The £15 essential tool every gardener needs – and no, it's not secateurs or a trowel

With so many jobs to do in the garden every month, having the right tools on hand is essential. But often the most valuable tools are overlooked, according to our resident gardener.

While you might think you've got all the essential gardening tools, when cracking on with your October garden jobs, there's one that is likely missing. With so much pruning, deadheading and cutting back this season, a tool sharpener is the most important instrument to have.

"The most important thing to do is sharpen your tools often. I think that's probably one of the things professional gardeners do differently; we sharpen them all the time," says our Resident Gardener, Orpheus Alexander.

If you've noticed your tools are blunt when you're sorting your garden out, Orpheus has a personal recommendation to help.

"There are some incredible sharpening implements out there; I use a Spear & Jackson one, which you sort of pull through with open secateurs. You get nice clean cuts on your plants, and everything is done neater," Orpheus adds.

And if you're looking to upgrade your other tools, he's also walked us through his most used and loved shears, spades and more.

"I often get asked what tools you need to maintain your garden; these are they," he continues.

These garden tools are well worth decluttering your shed for, and the investment saves you a lot of time and effort with your gardening for years to come.

"You might notice I don't have a hand fork on the table here, and I'll explain to you why. When I'm weeding, I use a hori hori and one of these Niwaki weeding hoes. Between the two of them, they're absolutely fantastic; I don't ever use a hand fork anymore," points out Orpheus.

"The hori hori is a big ol' hunk of metal, and for getting in those deep tap roots, this thing is absolutely amazing," he says.

If you're looking for something to help you deadhead your plants properly or streamline your pruning, Orpheus also has you covered.

"When it comes to the rest, which is mainly cutting things, I've got the Niwaki hand shears. These are so sharp, really satisfying to use; they do an incredible job, and they're lightweight as well, which is great," he explains.

"Another pair of slightly smaller hand shears from Darlac, great for doing edging on the lawn, or for pruning the sort of lighter stuff," Orpheus says.

"My absolutely favourite secateurs are these Niwaki ones, brilliant. My new favourite, I've not had this very long; I think it might be a little late to the party with these, but these little snips are so brilliant. I tend to pick these up more often nowadays; they're really sharp and lightweight, great for smaller pruning," he finishes.

So whether you're deadheading your hydrangeas or planting tulip bulbs, you're now fully equipped for any job the garden throws at you.