Review of 2009 New Product Launches

Last year we achieved Haxnicks' largest expansion yet of new products and tools for plant care and protection, from biodegradable Pots Naturally™ through to the FSC-certified Raised Bed Growing System.

Pots Naturally™, a range of long-life 100% biodegradable pots and saucers made from compressed natural bamboo pulp, have far exceeded our expectations - people are using them for all types of reason from decorative indoor plant pots through to raising seedlings in the greenhouse.

The pots and saucers are designed to last two or three years and are available in a variety of sizes (3", 4", 5" and 6" pot diameters) and four ‘mix-and-match’ colours (bamboo, red earth, olive, and aqua) and are sold in packs of 5. They are used in exactly the same way as plastic pots, but are easily disposed of at the end of their life by simply tossing on the compost heap. They should break down in active compost within 6 months. The bright colours and sturdy nature of the pots has attracted lots of attention from gardening journalists; the range has been awarded Garden Answers’ ‘Best Green Product’ 2008.

Haxnicks also launched the Raised Bed Growing System consisting of four components, each sold separately (or as a combo). The Raised Bed Base is made from 100% FSC-certified, pressure-treated timber and comes with corner joints and extension rods to build multiple tier beds. The Raised Bed Frame provides a framework for the covers, slotting neatly and securely into the timber base. Then there is a choice of two fitted covers, either the Micromesh™ Pest Protection Cover or the Polythene Weather Protection Cover.

Haxnicks Raised Bed Growing System has been lifted by a trend in gardening for raised beds, the key is the lack of digging required to produce vegetables. It is much easier to make a raised bed and fill it with good quality compost.  Now that's not to say we want to be lazy, but salads, rocket and many other delicate vegetable crops that require light airy soils have always grown well in raised beds, this is not new.  Haxnicks hope to have made a range of products that can be easily assembled and used by gardeners.

Other products launched in 2009 included the Tomato Patio Planters (bush and climbing),Pea and Bean Patio Planter, Strawberry and Herb Patio Planter, The Kitchen Garden Cloche (a best seller),  CaneToppers, the complete Jute Naturally Range, the Designer Range of Fleece Jackets and finally the Haxnicks Speedhoe.

We'll have to pass feed back on their progress another day, but this does give some idea as to the direction Haxnicks is starting to move towards in product development.