DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner by Betsy Matheson, softback published by CPI. ISBN 978-1-58923-567-3, price 12.99 in the UK available from www.creativepub.com

For all those who have started growing their own, here are 25 ways to help you on your way to the good life. Being self-sufficient is a lifestyle choice that helps the environment and keeps you healthy and fit. Learn how to save water, make compost, build a compost bin, planters, raised beds, a greenhouse or hoop frame and a cold frame. On the gardening front learn how to grow and transplant seedlings. Discover how to preserve what you have grown, set up a root cellar. Find out about raising animals. Build a chicken run and beehive. See the benefits of going solar to provide heat and light for the house.

This book covers many things, it is particularly good on the building side – the instructions for making frames etc are very good. Then it dabbles in raising animals and solar power and I think these things are not as well covered a they could have been. I see this as a book about making objects that facilitate growing, a subject it covers admirably.

Proving that great things come in small packages, Jakoti hand shears are so versatile. Compact, comfortable to handle and clean cutting, these long bladed shears are really useful. They are ideal for cutting back perennials, trimming ornamental grasses, shaping that topiary, clipping, lawn edging and dead heading. Whether you have a small backyard or acre upon acre, you’ll find many uses for these handy hand shears. A pair were first bought for Dot Tinker by her daughter when visiting a small Greek island, Dot liked them so much that her son now imports the shears.

My hands are very small, I often have problems with unwieldy garden tools made for much bigger hands, but I found these to be a perfect fit with their ergonomically designed handles. Over the years I have had many shears, secateurs and cutters, but nothing as good as this. I know my Jakoti hand shears are going to be used an awful lot, and at just 17.45 GBP per pair plus 2.50 mainland postage and packing, these really are a snip. They would make a great present for Mother’s Day too, or any time of year. So get yourself a pair now by calling +44 (0) 1458 850066 or visit the website at www.handshears.co.uk