BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP
It is easy to believe that some simple tools really don’t require thought and cannot be improved, but honestly nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst the Emerson quote on building a better mousetrap is often repeated (and usually wrongly) there are hundreds of patents for new mousetraps (although they are definitely not always better). As smallholders who are basically modern peasants, we find a massive difference in simple hand tools. Spades are a classic example.
Most garden spades are made far too short for both of us and involve back aching crouches to dig in and lift. A long-handled spade is nothing new (indeed my favourite Devon spade is an ancient pattern) but the design massively increases productivity and comfort. The same logic applies to wheelbarrows. Some designs are much more efficient and more comfortable to use. There are also some that are much better made! The barrow on the bottom right was an internet “bargain” with wheel struts so flimsy that they bend if it is filled with gravel! It is now relegated to being a mixing tub for mortar and concrete, so whatever style suits best, quality is always worth looking for.
SIZE DOES MATTER, BUT BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2025-Ausgabe von The Country Smallholder.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Share in the therapy sheep experience
The chance to win one of ten books in a series designed to empower young minds where 'Merlin finds his magic'
What uses are their for cockerels?
In this issue we want to touch on a subject that may ruffle a few feathers, but as a national charity helping 60,000 hens year in and year out we believe the topic merits some hard facts and an appeal for your support as readers of a popular poultry magazine.
All About Grafting - an historic form of propagation
Lee Senior explains the top technique for gaining increased vigour, disease resistance, yield and speed
Time to get seed sowing
Kings Seeds give a guide to a flourishing veg patch that starts in spring
Welcome to our feature on alpacas!
We've asked experts to share their knowledge with us on keeping alpacas, their handling and their fleeces.
Getting Your Bees!
Claire Waring looks at how you can obtain your first colony and become a beekeeper.
The springtime pecking order
Spring brings new life and fresh challenges to the coop. Cara Wheeldon discovers how to smoothly introduce new birds, curb bullying, and keep your flock happy and harmonious with help from expert advice.
Keep the date of Sunday 8th June free for an Open Farm Sunday near you
But could you open your smallholding or farm and take part in this event that brings farmers and consumers together?
A wheelbarrow is an essential tool on any smallholding, but what is the best choice for a smallholder?
Wheelbarrows come in all shapes, sizes (and price ranges too). After years of rusted tubs, flat tyres and strained muscles, Hugh and Fiona have distilled the right choice of wheelbarrow into five simple choices.
The Hamburgh, an old British light breed from the North
Victoria Roberts BVSc MRCVS tells how Yorks and Lancs came together to produce an attractive breed and a useful layer
