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.

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.

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. 

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!

If you’re like us, nothing brings you more joy than being out in your garden. Whether you’re cooking up a storm, being a social butterfly or making your own mulch – your garden is your own paradise. It’s little surprise then that 27 million (almost 50%!) of us Brits have green-fingers. So, it makes sense that our go-to gift involves gardening. Even less surprising is the gardening retail market being worth an estimated 5 billion – they’re raking in the sales. So in this blog, we’ll run through our ideas for gardening gifts for men, women and the whole family!

Gardening Gift Ideas

As previously mentioned, being a 5 billion pound industry means there’s an abundance of options for gardening gifts for men. Obviously, it’s dependant on the individual, but let’s run through some ideas for all budgets!

Gardening Gifts for Men £0-£50 budget

£0- 50 If you’re on the hunt for a gift to give your green-fingered grandad that’s also budget-friendly – you’re in the right place! Firstly, what does he do in the garden? Why? Because for under 50 you can get a gift as individual as him. Is he the life of a party with a garden bar to match? Or, is his garden a gateway to peace and tranquillity – well-personalised gifts are a great idea. Places like Etsy and Not On The High street are great for a tailored touch. Personalised birthday BBQ – they’ve got that. Personalised toolset – they’ve got that. They even have personalised gnomes and who doesn’t love gnomes.

• Not On The High Street – Personalised BBQ
• Etsy – Personalised Tools
• Etsy – Personalised Gnome

There’s a multitude of options for grown-your-own gents. Everything from a funky veg kit to beets, roots and leaves grow kits are available. All are budget-friendly and cater for everything from kitchen gardens to allotments – they make great gardening gifts for men. Are they a novice grower, show them out allotment guide for beginners to plant some ideas.

• Amazon – grow-your-own options

Furthermore, is he a logger longing for a better toolkit or a man with a fiery passion for firewood – we’ve got you covered! Firstly, check out our moisture meter! This pocket-sized pal packs a punch, it keeps safety and ease of use as a priority. Moisture meters are great gardening gifts for men as they ensure the wood you burn or craft with is safe and within government legislation. To find out check out our blog on why you need a moisture meter. Moreover, if he’s a DIY devil doing multiple manoeuvres at once get him a sawhorse, many of ours are under £50 – check them out here!

• Forest Master – Moisture Meter
• Forest Master – Saw Horse

£50-£150 Budget

Moreover, what if you’re looking at spending a little more, here are some ideas for gardening gifts for men between £50-150. Something every man needs, a cordless drill set. There’s a vast range of drills to suit all needs and budgets, check out which’s guide to choosing the best drill set. If he’s a tech king wanting to feed his people (or plants), check out this smart water controller. It enables you to control your sprinkler system wherever you may be and would make a cool piece of kit. If he still uses an axe for firewood, bring him into the 21st century with our Forest Master Smart Splitter which removes the effort from firewood, saving your back in the process.

• Eve Aqua – Smart Water Controller
• Forest Master – Smart Splitter

Garden Gift Ideas for Dad – Big Gift Ideas

Finally, if you’re really looking for top tier gardening gifts for men, these suggestions are for you. Firstly, have you ever thought “how can a robot help me?” Well, what if I said they could mow your lawn – the Flymo Easilife does just that! Check it out here. Moreover, a green-fingered king needs to look after his plants, and how do you do that? Mulch. What is mulch? It is any sort of material laid over the soil as a covering. It helps get the best possible return from your plants, fruits and veg by allowing them to regulate their temperature and ensures they are always fed nutrients. Furthermore, mulching can be fun, even more fun when you create your own. It’s easy, eco-friendly and helps utilise any excess food or garden waste – check out our mulcher!

• Flymo – Smart Robot Lawn Mower
• Forest Master – Mulcher

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Gardeners

Now, of course, we’re not suggesting that these are gifts are exclusively gardening gifts for men – women can get them too! They’d all make great mothers day gifts for gardeners. Moreover, if you’re looking for something more creative, have you considered gardening gift baskets? Again, Etsy and Not On The High Street sell those too. If you’re looking to plant some more creative ideas, try making your own! Here’s a link to a YouTube video doing just that. Furthermore, if you’re wanting to be more eco-friendly – check out our kitchen garden guide! What’s a kitchen garden – read to find out!

We hope you’ve found this useful if you have let us know in the comments! Moreover, if you’ve got any ideas of your own be sure to comment below or contact us on social media!

What this article includes:

• What is no dig gardening?
• Why use the no dig method of gardening?
• Does no dig gardening work?
• How to make a no dig vegetable garden

What Is No Dig Gardening?

I must admit, concepts such as mulching, and no-dig gardening escaped me. Then, I came upon the YouTube channel of one Charles Dowding, vegetable wizard of Homeacres, I was as confused as you are.

And the more and more content I consumed on this alien method of gardening, the more bizarre it seemed.

To put a complex topic in a simplified manner (of which it is it is hugely simplified), no-dig is growing plants in compost on top of the naturally occurring soil.

It’s often seen as the more organic way of growing your vegetables, as it leaves the natural life and flora that exists in the soil alone rather than tilling up their home.

Seem strange? I thought so too.

But the more and more I read and watch, the more people advocate for this method.

It’s easier to harvest and weed growth (if done correctly) is almost non-existent.

Read on to find out more!

Why Use The No Dig Method?

The first question you’re probably asking yourself is why I should consider using the no dig method of gardening?

Why take the risk?

Because ultimately, it is a risk. If it doesn’t pan out, then you’ve lost a lot of valuable time that could have been put to better use.

However, that being said, if done correctly no dig gardening is a huge time saver.

No weed growth

So the method of starting out in no dig involves covering the area in which you plan on sowing your crops to kill everything underneath.

Most commonly using cardboard (as it will eventually break down and feed nutrition back into the soil) but this really can be just about anything.

I’ve heard stories of people using wood chips and carpets/rugs too at this stage. The idea is simply to block out all light so that the greenery underneath is deprived, eventually killing it off.

Obviously, it goes without saying that you don’t want to use anything that’s going to be detrimental to the health of your soil (ink, chemicals etc.).

No disturbing the soil

By using no dig gardening, you’re not having to till or completely remove the topsoil, which has two effects.

Firstly, all that initial work you’d have to put in is completely removed, which saves you at least a day but probably more depending on the size of your allotment.

Additionally, if you’re not digging into the soil then you’re not disturbing all that microbial life that is currently in the soil.

It’s these organisms that break down matter and spread nutrition throughout your compost/soil and are integral to both good soil health and good plant health.

And since your soil (under the compost) hasn’t been loosened, your plants will have a much better base in which to anchor themselves.

Easier to harvest

This method allows for easier harvest of crops, as they will all be growing in the compost.

This is particularly useful for root vegetables, as you don’t have to spend time digging them out and replacing the soil. It really is as simple as just giving them a gentle tug.

Since they’re so close to the surface, crops such as leeks will have a much shorter root section (the white bit at the bottom), which in my opinion is nicer but that’s a personal choice.

Any weeds are easier to spot and remove

Perhaps the most advantageous (and my personal reason for trying a no dig method) is the seriously reduced number of weeds you get throughout the growing season.

It all pertains to that first period in which you blocked out the sunlight for the topsoil, before laying your compost. This killed off all the grasses and the majority of weeds that are going to cause you issues.

Perennial weeds may still occasionally pop through as they can be quite tough, but if you just move them as far down as you can comfortably get they’ll die off pretty quickly, and really don’t cause much of a problem.

Improved soil structure

The soil structure itself is much better, as the natural pathways and tunnels that have been dug by earthworms and small organisms haven’t been destroyed.

This leads to not only better drainage, which is critically important, but also allows the roots to grow easier, giving the plant more resources to funnel into the actual growing of vegetables, which is really what it’s all about!

Better moisture retention

Finally (but in no way redundant) you’ll have much better moisture retention. The topsoil will be shaded throughout the season, especially so if you took the advice contained in our blog on uses for your wood chips and used wood chips to provide additional shade to the top layer of soil. The wood chips are able to absorb water whilst providing shade, regulating moisture levels and preventing the need to water quite so often.

For some climates, this doesn’t make that much difference, but if you’re growing in particularly hot climates then this can be a big advantage that you might want to make note of.

Does No Dig Gardening Work?

So, I suppose this is the million-dollar question, as up until this point it does sound a little too good to be true, doesn’t it?

The general consensus is yes, with previously mentioned Wizard Charles devoutly advocating for it, but it’s not without its flaws

In order to get set up with the no dig method, you’re going to need compost. A hell of a lot of compost.

Maybe this much compost?

For a standard 8 foot by 4-foot bed, you’re going to need at least 600 litres, but chances are for optimal results, even more than that. (The best option is probably to make your own, saving you valuable money – find out how to make your own compost at home here)

So depending on how many beds you have, and the size of your allotment, you may be forking out a lot of upfront costs just to get things ready, if you’ve not made your own compost.

And that’s not even mentioning the work that goes into actually getting all that compost there.

It may not be so bad if you can park your vehicle next to where you’ll be using it, but if you have even a small walk to get to your beds, then you’re in for a bad time.

And for the most part, people who use no dig opt to build raised beds in order to keep all your compost in one place or risk it blowing all over your garden.

You can build these yourself for pretty cheap, and they don’t have to be anything flash. But once again, it’s time spent preparing your beds.

You have to prepare your growing area well ahead of time, we’re speaking at least 3 months to get the majority of growth to die off beforehand (though arguably this is up for contention, as some very experienced horticulturalists say you can go straight into it, but I wouldn’t advise that).

And this can take anywhere up to a year for all the weeds and grasses to die off, perennials are particularly irksome.

And, though I can’t attest to this myself, a study published in 1947 trialled the no dig and reported that there was a significant drop in the fertility of beds after around 5 years, though I’ve not heard this from anybody else so make of that what you will.

How To Make a No Dig Vegetable Garden

So, if you’re going ahead with a no dig garden, below are the steps you need to follow to get you started.

• Mark Your Area

If you’re using raised beds, then this step is going to be pretty obvious. Even so, marking out the area you’re going to be using for no dig gardening is a crucial first step so you know where to lay your cardboard or mulch down.

If you’re not using a raised bed, then using pegs and string is the easiest method I’ve found for this Simply stake in the four corners of your bed, and then tie a string across so you can recognize the boundary easily.

Pick your spot carefully, you want to avoid areas that are likely to be mostly shaded. 6 hours of sunlight is the least we’d recommend.

• Gather Your Materials

You’re going to need roughly 1.5x the size of your marked area worth of cardboard so that you can overlap the edges and make sure there are no gaps in your layer.

You’re also going to need enough compost so that you can spread a 5-6cm layer across the whole area (told you it was a lot).

• Lay Down Your Cardboard

Spread your cardboard out over your future bed, making sure there are no gaps. It’s best practice here to overlay edges to prevent weeds from finding the gaps and growing through.

Once all your cardboard is laid, water it heavily to both help it stays in place, and to begin the process of allowing it to break down. I’d also secure the edges with stones/stakes/whatever else you have at hand just to keep everything secure and in place.

Obviously, if you’re creating a raised bed, then put your frame on top of the cardboard.

• Compost It!

Now’s the time to put your compost on top. If in doubt you don’t have enough, always add more. It’s better to have too much, than too little.

Firm down the compost once it’s all layered on, and then water.

This is your bed complete. You can plant straight into this, but personally, I’ve always given it some time to settle in and let the weeds die off a bit. That’s up to you.

And don’t forget, the best way to plant is to propagate, not direct sow. But that’s a whole different article.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post, check out some of our others here and don’t forget to comment with your experience of no dig gardening, we’d love to see photos of your allotments and gardens.

Mulching is of the most beneficial things you can give to your garden and plants. A good quality mulch is able to insulate the soil, providing a buffer from heat and cold temperatures as well as retaining water to ensure that the roots are kept moist.

It also keeps the weeds at bay, preventing competition for the roots and allowing to to healthily spread out and grow. Also, while not being a direct benefit to the plant life itself. It just looks great to the eye!

While I’m sure we’re aware of most of the benefits, it’s not rare you see the same mistakes being made. Let’s cover a few of these common mistakes below.

Making Mulch Volcanoes

Mulch Volcanoes are one of the most common bad practices I see. Mulch volcanoes is the method of piling up mulch against the trunk of a tree or a plant in which it resembles, you guessed it, a volcano.

So why is this practice bad? While not looking great, they can also do a serious amount of damage to the tree / plant life around your garden. The mulch itself traps moisture in all the wrong places and starts the quick decline into rot of the plant life.

Once the wood / plants start rotting it provides quick and easy access for insect and fungi to make their claim. Ideally, you want to try and avoid having any mulch closer than 1-2 inches from the trunks of tree or any plant life.

Using Too Much Mulch

This bad habit can tie in with the last. Too much mulch and you will inevitably start to create a mulch volcano.

However, this isn’t the only concern with using too much mulch. While it’s good to provide root systems with mulch in order to keep them moist and provide them with security from weeds. It also compacts the soil and prevents the root system from getting the air it requires to survive.

You need to keep the layer of mulch to around 2″, this is around the perfect amount to keep the root systems healthy. P.S. Don’t forget to dig up any old mulch if it’s starting to pile it’s way up.

Using the Wrong Kind of Mulch

Many people assume that you can only make one kind of mulch but this is very far from the case and not all mulches are alike.

You need to ensure that you choose the correct best suited to your specific plants.

You can get both organic and inorganic mulch, both of these comprise of different materials and the materials you choose to mulch effects the overall pH balance. For e.g. if you wanted to use mulch for the blueberry patches / bushes, then you would want a mulch with a high acidic balance. This would come from mulching sawdust, compost, pine needles or bark.

Be sure to research your garden plant life before mulching, this way you can give your plants the perfect mix.

Not Mulching

In the end, not mulching at all is the biggest mistake you can make. It may be a learning curve at first discovering more about your own garden and what is required but once you’ve jumped into the deep end, you’ll find it’s actually a very simple process and there’s so many benefits it’s mad not too!

You can find at least half a dozen blog posts on mulching / composting on our blog alone, let alone the entire internet. There’s no excuse to get started this fall and reap the never ending rewards in a years time. Ever considered making your own compost? – check out our guide now

If you want help getting started, take a look at our gardening category in our blog to find out more!

Home composting & mulching is one of the most simplistic and satisfying DIY projects. At first glance, many people believe that making compost is a complex and time-demanding task.

The reality is that the process is very simple and doesn’t require a great deal of work. If you want to explore other misconceptions, check out our blog post on the myths of composting.

Composting is the most beneficial way of recycling, everyone benefits! They don’t call it black gold for nothing.

Paper and cardboard-based materials (brown waste) are essential in creating a healthy compost mix. You can find all about the process of making compost by checking out our composting guide.

Is paper harmful to the soil?

Before diving into the process of adding the waste to your compost mix, let’s cover some of the things you should consider.

In the past, it’s been well-advised not to use glossy, printed or waxed paper within your compost heap. This is because it’s thought that these kinds of paper carry the risk of exposing the soil to harmful chemicals.

Present-day, a lot of these worries are now obsolete as the majority of manufacturers have switched to more earth-conscious methods of creating the paper. A large percentage of the manufacturing companies opt to use water-based inks, vegetable oil and similar organic materials.

Of course, it’s still better to know for sure so it may be best to contact the company or find the information online.

Steps to prepare the Cardboard and Paper for Composting

The first step to preparing the cardboard and paper is to ensure that any sticky tape, labels or plastic is removed. The last thing we want to do is to take time breaking down our materials only to have it be contaminated by microplastics and toxic chemicals.

This next step isn’t entirely necessary but it’s highly recommended as it will greatly increase the decomposition process. You will want to break down any medium-large sized pieces of paper or cardboard into much smaller pieces before being placed into your compost pile.

How to Shred Paper & Cardboard for Compost

This section pretty much comes down to personal preference as well as what tools you have at your disposal. A paper shredder will do the job, but you may struggle manually shredding down cardboard all day long. This is where we (Forest Master) come into play.

Can you shred paper in a wood chipper?

We have designed the perfect machine for composting. Our FM6DD-MULCH is a compact chipper, shredder and mulcher all-in-one machine. This is the first of its kind.

The chipper is capable of processing hard or soft branches, leaves, cardboard, paper and any other garden waste you can think of. You can save on hours of hard work and grinding down materials to use for your garden. Simply switch the machine on and away you go – no effort involved!

Find out about our new, unique and innovative (patent-pending) machine by checking out our latest blog post.

How to add paper and cardboard to your compost pile

There are a few different methods you can use to add your materials to your compost pile, again this is down to personal preference.

Our favourite method is the simple method of filling a compost bin first with a layer of dried leaves in the bottom. We then like to add food waste to the next level and then a layer of browns on top of this (paper and cardboard shreddings).

You need to create a healthy 50:50 mix of alternating layers of green and brown materials.

You can keep adding materials as you, as long as you remember to add a good 50:50 mix, for e.g. if you add a layer of cardboard then make sure you balance it out with a layer of greens (grass clippings etc).

It’s also important that you continue to turn the compost pile every week or so using a pitchfork, this greatly increases the rate of decomposition.

How long does it take for paper and cardboard to break down?

So how long does it take for cardboard to decompose in a garden? This varies depending on several factors such as the size of your compost pile, the aeration and the ratio of materials used. Typically, this process takes around 6 to 8 months before it’s ready to be put to use in your garden.

Going back to previously covered topics, it’s pretty much essential that all cardboard/paper is broken into small pieces as large materials will not be able to decompose anywhere near as quickly. You can also sock the cardboard in water in order to help speed up the process.

If you have any questions or suggestions for other subjects, feel free to leave a comment on this blog and we’d be happy to cover it. Moreover, want to read more of our blog posts? Check out our leaf mould and prepare your garden for winter blogs

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