The end of winter is nigh and very soon, it will be a wonderful time of year for garden jobs. The weather is starting to warm up, the evenings are longer as well as lighter, and plants are starting to bloom. It’s the perfect time to get out in your garden and carry out those long-awaited choirs around your space.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, along with approximately 27 million keen others, there are plenty of garden jobs you can do over the spring to get your garden in top shape.

We’ve thought about it here at Forest Master HQ and picked five that we’d suggest you look to do in time for the warmer seasons.

Pruning

Now that we’re well into spring, there is no better time to tackle those pruning jobs around trees, shrubs and other plants around the garden.

This would involve removing any dead or diseased branches or plants and clipping away any outgrowth that’s either crossing over each other or growing in a direction that it shouldn’t be. It’s key not to over-prune as this could result in both damaging and preventing your plant from growing properly.

Weeding

When it comes to weeding, this will be one of the most repetitive jobs you will do around the garden but can easily be managed – depending on the size of your garden. 

It’s key, when it comes to removing weeds, that both plant and root are removed – this prevents them from growing back. 

Using products can also cause harm to your garden, but there are many different resources that offer ways to manage weeding around your space safely, whilst protecting the environment, at the same time.      

Mulching

Mulching may sound like it’s something to go straight into your garden waste bin, but it has its uses that can help create a healthy environment for your plants and trees. 

Sprinkling, mulched wood chips, straw, leaves and even cardboard can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth around your garden, leaving your plants to grow healthy and in fantastic condition over Spring and Summer. 

Best of all, we could help even more with your Mulching by looking here. 

Planting

This is part of Spring that we feel most gardeners will be tackling and focusing on – planting. 

Introducing new flowers, trees, and vegetables will be high on many people’s lists, as well as tidying up, as they almost run to their local garden store to pick out the seeds, pots and packs they will be giving most of their attention to.

There’s plenty to choose from, and it all depends on what mood you’re in or what colour you’d like your garden to focus on. The Nation do have favourites that you could look into such as, Sunflowers, Irises, Roses, Dahlias and Lillies.

Key elements to take into account when it comes to adding plants to your garden would be, adding compost and fertiliser, making sure it’s planted correctly (obvious, we know) and that it receives plenty of water and sunlight, too.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Finally, it might slip down the pecking order on the ‘to-do’ list, and that’s cleaning gardening equipment.

From digging tools to chippers, they all need to be checked and maintained to prolong their lifespan and work consistently around the garden, such as sharping blades in your lawnmower or chipper – avoiding any annoyance of waiting for parts or nipping to a shop to frantically replace items which could delay those chores.

Even make sure items like your hoses, sprinklers (if you have them) and even watering cans are checked for any slack parts, holes or leaks, just so you’re not caught short, especially when the Summer weather arrives. 

From the Infographic below, the average size of a UK Garden is 188 meters squared. So make sure that you set sections up to focus on during the day or weekend, just so you’re avoiding rushing around or trying to do everything all at once.

Whether you’re pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, or cleaning and maintaining your tools, there’s plenty to keep you busy. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful and healthy garden that you can enjoy all season long.

Getting into gardening doesn’t have to be something to try when you’re older. 54% of Millennials that start gardening prefer it to going out to nightclubs. But don’t take our word for it, check out our infographic around the different statistics about gardening.

Winter Gardening

The winter months may seem like a good time to hide inside but there’s still plenty of gardening that you can be doing. Whether you’re looking to add something new to your garden, protect your current plants or just simply keep yourself busy, our guide on winter gardening will ensure that you have your garden ready for spring.

Planting

There are a number of things that you can plant in your garden during winter. Not only can you plant bare root plants, there are things that you can plant in advance. This includes things like garlic, rhubarb, raspberries and fruit bushes. It is also important to make sure not to trim shrubs or fertilise during winter as these tasks could stimulate premature growth and result in damage to the plant.
Here’s a list of plants and flowers you can add to bring colour to your garden during the winter: Snowdrops, Cyclamen, Crocus, Winter aconites, Glory of the snow and Hellebores.

Weeding

Although not the most entertaining tasks, it is still a good idea to weed your garden during the winter. This gets rid of any overwintering seeds produced by the weeds and will help prevent a break-out when spring comes.

Removing Debris and making use of mulch

Removing debris not only makes your garden look nice but it can help keep your garden protected from overwintering pests. Any dry, clean leaves can be placed in a garden shredder to produce mulch that can be used in your garden. Mulch can be used to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and prevent frost heaving in the winter.

Attract wildlife

If you are an animal lover then it would be normal for you to want to take care of the wildlife that lives in your garden. You can start to do this by looking after the birds, ensuring that water is topped up in a bird bath and there are seeds and feeders available for them to eat. If you don’t already own any you could also look into putting birdhouses in your garden.

Use your greenhouse

There are a few ways in which you can use your greenhouse in the winter to get the most use out of it and your garden. Planting winter vegetables is a good start providing you can keep the temperature of your greenhouse at a suitable temperature. Vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli need a temperature between 12-21°C at night and between 10-21°C during the day. It’s best to start with them during mid to late winter so that they are ready to plant in the spring. Providing the greenhouse is kept at the correct temperature it’s possible to grow them all winter long.

Clean your gardening equipment

To help to avoid rust, scrape any dirt off of your gardening tools and machinery. Dipping the blades and metal in warm soapy water before ensuring to dry them off is a good way to remove any mud that is stuck on. You could also oil the metal blades on your tools before you put them away for winter to further ensure they don’t get rusty. Store your them as best you can to avoid damage and rust.

Plant bare root plants

Between November and March if the soil is not frozen bare-root trees and bushes can be planted. Branches that are dead or rubbing branches can be removed, try to keep an open centre by cutting back new growth of bushes and trees a little bit.

Protect your plants

Protect your more delicate plants and keep them warm with horticultural fleece, alternatively you could use bubble wrap. Make sure you don’t leave container plants outdoors without protection. Ideally you should move the planters closer to the foundation of your house, bury them in the ground, or cover them with a heat-retentive blanket. If you have anywhere like a garage or storage area to keep them in then that would be ideal!

Pruning

Some plants need to be cut back during the winter to encourage fresh, healthy shoots to grow when the weather starts to warm up again. You can cut back any perennials that have died down and prune roses, which you may also need to spray with a fungicide if they are diseased.
Most types of roses should be pruned in January or February before the leaves start to emerge. Modern roses can be cut back hard while the older types should be pruned more gently. Always remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems.

Fire wood

Due to the increasing cold in the winter months it’s important to keep yourself and your home warm. Taking into consideration the soaring prices of energy it is becoming harder to heat your home. This is a great time to be using garden machinery such as log splitters etc. to prepare logs in order to heat up your home. Check out our guide to see what the best wood to use for your fires are.#

Trees are truly beautiful parts of the natural environment, but they are also wonderfully efficient machines — continuously working to keep the planet healthy. Over 73,000 different species take up over 36% of the earth’s landscape including parks, fields, paths and gardens. You’re bound to come across many of these varieties in your lifetime. If you’re looking to improve your knowledge of these natural giants or are just wondering what trees you may have in your garden, you’ve come to the right place!

There are 7 important characteristics to consider when trying to identify a tree and understanding them will make you a professional tree spotter in no time:

1. Leaves 
2. Bark
3. Flowers
4. Fruit
5. Shape
6. Environment

English, Oak

We start with the most common tree found in the UK – the English Oak tree. Throughout history, Oak trees have been a symbol of royalty, wisdom and strength. Nurturing up to 2,300 wildlife species they provide important spaces for shelter, eating and breeding.

English Oak trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in Autumn and regrow them in spring. The Oak tree has a very distinctive leaf shape and it’s a great way of identifying it. The leaves are mainly green in the warmer months, longer than wide and feature 5 or 6 deep, rounded lobes. 

Despite their distinctive leaf shape, the best way to identify this tree is to look at its trunk. The bark features deep fissures and ridges that give it a unique scaly look. At the base of the trunk, you may see a variety of moss and fungus growth. 

Around springtime, the English Oak will begin to flower. As the frost-covered branches begin to thaw, long yellow hanging catkins begin to grow. These are the male flowers of the tree and distribute pollen to the environment. The female flowers are small and red and sit on short stalks called peduncles. 

The fruit of the Oak tree is a well-known nut called the Acorn. Acorns don’t grow until the tree reaches around 40 years old and is its most productive from 80-120 years. If the female flowers were pollinated correctly during the summer months, they will begin to grow Acorns. Acorns typically take a year to fully grow and reach maturity after 2 years. The best time to collect these nuts is around Autumn. 

The shape of an Oak tree features a broad, spreading crown with thick branches and a trunk that shortens with maturity to extend its life span. They are most commonly found in central and southern Britain with over 121 million in the UK alone.  

Horse, Chestnut

In 2017, the Horse chestnut tree was voted the UK’s favourite tree. Also known as the Conker tree, it surged ahead of the other contenders, securing more than a quarter of all votes cast. So what makes this tree so popular and how can you identify it?

The Horse Chestnut is another deciduous tree that features unique leaves. Their colour varies from light to dark green and has 5-7 pointed leaflets all connected by a central stem with slightly pointed tips. The trunk of a Horse Chestnut tree is thin and smooth with minimal fissures. 

This tree begins to flower in May and is known as panicle by botanists. 3 to 6 flowers grow on each branch with the branches being longer at the bottom to form a cone-like shape. The flowers are a mix of male and female with the male being at the top and female at the bottom, and those in the middle are mixed. 

At around the age of 12, Horse chestnut trees begin to grow fruit known as conkers. Conkers have been notoriously known throughout history for their part in a classic game for children. They grow when the female flowers have been pollinated and mature throughout autumn and feature a green spiky casing. By winter they will begin to drop and you can find them around the base of the Horse Chestnut tree. 

The shape of the Horse Chestnut is long and upright with minimal spreading. There are around 500,000 in the UK mainly found in parks, gardens, streets and village greens. 

Alder

The Alder tree is native throughout Europe and grows in a variety of habitats across the UK. Its strong trunks thrive in moist, swamp-like environments and can be found near rivers, ponds and lakes.

Its purple leaf buds form on a long stem and once matured long, dark green, leathery leaves grow. These are round in shape with serrated edges. The leaf tip is never pointed and is often indented. Alder trees are broadly conical in shape and have dark and fissured bark. Twigs are light brown with orange spots, and young twigs are sticky.

In early spring, the flowers appear just before the leaves. On the same tree, female and male flowers are born. When the pollen is shed, the male flower turns yellow (about 5-10 cm long). It is a very small purple catkin that will eventually turn into a cone containing seeds. 

Once pollinated by wind, the female catkins gradually become woody and appear as tiny, cone-like fruits in winter. They open up to release their seeds, which are dispersed by wind and water.

Sycamore 

The sycamore tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-35 metres tall. The sycamore tree is known as one of the fastest-growing trees in North America and Europe. Its branches form a broad, domed crown.

The leaves of a Sycamore tree are very easy to spot as they look very similar to a maple leaf. They grow alternating to each other on branches and have coarse teeth. The underside of the leaves is coated with small, coarse, white hairs and in early autumn the leaves begin to turn yellow and brown as they fall off. A great identifier is a black tar mark that many of the leaves may possess, as they mature the mark will become more pronounced. 

The bark of a young Sycamore is thin and flaky and peels in patches. The mottled appearance gives the tree great camouflage and makes them easy to identify. An older Sycamore’s bark is no longer white however sheds in thick patches. 

Similar to the Horse Chestnut, Sycamore’s flowers grow in panicles with a mix of male and female flowers. The cluster of flowers hang on a long central stem and grow all over the tree’s canopy. 

If you are trying to identify this tree in early Autumn, you will notice its flowers have transformed into a unique fruit known as Samaras. These have two wings that help them disperse through the wind to help the offspring colonise new areas.

Gardening is a popular hobby and pastime. It’s a good way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but you need the right tools for the job.

This article will provide an overview of some of the most essential garden tools that are available on the market today, as well as some tips on how to choose them.

The article includes:

-A list of essential garden tools

-Tips on choosing gardening tools

-Power tools for large garden tasks

Essential Garden Tools

Some essential garden tools include shovels, spades, hoes, rakes, and shears. These are all important for preparing the ground for planting, harvesting, and trimming if your plants are to give their best display or crop.

For plants that need to be trimmed or removed, a pair of shears or secateurs will do the trick. A trowel is useful for planting small plants like bulbs since it’s smaller than a shovel and doesn’t disturb the soil as much as a spade would.

Easily overlooked but should never be forgotten, a good pair of gardening gloves will save your hands and make working for long periods of time much more comfortable.

If you’re looking to invest in a single high-quality multi-purpose tool, a worthy consideration for replacing the traditional garden fork and hand trowel is the Hori Hori. A multipurpose garden knife which is used for digging, cutting, and weeding.

Top tips on choosing gardening tools

Like any tool, there are many levels of quality to garden equipment. Varying from cheaply made items that may last a year or so to high-quality professional equipment that will last a lifetime if looked after. This can be identified by inspecting the build quality and materials used.

Lower quality tools will likely be made from plastic and lesser metals such as regular steel. However, they are often cheaper and perfect for gardeners on a budget. These will commonly feature a tang and ferrule fitting that is slightly lighter, but less hard-wearing.

Higher quality tools as you would expect, are made from more solid materials such as wood, stainless steel that is far less likely to rust or high carbon steel that maintains a sharp edge for longer but can rust if not cared for. For fixings, generally, high-quality tools will feature a closed socket or solid shank-type fitting that prevents dirt and debris from damaging the fitting.

Naturally choosing the right tool for you will depend on many factors such as your budget, garden size, and how often you plan on working and maintaining your garden. Whilst it is always recommended to buy the highest quality tool you can, this does not necessarily mean spending the most. Always do your research and be sure to check reviews and customer feedback to determine what is right for you.

Power tools for large garden tasks

Sometimes a pair of loppers and a trowel just isn’t cut out for the job. If you’re looking to trim down hedges or chip branches, then you will need to invest in the right garden tool. With that in mind here are some tips to make sure your next job is as seamless as possible.

Stick with a brand you know. Yes, you probably can find a similar strimmer, hedge trimmer or garden shredder for half the price but always be careful when purchasing an unknown brand with low / no customer reviews. Machines that are selling for half the price usually have a sacrifice somewhere, whether its the build quality, reliability or warranty should anything go wrong.

Do power tools require more maintenance than manual?

With great power comes more maintenance. Power tools require substantially more maintenance than using manual tools. Since there are more moving parts, there are more things that can go wrong. This is another reason we recommend choosing the right brand with good customer service, ideally a manufacturer that can also supply any spare parts as needed.

Gauging performance

Vital when choosing a power tool, knowing the capabilities and performance of a garden power tool is essential prior to purchase. Do your research and make sure the machine you are buying is suitable for the job at hand. Customer and professional reviews are especially helpful for getting an idea of the capabilities of a machine.

Should you buy petrol or electric garden equipment?

For the eco-friendly gardener; electric tools are generally the preferred option. However, for those with large plots of land or limited access to electrical outlets sometimes this is not always viable. As a rule of thumb if you can’t reach with an extension cable then you will need a petrol tool. Also be aware that some machines will not be able to operate on long extension cables due to the power they draw, as such always contact the manufacturer to be sure.

Conclusion

Garden tools are as wide and varied as the gardens they are used in and can be just as niche. Picking the right tool for the job that will last is not easy, but by following these tips and completing regular maintenance your tools will last a lifetime.

If you’ve enjoyed this article; help us out by letting us know more about your level of skill in the garden and which tools you couldn’t live without by filling in this very short survey below.

We may be biased – but we’re firm believers that every man, woman or child should incorporate some form of gardening into their life. As well as providing a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, gardening is not just about plants – it’s about caring for something that needs love, attention, and care.

Let’s take a deeper look at the proven health benefits of gardening.

What are the health benefits of gardening?

According to the National Gardening Association, gardening has many health benefits. It is an excellent way to improve both your physical and mental health.

It provides you with an outlet to get some fresh air and spend time outside. Gardening has been shown to decrease the amount of depression, anxiety, and stress in people who are suffering from these issues.

There are many ways to relieve stress, but we can’t look past gardening. It is a pastime that can be enjoyed by all ages and it has so many benefits. The act of gardening has been proven to release endorphins and serotonin in the brain, creating a natural way to relieve stress and anxiety.

If you’re based in an urban area, it also presents you with an opportunity to feel more connected with nature. This is also part of the reason why allotments are becoming increasingly more popular within the UK.

Is gardening good for your immune system?

There are many ways that gardening can improve your immune system. One of the most important ways is by improving your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to various health problems, such as muscle weakness, depression, and cancer. As previously mentioned, gardening also provides the physical activity aspect which can help increase immunity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Does gardening have risks?

As with any exercise or strenuous task, of course, there are some risks involved and the correct measures must be taken in order to minimise the risks in the garden.

The hours spent kneeling, crouching and bending over in the back garden or allotment can put a strain on your back, as well as the age-old question of how much sun is too much sun?

It’s vital that you take the proper precautions and restrain from pushing yourself too hard. You should give yourself a break every 30-40 minutes, being sure to correctly stretch.

Exposed Sun Exposure

As I’m sure you’re more than well aware, extended sun exposure is incredibly bad for your skin. When working in the garden you must ensure you’re wearing sunscreen (even if it’s cloudy!), wearing adequate cover from the sun such as a hat or long sleeves and keeping well hydrated. However tempting those glorious afternoons in the sun may be, stay well away from alcohol and caffeine.

Aches and Pains

We’ve all been there; getting caught up in your work and ignoring the screaming signals your body sends through your back and joints. One of the best investments you’ll make when working in the garden is a portable kneeling stool.

95% of your time working in the garden is going to be close to the ground; you need to protect your joints, knees and spine!

Cuts, Scrapes & Insect bites

Thorny plants, gardening tools and nasty bugs; are just a few things which can make a dash for your skin and put a sharp end to your afternoon. Please make sure you always wear thick gardening gloves and strongly consider renewing your tetanus shot. Typically, it’s recommended you have this every 10 years.

It’s also worth strongly considering investing in some highly-rated insect repellent. When you’re working with soil and plants, it’s highly likely you’ll be exposed to bugs. It may be a personal preference, but I always ensure that my pants are ticketed into my socks and I thoroughly check myself before going back inside to make sure I don’t invite any creatures in with me.

Key takeaways

Gardening is the perfect outlet for giving yourself an excuse to get outdoors and interact with your environment. You should take the proper precautions and be wary of the rare but very possible dangers when in the garden. However, as long as you’re aware of the dangers they pose very little threat.

In short, get yourself outside and start planning, digging and harvesting your garden. We have plenty of articles to help you out along the way. Be sure to check out our gardening guides for helpful tips and tricks.

It’s National Allotments Week! This week we’re spreading awareness on the many benefits Allotment gardening offers! Take a dive through the brief history of allotments in the UK, the benefits they can offer and how you can go about attaining one.

What is an Allotment? 

An Allotment is a piece of land rented by an individual with the purpose of growing fruit and vegetables. The land is commonly owned by a local council and offered to locals on a first come, first served basis.

Allotments have been around for centuries, with the oldest evidence dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. Around this time the plots of land were known as Enclosures. They were created by clearing large fields of woodland and owned by one person.

The Allotments we know today mainly originated in the 19th century. In 1914 the number of allotments ranged between 450,000 and 600,000 in England. Due to the severity of food shortages, there was a big movement to increase the number of allotments. 

During World War 2, the government understood the benefits of allotments based on their experience in WW1. The ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign helped establish over 1.4 million allotments. 

Post-war usage decreased due to fresh produce becoming a lot more accessible. Presently, there are around 330,000 allotments in the UK, with many requiring locals to join wait lists. 

What is National Allotments week? 

National Allotments Week starts on the 8th of August 2022 until the 14th of August 2022. It started in 2002 by the National Allotment Society (NAS) as a way of raising awareness of allotments and the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their food, develop friendships and bolster communities. If you have recently acquired an Allotment and are wondering where to start, read our Allotment Ideas for Beginners article.

Benefits 

• Be More Social

Owning an allotment is a great way to meet like-minded people. Because of this, allotments generally have a great community atmosphere and many people make friends for life.

• A Great way to Exercise

Keeping an allotment tidy and full of fresh fruit and veg requires a lot of time clearing, digging and planting. With up to half an hour of allotment gardening burning 150 calories, it’s a great way for all ages to exercise. 

• Eating Healthy

Growing your fruit and vegetables is a great way to eat a healthier diet. Plus, when you grow your own produce, you know exactly what was used to grow it. So no harsh pesticides or fertilisers. Organic food without the supermarket price tag. Read our article on How to Grow and Organic Garden for some great tips on healthy growing.

•  Supporting local wildlife

Allotments are a great way to help provide local wildlife such as birds, bees, foxes and badgers a safe and sustainable habitat. 

How to get an Allotment

To attain an allotment, you will need to contact your local council. They will usually add you to a wait list and once a plot becomes available will be in touch to organise tenancy. If the allotment waiting lists are large then local authorities may allocate more land for use as allotments, so don’t be put off by this. You could also try lobbying your local council or MP for the allocation of more allotment space in your area if there is not enough.

Already Own an Allotment?

This National Allotments Week we are offering all allotment owners 10% off our 14hp Professional Wood Chipper. Capable of shredding all garden waste and branches up to 4” in diameter. Create mulch, compost and shred prunings and log piles. A great investment for the whole community. 

Now that the buzz of summer has calmed, and the garden is starting to descend into a cascade of golds, browns, and yellows – you may have noticed an array of small mammals, birds and creepy crawlies making the most of the autumn foliage and opportunities for feeding.

Maybe you’ve noticed squirrels scrambling across branches; hedgehogs rustling in the leaves or birds feasting on the bright red berries of our native trees and shrubs.

Our gardens are vital shelters for wildlife – from foxes to bees – and it’s crucial to encourage increased animal activity where possible in your garden.

In this piece, we’ll be covering what you can do to encourage more animal activity in your garden with nine wildlife-friendly landscaping tips.

Why are Gardens Important for Wildlife?

According to the Wildlife Gardening Forum, 87% of UK homes contain garden spaces of varying sizes, which equates to roughly 23 million gardens covering a space about a fifth the size of Wales. This coverage is larger than any of our nature reserves combined.

Unfortunately, a considerable portion of this garden space has been lost to hard surfacing (such as patios and concrete) which, along with climate change, has contributed to considerable habitat depletion.

With such a considerable portion of space available in our gardens, it’s easy to see how even the subtlest of changes can make a considerable difference for our native wildlife species.

Hedgehogs, voles, frogs, newts, and bats are all on the decline in the UK – in fact, a report published in 2020 shows that up to a quarter of our native wildlife species are on the brink of extinction.

Wildlife-friendly landscaping is about readdressing the balance for the benefit of both the animals and the inhabitants too. After all, by thinking carefully about how you manage your wildlife, you can reap the benefits of seeing many species profiting from your carefully constructed outdoor space.

As a general rule of thumb, keep in mind that animal and plant life, just as we human beings do, requires four things to thrive:

• Food.
• Water.
• Shelter.
• A place to breed.

Even the smallest of alterations can aid the fight against habitat destruction and wildlife extinction, here we’ll cover eight such alterations.

1. Create a water source

They say that water is the creator of life, and a pond is an incredible gift for wildlife, attracting the likes of frogs and toads, newts, and dragonflies, but also birds and other small mammals looking for a bite to eat or something to drink.

If you don’t have the space for a large pond, you can always use a buried bucket, trough or even an old bath or sink – so long as the wildlife has a clear way to get in and out of the water, any option is a good one.

If you are looking for something a little bigger, then it’s a good idea to arrange rocks and stones around the edges of the water as a means of shelter – this in itself may also attract slow worms, snakes and other native lizards too – and introduce plants such as waterlilies and hornwort to prevent the water stagnating.

Also, consider placing the pond away from full sunshine where possible as the warmth and sunlight can increase algae and other oxygen depleting microbes.

2. Feed the birds

Birds are a crucial component within your garden ecology due to their preference for feeding on garden pests and their role as pollinators.

By creating bird boxes and secluded areas for food and water consumption, you’ll be giving them the nutritional requirements they need to thrive – this is particularly crucial for our overwintering birds like the robin and the chaffinch.

Place any boxes up high in sheltered areas to protect the birds from predators, such as cats, birds of prey and foxes.

In springtime, offer protein-rich feeds, such as fat balls and mealworms. Nuts and seeds, such as peanuts and sunflower seeds are ideal during winter.

3. Nocturnal visitors

Even if you may not be awake to witness it, your garden will be teeming with life during the night.

Foxes, badgers, and deer are more active during this period. And certain night-blooming flowers such as evening primrose will attract pollinating moths, who in turn will entice members of one of our eighteen species of native bat.

You can also help our bat population by reducing artificial lighting in the garden, as this can interfere with a bat’s ability to see objects in their path, therefore increasing the likelihood of flying into obstacles in their path.

Hedgehogs were once one of the most common night-time visitors in the garden, but numbers have dropped to alarming levels and they’re now considered vulnerable.

One of the biggest reasons for their alarming decline is the loss of habitat and available food sources – this is linked to increasingly intensive agriculture and difficulty accessing areas with an abundance of food.

One of the things you can do is to create a hedgehog friendly gap in your fence or wall to give these little critters the freedom to find food and safe places to hibernate.

This is also beneficial for amphibian populations – which are often active at night – looking for food and a water source.

4. Climbing plants

Ivy, in particular, is very useful for wildlife. The seeds and the flowers are effective sources of pollen and food.

It also offers protection all year round for birds and insects. Things like clematis and some rose species are also excellent options if you’re looking for attractive climbers.

Using trellis and weaved fencing for your climbers can make ideal windbreaks against strong wind currents too since it can allow wind to pass through thereby preventing turbulent wind currents that can potentially destroy flowers, plants and more delicate habitats.

5. Allow the grass to grow

Animal species in the UK have declined by 41% since the 1970s, this is partly due to habitat loss and increasing urbanisation, and long grass habitats are quickly diminishing as the demand for pristine lawns increase.

So, why not leave the mower in the shed and let your lawn recover for a while? Statistics show that letting some of your lawn grow and mowing the lawn only once every four to six weeks, it gives short grass plants such as clover and daisies a chance to flower. This is beneficial for pollinating populations of beetles, butterflies, bees, and wasps.

6. Attracting mini-beasts

Insects perform a vital function within our environment. Up to 75% of crops and flowers rely on insects like bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles to distribute pollen.

Many insects, as we’ve touched upon, are fantastic in the garden and repay your kind hospitality by dealing with problematic bugs and other pests, or simply as a means of food for birds and mammals.

By leaving piles of stone and rocks, sticks, and twigs and rotting wood in the garden, you’ll be creating a home to all kinds of creepy crawlies such as beetles, ants, worms, spiders, ladybirds and much more.

Bear in mind that insects go through several stages in their life cycle – for example, a ladybird larva is generally much longer and virtually unrecognisable from its adult counterpart – so if you’re unfamiliar with an insect, take the time to research and familiarise yourself with the beneficial and not so beneficial insects in your garden.

7. Create a compost heap

A compost heap is a fantastic addition to your outdoor space. By creating nutrient-rich compost to use across the garden, you can create a thriving microscopic biological ecosystem, which will provide an ideal habitat for worms, woodlice, and other beneficial insects – even certain amphibians and slow worms too.

However, to avoid attracting vermin and other unwanted visitors, ensure that you’re only composting natural waste such as paper products, grass cuttings and eggshells. Avoid things like bones, cooked meats, oil and fat and anything that you think might be a nice treat for vermin.

8. Flower patches

By now, we’re all aware of why it’s so important for animals, birds, and insects to have access to a ready supply of pollen from a wide variety of plants and flowers.

Flowers come in a variety of scents, colours, and patterns, and many such as foxgloves, cosmos and roses are a particular favourite for bees and butterflies, and they also have the added benefit of looking and smelling wonderful when in full bloom too.

While it’s important to look to grow a wide range of flowers from spring through autumn, it’s always best to opt for native species, where possible.

Good examples of these include bellflower, common knapweed, and primrose.

Final notes

Making small changes in your outdoor space can make a big difference to the UK’s biodiversity, which has suffered considerably in recent decades.

Given that garden and privately owned outdoor space makes up such a large portion of our green expanse in this country, it’s absolutely vital that we take the opportunity to make these, and many other, small changes to help our ecosystem in their recovery.

In an age where technology has been advancing at an incredible rate and there are new, exciting and innovative products being released every other month. I think it’s safe to say that gardening tools have been left behind and leave a lot to be desired, looking medieval at times. Well, that time is thankfully coming to an end with the release of the brand new Forest Master Compact Mulcher series – the ultimate mulching machine!

New to March 2021, the Forest Master compact mulcher series is hitting all large online shopping platforms and will be the go-to machine for any mulching and shredding purposes. The Compact Mulcher series utilises a similar compact, lightweight and unique design as the compact chipper series, but with a number of upgrades.

What was the inspiration behind the machine? For years we have received customer enquiries asking if we had a suitable machine for such mulching tasks as well known competitor brands had often tried and failed at the first hurdle of being able to process wet green waste such as ivy. Our machine is a tried and tested one-stop-shop for all of your mulching (and chipping) needs.

Unique Mulcher Design Features

The design of the mulcher was no easy task to perfect, it has been undergoing development for a number of years alongside the compact chipper series. Each innovative feature serves a direct purpose and provides an advantage to the mulching process.

Rotatable Drum

Both the petrol mulcher and the electric mulcher include a rotating drum that swivels the hopper and chute. What is the purpose of this? Well, it provides you with complete control over how fast the material is fed into the mulching machine.

Moreover, you’re mulching hard material, you can rotate the drum so that the hopper chute is vertical, this way you can simply leave the material in the top of the chute and it will process it into the drum and produce mulch. This prevents the engine/motor from stalling or being overloaded.

The easier the material is to cut/mulch, the less steep you should set the machine. This game changing design allows you to easily dictate how much material is processed and mulched at once, again to prevent the engine/motor from stalling while in use.

Wood Chipper or Garden Mulcher?

If you’re looking for a machine for a question and you’re struggling with this question, believe me, you aren’t the first. It’s been a question we’ve been asked for years, and the truth was that there weren’t any machines that could suitably perform both chipping and mulching tasks comfortably and effectively. Well, until now.

The new compact mulcher series is designed in a way that allows the mulcher to be easily converted into a powerful wood chipper in just a few short moments. The conversion unit to turn the mulcher into the wood chipper is sold separately, but this is a small price to pay as you gain the function of two machines for less than a quarter of the price.

Perfectly Balanced and Lightweight Design

When setting out to create this mulching machine (and the compact series), our goal was to create something in which the market was lacking; a robust, lightweight and compact machine which doesn’t compromise on power. This is exactly what we have created. #

The machine itself weighs around just 38KG and can easily be moved and manoeuvred around with little to no effort.

The mulchers implement the same beloved feature from the compact chipper series in that that they can be easily folded away or dismantled in just a few short moments so that they can simply slide into the back of a van or estate vehicle while taking up little space.

Why do I need a mulching machine

Well, the real question is, why don’t you need a mulching machine. Mulch does everything. You want your wallflowers warm in the winter and cucumbers kept cool for the summer – done. Do you want healthy, nutrient-rich plants – mulch does that. How about pesky pests, well, mulch protects from them too. Mulch is the secret tool in any gardeners arsenal and really helps to maximise the return from your plants. Let’s face it, why nurture and love your garden to see it destroyed by the seasonal changes. The mulch insulates your plants protecting them from the harsh seasons, think of it as a cushion between them and the snow. It also helps keep weeds at bay by lessening the competition for nutrients and allowing healthy flowers to prosper.

Moreover, the most satisfying part about growing your own plants is the sense of achievement. Now, imagine the sense of achievement you’d get from making your own mulch & being completely self-sufficient. Need some inspiration, check out our guide to creating your own leaf mould.

Bigger isn’t always better!

Designed with you in mind our beautifully engineered machine is compact but still packs a punch. It’s designed to enable you to pick up and go to your job to then pack up and store it with ease. While the size of the machine may not matter, the size of the engine does! With 4 & 6 house powered machines available, they’re as flexible as you. Now, if you’re like me and you aren’t entirely sure what horsepower means and why it’s important. Here’s a quick lesson. The term horsepower originates from a Scottish inventor who needed to market engines to a horse-driven market. Today we see horsepower as equal to a horse lifting 550 pounds of weight 1 foot high in 1 second; imagine the strength of 4hp – or even 6! So, while that 2 hp difference may not seem like a lot – it can go a long way!

If you’re wanting to understand more about horsepower, here’s an article to help you understand. Moreover, if you’re worried about rpm both machines have a whopping 2800 (4hp) & 3600 (6hp).

What can I do with a mulching machine?

The question is, what can’t you do with one? Firstly, as we’ve touched upon this market-leading product has the capacity convert over into a wood chipper. Why choose between the two when you can have both – our thoughts exactly. Spend your mornings mulching and to afternoons chipping – this beauty can do it all. Furthermore, previously mentioned, this mulching machine enables you to be self-sufficient. What’s more organic than create-your-own? Sick of paying more for organic produce, us too. Creating your own mulch with our mulcher and using it on your plants will enable truly organic gardening. Want to learn more? Here’s our blog post telling you how to do just that.

Furthermore, with this 2-in-1 solution, you’re gardening abilities will be able to flower just as much as the plants you’re protecting. Think, no more having to run to the hardware store or waiting for deliveries of produce. You can spend all day planning, planting and protecting your crops. With our mulcher the possibilities are truly endless, how about getting that allotment you’ve always wanted? Well, we’ve got a blog post for that too.

Not only that but if you’re tired of your plants passing away over the winter months – mulch can help stop that. Mulch helps retain moisture in the summer while enabling rain to penetrate the soil in the winter. It also helps protect and preserve the roots of the plant in winter. Speaking of protecting your garden in winter, we’ve got another blog post showing you how to do just that.

Are there different types of mulch?

The short answer, yes. You can create both organic and inorganic mulch with your mulching machine. Organic mulch includes matter which was formerly alive such as leaves, grass clippings and even wood chips. Inorganic mulch includes black plastic or geotextiles. Both types help keep weeds at bay, but organic mulch helps improve the soil as they decompose. While inorganic doesn’t enrich the soil, mulch made of black plastic helps warm the soil and radiate heat during the night. The 6 most popular types of mulch include:

• Wood Chips/Shredded Leaves
• Grass Clippings
• Compost
• Straw or Hay
• Plastic Mulch
• Landscape Fabrics

Want to learn more, check out Good Housekeeping’s guide

Feeling inspired to make your own? Us too! Check out our mulcher here to see the 2 in 1 to all your gardening needs. Moreover, why not check out our blog to learn more about all things green. Got an idea for a blog post? Comment below!

Like so many others, I’ve recently been considering going vegan. I’ve done the cliche millennial thing of ordering “beginner vegan cookbooks” (One-Pot Vegan & Five Ingredient Vegan if you’re interested). Moreover, I’ve begun the (painful) process of cutting dairy out of my diet. But, one thing I’ve noticed a lot, is people preaching the importance of organic produce.

Now, if you’re like me and you don’t know your organic oregano from your standard strawberries. Firstly, let’s not mention the painfully high price tag. Secondly, why pay the price when you could grow your own? Ever thought about making your own mulch?

Well, I thought I’d do what we millennials do best and write a blog about it. Keep reading to learn how to grow an organic garden (a beginner’s guide).

Now, let’s cover the bases – what is organic produce? Organic produce avoids “the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides and growth regulators” which promotes sustainable gardening and organic garden design, according to BBC Goodfood. Moreover, concerning man-made fertilisers and pesticides, I’ll be writing a specific blog on this topic – so keep tuned.

How to grow an organic garden – cover the bases

Why is organic produce so expensive? Well, organic food is cheapest when bought directly from the farmer or producer. But the main reasons for organic produce being more expensive are as follows:

• Higher cost to grow organic produce
• Bigger profit markup for retailers
• Price discrimination, if people are willing to pay it etc – like a 1st class ticket
• Demand rising higher than supply

If you’re wanting to delve deeper into the topic and need some convincing to grow your own (it’s convinced me!) – check out this article. Now, let’s get onto the topic of how to grow an organic garden.

The Significance of Compost in Organic Gardening

One cannot emphasize enough the importance of compost in building a strong organic farming system. By supplying both energy sources and essential nutrients, compost maintains soil biodiversity and helps create a resilient environment.

As found in a study by van der Wurff et al. (2016) [1], when the composting process is well-managed and the input materials are free from contaminants, compost becomes a highly suitable input material for organic farming, fulfilling the system’s ecological requirements.

Organic greenhouse production typically involves high turnover rates of organic matter, substantial inputs of nutrients and energy, and elevated production levels. In these scenarios, compost serves as a crucial source of organic matter and nutrients for greenhouse horticulture and a vital component of growing media for nurseries.

Through providing energy sources and essential nutrients, compost plays an indispensable role in constructing a robust farming system.

What do you need & how do you grow an organic garden

If you’ve read any of my other blogs, you know how important planned planting is – the same applies here. Make a note of what vegetables grow & when so that you can reap what you saw all year long.

Once you’ve done that, there’s no point asking how to grow an organic garden without the proper tools. Here’s what you need:

• Clippers
• Trowel
• Compost Bin
• Garden Gloves
• Watering Can

From there you need to know the quality of your organic soil. Get a Ph soil test, they are easily ordered online. Furthermore, for a minimal cost (and a better result) you can order a sample from your local agricultural extension.

Your next battle will likely be with weeds. How to grow an organic garden with weeds? Well, you can’t. If left unkempt they can hijack light, nutrients and water from your plants.

You’ll reap what you sow and sowing out the weeds will reward you. So, if you have a small patch dig out the weed and the root.

Are weeds whacking you out?

However, if you have a larger plot – don’t bother digging. Picture the scene, you spend the whole day weeding, upturning the soil, only to have those wicked weeds return. No, we can’t have that. Or, you have to use weed killers which involves putting toxic substances next to where you’re wanting to grow your homegrown vegetables.

Do you know what would solve that, mulch. Cut down the weeds to just above the soil (use the trimmings in your mulch!) Then cover the area in mulch that will exclude the light, you can use a variety of materials to do that.

All of which you can use in our mulcher, launching in March. Compact, powerful and perfectly formed – all words used to describe our Forest Master Mulcher. Capable of any workload, you can find one to suit your needs. What goes better with a grow-your-own organic garden than organic mulch? Moreover, with the money you save growing your own, you can reinvest it here! Check ours out!

Furthermore, regarding the mulching process simply top your mulched area with cardboard weighed down with bricks. Don’t use carpet, it contains many toxic dyes), for any other does and don’t check out our mulching blog. Then leave this for a few months and you’re soil is as ready as you are!

How to grow an organic garden without organic plants. How do you find them? Well, your local farmers market is a great place to find seedlings raised free of chemicals, like heirloom seeds, that support eco-friendly gardening. The fewer the blooms the better, try to find stocky plants whose roots aren’t overcrowded.

Reap What You Sow

For the best return, we recommend using raised beds and implementing permaculture principles to maximise the efficiency of your organic garden- here’s a Youtube video explaining raised beds and their benefits. Dwarf varieties of plants are better as they take up less space, they’ll also help reduce overshadowing. The best plants to sow for the best return are:

• Tomatoes
• Pole Beans
• Zucchini
• Swiss Chard
• Tall Sugar Snaps

When asking how to grow an organic garden it’s important to remember water! But, it’s now as simple as pouring water on them – there’s a skill to it! Plants love a watery wake-up call, just as you enjoy your morning mocha. If watered overnight, soil can become damp and increase the risk of fungal issues. A nice brisk morning shower does them the world of good. They have the whole day to dry out, and in the morning there are fewer winds – so they get a better drink. Moreover, make sure when you’re watering them that you water the root.

Positive Predators Protect Plants

Moreover, it’s important to consider protecting positive predators such as frogs, birds and even bats. They’ll keep any pests at bay, but also it’s important to encourage positive insects such as ladybugs to stick around, promoting organic pest control.

Furthermore, a good rule of thumb is to harvest as much as possible! The more you do, the more you’ll get. Moreover, if you’ve got herbs, why not cut them when you need them – that way they’re as fresh as possible.

Now that you know how to grow an organic garden, why not grow a kitchen garden? Here’s a full guide showing you from planning to platting – we’ve got you covered!

We hope this blog has shown you how to grow an organic garden! If it has, let us know below! Already up and running – send us pictures! We’d love to see them. If you’ve got any questions, find us on social media and we’re more than happy to help!

References:

1. van der Wurff, A. W. G., Fuchs, J. G., Raviv, M., & Termorshuizen, A. (2016). Handbook for composting and compost use in organic horticulture. BioGreenhouse. https://doi.org/10.18174/375218

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’d assume a kitchen garden consists of a chilli plant found at your local supermarket and not much else. But, there’s so much more to it than that. Whether it be indoor or outdoor, this French originating concept has been around for centuries! In the blog, I’m going to run through the dos and don’ts of this on-trend gardening style packed with hints and tips like why using mulch is so important.

What is a Kitchen Garden?

Upon researching for our gift blog (see here), I stumbled upon the concept of Kitchen Gardening. Don’t worry, I was confused too. It’s a French style of gardening (known as a potager) and has been practised for centuries. Moreover, a 1994 survey in France determined 23% of their fruit/veg is homegrown. This “romantic” style of gardening has come back on trend recently. It’s no surprise that sales of vegetable seeds have overtaken flower seeds. There are two main varieties, both indoor and outdoor.

Furthermore, the indoor Kitchen Garden usually consists of herbs and regrowing vegetable scraps. For herb gardening, check out this handy good housekeeping guide. For regrowing scraps, check out Katie Elzer-Peters’ book on the topic.

But today we’re focusing on the outdoor variety of Kitchen Gardening. Imagine being able to serve the freshest possible vegetables all year-round? Great right! Rather than taking place in the kitchen, this is designed for the kitchen. It is typically smaller and requires more tending to function, it also places a focus on aesthetics and incorporating the garden as a feature of the home. Designed with symmetrical flower beds and aesthetically pleasing planting – they’re both pretty and purposeful.

Getting started on your Kitchen Garden

You want the garden to seem as though it’s always been there. Try to incorporate other elements such as a fence or wall. Early spring is the best time to begin creating your kitchen garden. Moreover, you need to consider the sun. Ideally, creating your garden somewhere that gets the morning sun or direct sunlight for 6-8 hours. If that’s not possible, choose crops that thrive in the shade. Think cherries, blackberries, raspberries etc. Furthermore, you need to account for wind protection. Ideally a picket fence, hedge or windbreaker will ensure they’re safe.

Furthermore, you want your kitchen garden to be the heart of your outdoor home. Think of planting it somewhere you’re happy to spend a lot of time in.

For an easy life for both you and your plants, consider raised flower beds. Raised beds are ideal for smaller plots, they’re a good option for lower quality soil. They provide drainage, increase soil temperature and prevent soil compaction. Moreover, they act as a deterrent for pests. If you add wooden planks or sleepers you can section off areas of your kitchen garden. If you’re interested in making your own wooden planks or sleepers – check out this blog! Raised beds aren’t a crucial part of kitchen gardening, but they make it enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing.

What to plant?

A lot of a little, or a little of a lot – the choice is yours. Plan to grow any larger plants in the center, medium plants to the side and then smaller ones along the edge. Grow what you love, make a list of your favourite edible plants and plant those. If you plant what you enjoy, you’ll love the process. Furthermore, if space is tight, consider growing dwarf varieties. Aim for successive crops throughout the season (we’ll touch on this later). If you want to maximise your return, grow high value crops. Moreover, if you’ve got green fingered pals – do seed swaps with family.

Intuitive growing helps ensure your flowers flourish, intuitive planting simply means replicate how the plants would look in the wild. This helps prevent pests and weed, but also helps distribute water evenly.

The importance of successive planting cannot be stressed enough, especially if space is tight. Be aware of growing season, there are 12 months with different growing requirements. Being aware of these, planting 1 season in advance will mean that you’ll always be able to get something back from your kitchen garden.

Moreover, it’s important to know the quality of your soil. Why? Because your plants will most likely benefit from organic matter, like mulch. Why lose plants to scorching summers or wicked winters – this simple solution helps prevent that. Moreover, it slowly releases nutrients and retains up to 70% more water than unmulched soil – your plants deserve an evening drink too! Want to make your own? Check out our mulchers here.

Benefits of Kitchen Gardening

Modern-day life has disassociated us from where our food comes from. But by growing your own, you’re establishing that relationship. Not only that, but you’re helping the environment and being more sustainable. Imagine being able to feed your family on crops you’ve grown – incredible. Plus, you’re getting outside breathing in the fresh air and getting a sweat on – who needs a gym! Moreover, now you’ve got your kitchen garden – what about an organic one? Check out our blog on how to grow one here.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog! If you’ve been inspired to grow your own kitchen garden – let us know! Send us pictures – we’d love to see what you’ve been up too! Moreover, check out our social medias and get in touch!