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Trugs are a must-have accessory for any gardener. They are used for harvesting your homegrown fruit, veg and herbs, as well as collecting cut flowers and plant cuttings. They also make the wonderful gardening gift. Trugs were thought to be first used in Anglo Saxon times, when they were made from a hollowed out piece of wood called a ‘trog’ meaning boat like vessel. Over time this evolved into a more practical lightweight willow version. This design endures today as the most popular trug. Nowadays trugs are available in a range of different shapes, sizes and materials – sturdy wire, silicone or traditional timber. Initially made in the UK, they are now manufactured by craftsmen across the world. So, whether you’re after the timeless timber classic or a modern masterpiece, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste and budget, in our carefully curated selection. 1. THE SUSSEX TRADITIONAL TIMBER TRUG Widely known as the Sussex trug due the area in England where they were made, this traditional trug is handmade from strips of Cyprus pine formed and nailed into a basket. Ideal for collecting fruit, vegetables, flowers and cuttings. They can also be used to make decorative indoor displays.   The Sussex Traditional Trug available here   2. BURGON & BALL HIP TRUG This hip trug clips simply into a snug neoprene sleeve then onto your waistband for hands-free access while working in the garden. A 3L capacity, it’s the ideal size for storing small to medium harvested garden produce and can be easily removed, tipped out and ready to be refilled. It’s even easy to clean - safe for dishwasher and microwave use. Ideal for small to medium fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs and weeds. The Burgon and Ball Clip on Hip Trug available here 3. OPEN FLOWER TRUG Made from lightweight timber or woven cane, the open flower trug has a distinctive open ended design which allows cut flowers to lie flat. The Esschert Design flower trug is handmade from lightweight FSC pine. It also has the additional design feature of folding handles, making loading and storage easy. Sustainably sourced, this makes the perfect gift for an eco conscious gardener. Ideal for cut flowers, it can also be filled and used as an indoor display. Esschert Design Timber Open Flower Trug available here 4. FRENCH METAL WIRE TRUG A more modern design, the metal wire basket trug borrows its shape from the traditional Sussex design. Constructed from steel wire mesh, it is lightweight and easy to use. They are particularly useful for root vegetables or produce that needs washing as the produce can be rinsed under the garden tap. Ideal for medium to large produce or cut flowers, smaller items or herbs may fall through the mesh. They also are very popular for indoor decoration. Martha's Vineyard French Style Wire Harvesting Basket available here Sophie Conran UK Cream Wire Harvesting Basket Trug available here 5. STEEL METAL TRUG Made in the UK from galvanized steel, Sophie Conran sets the bar for design. This trug is useful for carrying heavy hand tools around the yard, as well as plant cuttings or harvest. It has separate compartments and a smooth wooden handle for ease of use.   Sophie Conran Metal Tool and Harvest Trug available here   6. WAXED CANVAS HARVESTING AND GATHERING BAG Barebones Gathering Bag offers versatility in use, wearing, emptying and care. It’s convertible straps allow for comfortable chest or back carrying, while its drop-out bottom makes quick work of emptying the harvest. Constructed of weather- and water-resistant waxed canvas and complete with a water-tight removable liner, the Gathering Bag is the essential foraging and harvesting partner. Ideal for cut flowers and foliage, medium to large harvest and plant cuttings. Barebones Waxed Canvas Harvesting and Gathering Bag available here   7. METAL WIRE EGG GATHERING CAULDRON Technically not a trug, the egg cauldron is the perfect companion for chicken keepers. Not limited to eggs, this cauldron can be used for medium to large fruit and vegetables, cut flowers or used indoor for a harvest display.  Martha's Vineyard Metal Wire Egg Collecting Basket available here