Winter gears

anji_co3

Hello

I am sorry, this may sounds like a silly question. But it is important to me. Its very cold day here -1 & 0! 

We recently got an allotment and really excited! we thought we got the right winter gear, but unfortunately the gloves we got was not good, same for socks. It is disappointed to say, that we had to return home without attending to the allotment today . I really appreciate if you can recommend good winter gears for outdoor gardening please. Many thanks

pansyface

https://www.primrose.co.uk/heated-gloves-clothing-c-37.html

Obelixx

Thermal ski socks, thermal vests and several thin to medium layers topped with a waterproof jacket and boots so that when you do work and start to get hot you can strip a layer at a time but stay warm and dry.  

Fairygirl

Just find an outlet for hillwalking clothing. There are loads, and most supply online 

Cotswold, Trespass, Go Outdoors etc. Even basic stuff is fine for being outside at those  [fairly mild ] temps.  

josusa47

In winter I wear wellingtons with a pair of ordinary socks, plus a pair of thicker, hand-knitted socks which are long enough to turn over the tops of my wellies.  I rarely suffer from cold feet when I've got those on.  Most of the year, I wear any old gardening gloves, or none, but for cold weather, I prefer a pair of knitted gloves, not too bulky, inside a pair of rubber gloves, the ordinary ones meant for washing up.  I usually wear woolly pull on hats in winter, but for gardening I don't find they're much good; the constant bending and stooping makes them ride up at the back and over my eyes.  This year I'm going to try a stretchy band that just keeps my ears warm.

anji_co3

Thanks all for your comments. Much appreciated. 

Posy

When I get that cold I do a bit of digging or compost turning. Warms me up in minutes.

PurpleRose

I would also echo @Fairygirl go to an outdoor shop. Another that springs to mind is Mountain Warehouse. Also dont forget to take a Thermos of hot tea/coffee/chocolate to keep you warm too

anji_co3

Thank you very much

Papi Jo

@anji_co3 Fellow members have given useful tips. But I can't help wondering what kind of "gardening" you could we doing in that freezing weather.

rachelQrtJHBjb

If you are wearing tough outdoor boots you could add battery operated heated insoles (often sold by ski shops). I've not used them but know someone with Reynaud's who does for skiing. Only issue I would check out is would they get damaged with the pressure of digging. Neoprene welly-type boots such as Muckboots are reputed to be warm.

I wear ski socks (because I ski and have a ready supply). I've also had fleece-lined trousers, which make a huge difference. Fleece or wool waistcoats add a layer without hindering arm movements.

Finally, you'll be amazed by the difference wool wrist warmers and a funnel-style neck warmer make. They stop the cold getting in between glove and cuff and around the top of your coat - draught excluders, of sorts. I like the ones from turtle-doves.co.uk as they are very soft and not at all bulky.

@Papi Jo even when it's bitterly cold there are plenty of bittercress and other weeds starting into growth in January that I like to hoick out before they really get going.