How deep should the post hole be and should there be gravel at the bottom of the hole? A–For solid support, the post hole should go down to the frost line (usually 30 or 36 inches).

Now I call a spade a spade, but if you want to dig a hole, you need a shovel and if it's at ground level, make sure your tool has a long handle. This will save you from bending.

A gardener who was bed-ridden for three weeks after an injury excavating a vegetable patch has invented a double-handed spade which he claims takes the back-breaking work out of digging. Ivan ...

Tools needed include a wheelbarrow, spade, fork, rake, some dolomite to sweeten the soil, a general purpose fertiliser and the most important ingredient - a balanced compost.