Planting times for vegetables and other annual plants vary from species to species. In much of United States prime consideration is date of last spring frost/freeze. Many vegetables can be planted up to four weeks before last frost, while others need to wait until a couple of weeks after frost.

Another consideration is date of first fall frost/freeze. In northern latitudes, where summers can be short, length of time some vegetable species take to reach maturity (most notably tomatoes and peppers) make it necessary to plant vegetable seeds indoors and then transplant seedlings outside at appropriate time.

Other vegetables and fruits, such as winter squashes and some melon varieties, seem to do better when planted as seeds directly where they are going to stay. With maturation times up to twelve weeks, it may be critical to get vegetable seeds planted as early as it is safe to do. If you have a short growing season, and wish to grow these crops, choose vegetable varieties that will reach maturity within a safe time period for your area.

There are also numerous manufactures both at home and abroad and of course a vast range of models to choose from. And all with different prices and specification. This guide is an attempt to give you a little more understanding of range of wheelbarrows available and help you decide which is best.

History

Chuko Liang (181-234 A.D.) is considered to have invented wheelbarrow as a way to move injured soldiers from battle. The wheelbarrow did not exist in Europe before eleventh or twelfth century (earliest depiction is in Chartres Cathedral).

Wheelbarrow design has not really changed much in almost a thousand years. James Dyson inventor of cyclone vacuum cleaner developed ballbarrow marrying suburban kitsch with ease of use. Much more recently America car giant Daimler Chrysler has developed an innovative range of wheelbarrows featuring flat-free tyres, long-life wheel bearing and longer handles for easier lifting.

Types of wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows can be characterised into several different types dependent on likely use for barrow. These types or categories include:

• The Basic garden wheelbarrow

• Nurseries & Professional Gardeners

• Builders Construction Wheelbarrow

• Dual Wheeled Wheelbarrows and Carts

• Speciality Wheelbarrows £15 - £550

The Basic Garden Wheelbarrow £20 - £60

This is probably most common type of wheelbarrow and range from ones that are extremely lightweight and flimsy to wheelbarrows that are extremely well made and designed from many years service. Prices range from around £20 up to £60 and like everything in life you pay for what you get. The Jeep Mini is a good quality garden wheelbarrow at upper end of market but is well made and designed for longer life with features such as oil impregnated wheel bushing and powder coated baked on paint.

Visit any out of town DIY superstore and you will find plenty of choice at cheaper end of market with prices from as little as £15 although quality may be poor and so unlikely to last very long.

Nurseries & Professional Gardeners

Wheelbarrows in this category tend to be of much better quality and designed for a much longer life. The tubs are usually polyethylene rather than plastic for longer life. The steel used in frame and construction tends to be good quality and is galvanised or powder coated to protect against rust.

A typical example of this type of barrow is Big Bertha from Jeep and sold by Gardenmania.

The Big Bertha has a long life polyethylene tub, easy-lift handlebars with soft grips and guaranteed for five years. It also has flat-free tyres guaranteed for life of wheelbarrow.