If you are looking for a garden awning that is easy to put away when not in use, a retractable awning may be just what you are looking for. Retractable awnings will provide shelter from the rain, protect any patio furniture (especially if it is wood) and allow you to use your garden no matter the weather.

Commercial businesses can also use retractable awnings. Retail shops use them to provide a dry place for the customers passing their shop, which helps the business by potentially enticing people into the store.

Another way of advertising your commercial business is to have your company’s logo printed onto a new retractable awning,

Did you know there is actually a DIY Conservatory option that does not require you to be a builder? Surprisingly there are actually DIY models that that offer easy step-by-step instructions with no special equipment needed. Typically, customers that use this option have a local builder construct the base and lower walls and then put the rest together themselves.

Reason’s people chose this option is that it is less expensive than hiring a team of builders to build the entire structure. It is fast and can be build in four days and it also does not turn your garden into a messy construction site. The self-build conservatories have instructional videos and access to a dedicated technical advisor that can help guide you, if there are any issues.

These DIY conservatories could be what you’re looking for if you are on a budget and are a decent handy man or woman.

One popular trend in tomato growing, in the last few years, has been growing tomatoes in upside down pots. This can be really handy if you are trying to save garden or patio space. There are two types of tomato plants and the one that is recommended for upside-down growing is the determinant variety, which won’t get as large as an indeterminant.

Steps to Creating an Upside-down Tomato Planter

1. Buy a paint bucket from a DIY retailer or use an old, cleaned out paint bucket that will have a nice secure lid.

2. Cut a hole in the bottom of the bucket 2-2 ½ inches in circumference. Then put either some mesh or a coffee filter over the hole.

3. Fill the bucket with potting soil/compost and secure the lid on top.

4. Turn the bucket over and make space through the hole to plant your tomato seedling and be sure to make sure it is packed in well, so that it is secure.

5. Lastly, hang the bucket up with the plant hanging below and water from the top.

It is also a good idea to cut a hole in the lid, to make watering the plant much easier.

Don’t wait, start preparing your garden for the rest of the year, this March! There are quite a few things you can get started on in March to help your garden along. Here is a list of jobs you can do:

• Start feeding your trees, shrubs and hedges by working in slow-release fertilisers, mulch and/or chicken manure around their base.
• If you’re planning a vegetable garden, its time to plant onions and shallots, for later in the year.
• Whilst the ground is soft you can start putting any support for plants that will need them later. Doing this early can help protect plants from damage and the ground may be harder as the temperature warms up.
• Consider if you should start using slug repellent around new and emerging shoots.
• On a nice dry day, cut your lawn with a high blade setting.
• If you are going to grow any parsnips, radishes and cabbages, you can start by sowing their seeds under a cloche.
• Now is a good time to top up any raised beds and containers with fresh compost. If they are full already, you can remove the top 5cm and replace with fresh soil.
• Acid loving plants such as rhododendrons, blueberries and magnolias should be given fresh ericaceous compost and ericaceous feed.
• Plant summer flowering bulbs or tubers such as Dahlias and Gladioli.
• You can start repairing any empty patches of lawn with turf or lawn seed and add a high nitrogen fertiliser to help boost lawn growth.
• You can also give your compost heap a good turn over.
• Start clearing out flower beds of any leaves, twigs or debris from the winter.
• Use some scissors or small garden shears to remove any dead leaves or plant stalks from last year.

It is definitely not too early to start preparing your garden for the rest of the year, to optimise its growth and beauty.

Gates are the first interaction your visitors have with you whenever they visit. Normally the gate is considered the first level of security passage in any residence but having a beautiful, perfectly functioning gate can tell more about your personality and how you take pride in your home. (more…)