TOP TECH FOR ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS

Party, chill, grill or just keep your garden looking fab with these great gadgets and gizmos that will have you racing out your door every day

- Alex Cox

GROWING

1 SAGE FOODCYCLER 

If your compost bin is getting a bit much to deal with, the Foodcycler could be the ideal solution. It grinds up and bakes your food waste, turning into what Sage calls 'EcoChips'. These vastly reduce its volume and smell, and can (after a while) be mixed with your existing soil to give it an extra nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus boost.

£420, sageappliances.com

2 SENUA SOIL SENSOR

Although the rain likely won't allow your borders to dry out for even a second, you can never tell what the British weather is going to do to when summer comes around. If you're trying to save water, as you should, a smart soil sensor is the best way beyond a deep finger poke to see just how little moisture there is under surface.

£24, senua-hydroponics.com

3 HARVST SPROUT S6

Even if you have limited outdoor space or lack permission to dig up your lawn, the Sprout S6 offers up the benefits of a greenhouse in miniature. There's space enough for salads, herbs and seedlings, and plenty of options: the solar version keeps your plants watered for you, while 3- and 4-season plug-in options support year-round growth.

From £315, harvst.co.uk

4 TECHNIK BARRIQUE

It's your duty to make the most of rainwater, but that doesn't have to mean putting up with a horrible green water butt next to your downpipe. Technik's Barrique is cut from a far more classy cloth, featuring wine barrel looks that'll blend right in to its surroundings, a brass tap for easy filling of your watering can, and a 250 litre capacity.

£199, waterbutt.shop