trugs

A trug is a shallow, tub-like basket or container with a flat bottom and handles, used primarily in gardening and horticulture. It is designed to be carried easily when loaded with soil, plants, fruit, or garden debris. A typical trug is made from thin wooden slats or wicker, forming a shallow, rectangular or boat-shaped tray with a projecting handle or two side handles.

Most trugs feature a curved, ergonomic handle, sometimes reinforced with metal bands or rivets to improve rigidity. Wooden trugs are common, but variants can be found in plastic or metal, especially as lighter or weatherproof versions. The construction emphasizes light weight, durability, and ease of cleaning, as contents are often soil, compost, or wet plant matter.

The etymology of the term is uncertain; the word is chiefly used in British English. The object became popular in English-speaking gardening culture in the 19th and 20th centuries, though similar containers have existed earlier in various forms.

Uses include picking fruit, transporting plants or cuttings, carrying soil, compost, mulch, or garden debris, and serving as a portable workstation for potting tasks. Trugs are valued for their open design that allows quick draining of moisture and easy emptying.

In modern times, trugs can be found in wooden, plastic, and metal constructions, with sizes ranging from small hand-held versions to larger tubs used for yard work. They are commonly sold by garden supply retailers and are used by hobbyist and professional gardeners alike.