Finding clothes for gardening seems easy - just put on the stuff you are about to throw away?

You can, but making sensible choices will give you better protection from sun, wind, rain, insects, mud, snow - and from bad weather! Here are some considerations for choosing garden clothing:

• Be sure to guard against the sun: you do not want a malignant melanoma, or a basal cell carcinoma - or sunburn.
• Broad brimmed hats are better than baseball caps. They should be worn even when the sky is overcast.
• You can now buy insect-repellant shirts, jackets, trousers, socks, hats etc - and if you don't like bites they are worth the extra money.
• For jackets, it is best not get a combined insulating and waterproof jacket - because it often rains when it is not cold.
• A breathable waterproof jacket is much more comfortable than an impermeable waterproof jacket. Ditto for waterproof trousers.
• But materials like Goretex can easily tear on thorns - this is why people wear waxed jackets for gardening. They are not as warm as you might imagine.
• Nothing can beat rubber boots for gardening in wet weather.
• The best gum boots and wellington boots have cushioned insoles. They support your arches and support the muscles in your legs.
• Waist-high rubber boots are good for pond work - but be very careful not to let the water over-top them, or you might drown.

We also recommend getting your gardening and outdoor clothing from a specialist supplier.