovered these Votrek garden secateurs from Amazon, reports the Express.
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They’re specifically designed for those dealing with stiffness or arthritis in their hands. What’s more, they’re currently slashed from £25.98 to £19.99.
According to the manufacturer, the Votrek arthritis-friendly secateurs, available in green, orange and black, boast an ergonomic design that cuts down on the grip force needed to make cuts. The handles are padded and contoured for comfort, helping to reduce strain. The blade is angled to require less effort, meaning gardeners don’t need to squeeze quite so firmly.
They also feature a ratchet mechanism, enabling users to make cuts in stages – particularly handy for tougher stems. One chuffed customer penned: “The handles are comfortable and easy to squeeze, requiring very little effort compared to standard pruners. The blades are sharp and cut cleanly through stems and small branches without crushing them. They feel sturdy, well-made, and lightweight, making them easy to use for longer gardening sessions.”
Another shopper noted: “Bought these as my hands don’t have the strength to snip off the pruning anymore, and these have allowed me to carry on more easily.”
A third chimed in that the orange hue of this pair was a draw and “make them stand out so they are easier to see when you put them down, and there is a wrist strap already attached if you need it.”
One reviewer mentioned that while they considered them “decent quality,” they questioned the sharpness for the toughest jobs: “The blade isn’t as sharp as it could be…for heavy-duty jobs, I would suggest sharpening it some more.”
According to Didrik, pruning is one of the most vital tasks a thoughtful gardener can undertake. He asserts: “Pruning is essential for keeping plants healthy and encouraging strong growth. It can often be overlooked, but if you prune little and regularly, it can be very low maintenance and make a huge difference.
“Winter is all about tidying and protecting rather than heavy pruning. Start with sharp clean tools and remove anything dead or diseased. It’s important to avoid cutting the top flat and keep the base of the shrub wider so sunlight can reach the lower branches so that you don’t end up with bare, leggy stems.
“Tender plants such as fuchsias, pelargoniums or salvias shouldn’t be pruned too much now as fresh growth can be vulnerable to frost. It’s best to leave them with some top growth for protection and do the harder prune in spring.”
Another pair of budget-friendly pruners is up for grabs from B&Q with these Burgon & Ball Dark Wood Bypass Secateurs, which sell for £24. Or, for those gardeners who don’t mind splashing a bit more cash, John Lewis offers these Niwaki GR Pro Right-Handed Garden Secateurs for £84.