Which is better – a cordless trimmer, a mains hedge trimmer or a petrol powered machine?
Martin Allen, Guildford It depends on the size of your hedging and on your strength. I love petrol trimmers because they cut through anything – but they’re heavy, tough to start and they vibrate so much that users are in danger of suffering from ‘white finger’. Electric trimmers don’t have as much ‘bite’ as petrol-driven ones and mains ones have the added risk of users cutting through the cable (I’ve done it but luckily I’d installed a circuit breaker which meant I didn’t get a shock). Of course, if the hedges are a long way from the power supply, a mains trimmer is a bad option. Cordless trimmers are OK but you’ll need to choose a powerful one – and they can be heavy too. Is it too late to sow cucumbers and, if not, can you recommend a good variety that doesn’t get mildew? Millie King, St Albans Passandra should do the trick – female, tasty cucumbers and resistance to all the usual diseases. You can buy them as small plants from various sources, including Dobies – http://dobies.haluy.
