Useful guide
How to mulch garden borders
A practical UK guide to mulching garden borders: choosing between bark, compost and leaf mould, applying at the right depth, and keeping mulch away from plant stems and crowns.
Read the mulching guideGarden help
Gardening in Sandwich, Kent
Practical garden help for lawns, hedges, and outdoor tidy-ups around Sandwich and nearby East Kent villages.
What this covers
Lawns, hedges, and garden jobs kept under control
- Front and back lawn mowing for tidy, well-kept gardens
- First cuts after longer growth, where access and conditions are suitable
- Front, side, and rear hedge trimming where height and access make sense
- Seasonal garden tidy-ups for homeowners, landlords, second homes, and holiday lets
- Clear discussion before starting if waste, access, height, or weather affects the job
Useful guide
How to plant tulips
A practical UK guide to planting tulip bulbs: waiting until November for the best results, choosing a well-drained sunny spot, planting at the right depth, and protecting bulbs from squirrels.
Read the tulip planting guideUseful guide
How to cut back perennials
A practical UK guide to cutting back herbaceous perennials in autumn: knowing which plants to cut now and which to leave for winter interest, and how to do it without damaging crowns.
Read the perennial cut-back guideUseful guide
How to grow figs in the UK
A practical UK guide to growing figs in Britain: choosing Brown Turkey or another UK-suited variety, restricting the roots, protecting from frost, and harvesting when the fruit is ripe.
Read the UK fig growing guideUseful guide
How to make leaf mould
A practical UK guide to turning autumn leaves into free soil conditioner: building a simple cage, keeping the pile moist, and using the finished mould as a mulch or soil improver.
Read the leaf mould guideUseful guide
How to prune clematis
A practical UK guide to pruning clematis: working out which pruning group your plant belongs to, when and how hard to cut, and what to do through the season to keep it healthy and flowering.
Read the clematis pruning guideUseful guide
How to grow sunflowers
A practical UK guide to growing sunflowers: choosing varieties, UK sowing times, planting out after the last frost, staking giant varieties, and harvesting seeds in autumn.
Read the sunflowers growing guideUseful guide
How to grow wisteria
Wisteria is easier than its reputation suggests. The twice-yearly pruning routine - August and February - is what makes the difference between a plant that flowers and one that doesn't.
Read the wisteria growing guideUseful guide
How to overwinter geraniums
The difference between hardy cranesbills (leave them alone) and tender pelargoniums (bring them inside before the frost) - and how to keep pelargoniums going through a UK winter.
Read the geranium overwintering guideUseful guide
How to grow peonies
The trick with peonies is planting depth - too deep and they won't flower for years. Get that right and you have a plant that can last a hundred years in the same spot.
Read the peonies growing guideUseful guide
How to grow alliums
Ornamental alliums are among the easiest bulbs to grow. Plant in autumn, leave the foliage to die back naturally, and those globe-shaped flower heads come back year after year.
Read the alliums growing guideUseful guide
How to grow lupins
Lupins like free-draining, slightly acidic soil and need deadheading promptly for a second flush. They can struggle on chalk - but in most Kent gardens they do well.
Read the lupins growing guideUseful guide
How to grow agapanthus
Agapanthus want sun, good drainage, and a bit of root restriction to flower well. Get those right and those tall blue or white flower heads come back each summer.
Read the agapanthus growing guideUseful guide
How to grow hostas
Hostas are the go-to plant for shady spots. Grown mainly for the foliage - but the main challenge is slugs. Sort that out and they are easy to keep going year after year.
Read the hostas growing guideUseful guide
How to grow ornamental grasses
Ornamental grasses add movement and structure through the seasons with very little maintenance once established. The main job is a proper cut-back in late winter.
Read the ornamental grasses guideUseful guide
How to grow hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are dependable shrubs with a long flowering season. The thing that catches people out is pruning - get it wrong once and you lose a whole year of flowers.
Read the hydrangea growing guideUseful guide
How to grow fuchsias
Fuchsias keep flowering from early summer to the first autumn frost. Hardy or half-hardy - know which you have, because that changes how you deal with them in October.
Read the fuchsia growing guideUseful guide
How to grow celeriac
Celeriac takes nearly six months from sow to harvest. Start indoors in late February, never let it dry out, and the autumn roots are properly satisfying.
Read the celeriac growing guideUseful guide
How to grow Florence fennel
Sow in June - not April - water consistently, and harvest fat white bulbs before the flower stem appears. Timing is almost everything with Florence fennel.
Read the Florence fennel growing guideUseful guide
How to fix a sagging garden gate
Most sag problems come from the hinges, not the post. Tighten the screws, repack stripped holes, or add a diagonal brace - usually a morning's work with basic tools.
Read the sagging gate repair guideUseful guide
How to replace fence panels with decking boards
Practical UK guidance on swapping standard lap panels for horizontal decking boards: checking and replacing posts, fixing boards with consistent spacing, capping post tops, and applying a preservative stain.
Read the decking fence guideUseful guide
How to restore garden furniture
Practical UK guidance on restoring teak and hardwood garden furniture: cleaning off the weathered grey surface, sanding back along the grain, applying teak oil in thin coats, and repairing loose joints before the season starts.
Read the garden furniture guideUseful guide
How to control Japanese knotweed
Practical UK guidance on identifying knotweed correctly, understanding your legal obligations, treating with systemic herbicide at the right time of year, and disposing of cut material as controlled waste.
Read the knotweed control guideUseful guide
How to fit decking lights
Practical UK guidance on fitting low-voltage decking lights: choosing the right kit and IP rating, planning the cable route under the boards before drilling, connecting lights to the cable, and wiring the transformer.
Read the decking lights guideUseful guide
How to create a living wall
Practical UK guidance on putting up a garden living wall: choosing a pocket or modular system, fixing it safely to a fence or wall, picking plants for the aspect, and running a simple drip line to keep everything watered through summer.
Read the living wall guideUseful guide
How to build a garden bridge
Practical UK guidance on building a timber garden bridge over a stream or pond feature: planning the span, choosing pressure-treated or hardwood timber, cutting the stringers, fitting decking boards, and adding handrails and a weather finish.
Read the garden bridge guideUseful guide
How to treat moss in your lawn
Practical UK guidance on treating lawn moss: applying iron sulphate to kill it, scarifying out the dead growth, overseeding bare patches, and fixing the drainage and shade conditions that let moss take hold in the first place.
Read the lawn moss treatment guideUseful guide
How to build a chicken run
Practical UK guidance on building a secure chicken run: choosing welded mesh, setting posts in concrete, burying a predator-proof apron, and fitting a gate that keeps foxes out of your backyard flock.
Read the chicken run guideUseful guide
How to grow microgreens at home
Practical UK guidance on growing microgreens indoors: choosing the right seeds, sowing thickly in a shallow tray, watering from below, and harvesting in as little as a week for salads and sandwiches.
Read the microgreens guideUseful guide
How to plant bare-root hedging
Practical UK guidance on planting bare-root hedge plants from November to March: preparing the ground, soaking roots before planting, spacing per species, firming in, and mulching for a strong first year.
Read the bare-root hedging guideUseful guide
How to grow cherry tomatoes in pots
Practical UK guidance on growing cherry tomatoes in containers: choosing the right variety, consistent watering to avoid blossom end rot, feeding with high-potash fertiliser, and harvesting regularly for a long season.
Read the cherry tomatoes guideUseful guide
How to clean a BBQ
Practical UK guidance on cleaning a BBQ at the end of the season: soaking grates, clearing burner ports, tackling grease build-up inside the hood, and storing it properly for winter.
Read the BBQ cleaning guideUseful guide
How to service a petrol strimmer
Practical UK guidance on a petrol strimmer that will not start or keeps cutting out: changing the plug, cleaning the carburettor, and checking the fuel system.
Read the petrol strimmer guideUseful guide
How to replace a pane of greenhouse glass
Practical UK guidance on removing broken glass safely, measuring for a replacement, and fitting the new pane in glazing clips on an aluminium greenhouse frame.
Read the greenhouse glass guideUseful guide
How to seal a natural stone patio
Practical UK guidance on cleaning sandstone or limestone, choosing an impregnating sealer, applying it correctly, and checking the stone is properly sealed before the next rain arrives.
Read the natural stone patio sealing guideUseful guide
How to prune a plum tree
Practical UK guidance on why plum trees must be pruned in summer, using the 4Ds method, creating an open vase shape, and removing water shoots and suckers cleanly.
Read the plum tree pruning guideUseful guide
How to lift and store dahlia tubers
Practical UK guidance on waiting for the first frost, cutting back the stems, digging up the tuber clusters carefully, drying them upside down, and storing them frost-free in dry compost through winter.
Read the dahlia tuber storage guideUseful guide
How to prune a cherry tree
Practical UK guidance on why cherry trees must be pruned in summer rather than winter, how to use the 4Ds method to choose which branches to remove, and how to make clean cuts that heal quickly.
Read the cherry tree pruning guideUseful guide
How to maintain a wildlife pond in autumn
Practical UK guidance on netting leaves, cutting back marginal plants, thinning oxygenating weed, and leaving the right cover so frogs and newts can overwinter safely.
Read the wildlife pond guideUseful guide
How to create a cottage garden
Practical UK guidance on choosing anchor plants, preparing borders, planting in groups of three or five, letting self-seeders work their magic, and keeping a cottage garden looking full and natural year after year.
Read the cottage garden guideUseful guide
How to lay granite setts
Practical UK guidance on excavating, laying a compacted sub-base, bedding granite setts on semi-dry mortar, checking levels, and pointing the joints for a traditional garden path or patio edge that lasts.
Read the granite setts guideUseful guide
How to install polycarbonate roofing
Practical UK guidance on the framework pitch, wall flashing, glazing bars, cutting sheets to length, and sealing the eaves and ridge ends on a lean-to or garden outbuilding.
Read the polycarbonate roofing guideUseful guide
How to build a wooden planter box
Practical UK guidance on choosing the right timber, cutting and assembling a planter box, adding drainage, treating the exterior wood, and filling with compost ready to plant up.
Read the wooden planter guideUseful guide
How to line a garden shed
Practical UK guidance on fixing battens, fitting insulation, and boarding a shed interior so it holds warmth and stays dry enough to use as a workspace through winter.
Read the shed lining guideUseful guide
How to plant garlic in the UK
Practical UK guidance on choosing varieties suited to British conditions, splitting bulbs, planting at the right depth in autumn, protecting from birds, and harvesting by July.
Read the garlic planting guideUseful guide
How to repair a dry stone wall
Practical UK guidance on clearing fallen stones, rebuilding with the right batter, setting through-stones at intervals, packing hearting firmly, and finishing with capstones.
Read the dry stone wall repair guideUseful guide
How to build decking steps
A practical UK guide to building steps up to or down from a timber deck: measuring the rise and going, cutting stringers, fixing treads, and getting a safe, sturdy result.
Read the decking steps guideUseful guide
How to clean and maintain artificial grass
A practical UK guide to keeping artificial grass clean and looking good: removing debris, dealing with pet mess, treating moss and algae, and doing a seasonal deep clean.
Read the artificial grass cleaning guideUseful guide
How to build a herb spiral
A step-by-step UK guide to building a herb spiral from bricks or stones: laying the courses, filling each zone with the right growing mix, and planting herbs to suit each microclimate.
Read the herb spiral guideUseful guide
How to restore wooden garden furniture
A practical UK guide to restoring weathered wooden garden furniture: cleaning the wood, applying restorer, and protecting the finish to keep it looking good season after season.
Read the restore wooden garden furniture guideUseful guide
How to use autumn leaves in your garden
A practical UK guide to collecting fallen leaves and turning them into leaf mould, mulch, and free soil conditioner for your garden.
Read the use autumn leaves guideUseful guide
How to protect plants from frost
A practical UK guide to protecting garden plants from frost: using fleece, mulching roots, insulating pots, and knowing which plants to move inside before the cold hits.
Read the protect plants from frost guideUseful guide
How to grow blackberries
A practical UK guide to growing and training blackberries for maximum yield: support systems, tying in new canes, and cutting out the old wood after harvest.
Read the grow blackberries guideUseful guide
How to grow blackcurrants
A practical UK guide to growing blackcurrants: choosing the right site, planting deep, pruning for new wood, feeding, and harvesting a reliable crop year after year.
Read the grow blackcurrants guideUseful guide
How to fit a patio awning
A practical UK guide to fitting a retractable patio awning: finding solid masonry for the wall brackets, setting both arms perfectly level, hanging the frame, and adjusting the pitch for shade and drainage.
Read the patio awning guideUseful guide
How to build a slatted fence
A practical UK guide to building a contemporary horizontal slatted garden fence: setting posts in concrete, fixing rails, spacing slats evenly with a spacer block, and applying a wood treatment for long-term protection.
Read the slatted fence guideUseful guide
How to make a window box planter
A practical UK guide to making a timber window box: cutting the boards, drilling drainage holes, assembling and treating the box, fixing wall brackets, and planting up for a season of colour.
Read the window box guideUseful guide
How to build a garden sandpit
A practical UK guide to building a timber garden sandpit: choosing the right spot, excavating, laying a weed membrane, constructing the frame from sleepers or decking boards, and filling with clean play sand.
Read the garden sandpit guideUseful guide
How to build a chicken coop
A practical UK guide to building a DIY chicken coop from timber: checking permitted development rules, building the frame, fitting nesting boxes and perches, and constructing a secure fox-proof run.
Read the chicken coop guideUseful guide
How to prune hydrangeas
A practical UK guide to pruning hydrangeas correctly: identifying mophead, lacecap, and panicle types, timing the cut for each, and what to do if yours has never been pruned before.
Read the hydrangea pruning guideUseful guide
How to lay crazy paving
A practical UK guide to laying crazy paving: excavating, compacting a sub-base, sorting your stone, bedding on mortar, and pointing the joints for a durable and attractive garden surface.
Read the crazy paving guideUseful guide
How to build a lean-to carport
A practical UK guide to constructing a timber-framed lean-to carport: checking planning rules, setting posts, building the roof frame, laying polycarbonate sheets, and fitting guttering.
Read the lean-to carport guideUseful guide
How to lay a concrete driveway
A practical UK guide to laying a concrete driveway: checking permitted development rules, excavating, compacting a Type 1 sub-base, fixing formwork, pouring, and curing the slab properly.
Read the concrete driveway guideUseful guide
How to grow clematis
A practical UK guide to growing clematis: choosing the right variety for your spot, planting at the correct depth, feeding through the season, and pruning by group for reliable flowers year after year.
Read the clematis guideUseful guide
How to level a sloping garden
A practical UK guide to levelling a sloping garden: assessing the drop, planning cut-and-fill or terracing, preserving and returning topsoil, and establishing usable level ground.
Read the sloping garden guideUseful guide
How to plant a hanging basket
A practical UK guide to planting a hanging basket: choosing a liner, mixing compost, planting through the sides, arranging trailing and upright plants, and keeping baskets blooming all summer.
Read the hanging basket guideUseful guide
How to plant autumn bulbs
A practical UK guide to planting autumn bulbs: choosing the right varieties, when to plant, planting depth, spacing, and how to naturalise bulbs in grass for a spring display.
Read the autumn bulbs guideUseful guide
How to build an outdoor kitchen
A practical UK guide to planning and building a brick outdoor kitchen: laying the concrete base, constructing the structure, fitting a worktop, and making it weatherproof.
Read the outdoor kitchen guideUseful guide
How to make a compost heap
A practical UK guide to setting up a compost heap: choosing the right spot, balancing greens and browns, building up layers, keeping it moist, and knowing when the compost is ready to use.
Read the compost heap guideUseful guide
How to prepare your garden for winter
A practical UK guide to preparing your garden for winter: cutting back, protecting tender plants, clearing gutters, storing garden furniture, and getting beds ready for spring.
Read the winter garden preparation guideUseful guide
How to repair bare patches in a lawn
A practical UK guide to repairing bare patches in a lawn: preparing the soil, choosing the right seed, sowing at the right time, and keeping new grass protected until it establishes.
Read the lawn patch repair guideUseful guide
How to set up a garden pond pump and filter
A practical UK guide to setting up a garden pond pump and filter: choosing the right size, positioning the pump, connecting the filter, and keeping the water clear.
Read the pond pump and filter guideUseful guide
How to plant bare root roses
A practical UK guide to planting bare root roses: soaking the roots, digging the right hole, setting the bud union correctly, and giving new roses the best possible start.
Read the bare root roses guideUseful guide
How to build a garden arch
A practical UK guide to building a wooden garden arch: choosing pressure-treated timber, using post spikes or concreted posts, cutting the uprights and top rail, adding trellis sides, and training climbing plants.
Read the garden arch guideUseful guide
How to feed a lawn
A practical UK guide to fertilising a lawn: choosing the right spring or autumn feed, applying at the correct rate with a spreader, watering in after application, and avoiding the burn that comes from over-feeding.
Read the lawn feeding guideUseful guide
How to grow sweet potatoes in the UK
A practical UK guide to growing sweet potatoes: starting slips in late winter, rooting and growing on under cover, planting out in June, feeding through summer, and curing the harvest before storage.
Read the sweet potato guideUseful guide
How to build garden stone steps
A practical UK guide to planning the rise and run, excavating the slope, laying a compacted sub-base, setting riser stones, laying treads, and pointing the joints for steps that last.
Read the garden stone steps guideUseful guide
How to replace strimmer line
A practical UK guide to refilling a grass trimmer spool: identifying your spool type, winding the correct length of new line, reassembling the head, and feeding the line through the eyelets for a clean cut.
Read the strimmer line guideUseful guide
How to replace rotten decking boards
A practical UK guide to identifying rotten boards, lifting them cleanly, checking the joists, and fixing replacement boards with the correct gap for drainage.
Read the rotten decking boards guideUseful guide
How to level a lawn
A practical UK guide to levelling a bumpy or uneven lawn using the topdressing method: scarifying, mixing a levelling dressing, filling hollows, and letting the grass re-establish.
Read the lawn levelling guideUseful guide
How to cut paving slabs
A practical UK guide to cutting concrete, sandstone, and porcelain paving slabs cleanly: scoring by hand, using an angle grinder with a diamond disc, and staying safe.
Read the paving slabs cutting guideUseful guide
How to stop weeds in block paving
A practical UK guide to stopping weeds growing in block paving joints using dry mortar mix or polymeric sand, for a long-lasting result.
Read the block paving weeds guideUseful guide
How to clean block paving
A practical UK guide to cleaning block paving, removing moss and algae, and restoring the colour without damaging the surface or washing out the joints.
Read the block paving cleaning guideUseful guide
How to build a brick pizza oven
A practical UK guide to building a brick pizza oven in the garden: constructing the base, laying the hearth, building the dome, and curing the oven before the first firing.
Read the brick pizza oven guideUseful guide
How to lay block paving in a herringbone pattern
A practical UK guide to laying block paving in a 90-degree herringbone pattern: sub-base preparation, setting edge restraints, laying the blocks, and kiln-dried sand finishing.
Read the herringbone paving guideUseful guide
How to build a garden bar
A practical UK guide to building your own garden bar: planning the base, constructing the frame and roof, fitting the serving hatch, and finishing it off for years of use.
Read the garden bar guideUseful guide
How to grow mushrooms at home
A practical UK guide to growing mushrooms at home: choosing an easy species, setting up a bucket grow, keeping humidity up, and harvesting your first flush of oyster or king oyster mushrooms.
Read the mushroom growing guideUseful guide
How to rejuvenate old apple and pear trees
A practical UK guide to rejuvenating neglected apple and pear trees: assessing the tree, spreading renovation pruning over three years, removing deadwood and crossing branches, and opening up the canopy to light and air.
Read the fruit tree rejuvenation guideUseful guide
How to build a bug hotel
A practical UK guide to building a bug hotel for solitary bees, lacewings, and beetles: choosing your site, filling with natural materials, and keeping it topped up year on year.
Read the bug hotel guideUseful guide
How to grow gooseberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants
A practical UK guide to growing gooseberries, blackcurrants, and redcurrants: choosing varieties, planting correctly, winter pruning, and harvesting at the right time.
Read the gooseberries guideUseful guide
How to restore decking
A practical UK guide to restoring weathered decking: stripping back old coatings, cleaning the boards, sanding lightly, and applying a fresh coat of decking restorer or stain.
Read the restore decking guideUseful guide
How to erect a closeboard fence
A practical UK guide to erecting a closeboard fence: setting posts in concrete, fitting arris rails, nailing featheredge boards with the right overlap, and finishing with a capping rail.
Read the closeboard fence guideUseful guide
How to propagate plants from cuttings
A practical UK guide to taking stem cuttings from garden plants: selecting healthy shoots, preparing and dipping in rooting hormone, and giving cuttings the right conditions to establish.
Read the plant propagation guideUseful guide
How to plant a fruit tree
A practical UK guide to choosing the right rootstock, preparing the planting hole, staking, and planting at the correct depth for a fruit tree that establishes well.
Read the fruit tree guideUseful guide
How to build a sleeper retaining wall
A practical UK guide to building a railway sleeper retaining wall: fixing vertical posts, stacking sleepers, sorting drainage, and backfilling for a long-lasting garden feature.
Read the sleeper retaining wall guideUseful guide
How to mow a lawn
A practical UK guide to mowing your lawn correctly: cutting height, mowing patterns, the one-third rule, and how to get clean stripes without scalping the grass.
Read the lawn mowing guideUseful guide
How to build a picket fence
A practical UK guide to building a picket fence: setting posts, spacing rails, fixing pickets, and finishing with paint or preservative for a lasting result.
Read the picket fence guideUseful guide
How to apply exterior wood stain
A practical UK guide to staining exterior timber: choosing the right product, preparing the wood surface, and applying evenly for a durable, weatherproof finish.
Read the exterior wood stain guideUseful guide
How to grow roses
A practical UK guide to growing roses: choosing the right variety and spot, planting bare-root or potted roses, feeding, pruning, and keeping them healthy for years.
Read the rose growing guideUseful guide
How to grow beetroot
A practical UK guide to growing beetroot: soaking the seeds, sowing from April to July, thinning, watering, and harvesting at the right size for the best flavour.
Read the beetroot growing guideUseful guide
How to grow spinach
A practical UK guide to growing spinach: the best sowing times to avoid bolting, harvesting little and often, and keeping a succession going for months.
Read the spinach growing guideUseful guide
How to grow aubergines
A practical UK guide to growing aubergines: starting seeds in February, keeping plants warm, training to two stems, and harvesting glossy fruit through late summer.
Read the aubergines growing guideUseful guide
How to grow asparagus
A practical UK guide to growing asparagus from crowns: preparing the bed, the two-year wait, harvesting in spring, and keeping the plants productive for decades.
Read the asparagus growing guideUseful guide
How to grow pumpkins
A practical UK guide to growing pumpkins: sowing under cover, planting out after frost, feeding through summer, and curing the skins before storage.
Read the pumpkins growing guideUseful guide
How to grow lavender
A practical UK guide to growing lavender: choosing the right variety and spot, preparing the soil, planting, and pruning to keep plants bushy and flowering for years.
Read the lavender growing guideUseful guide
How to install a fence with concrete posts and gravel boards
A practical UK guide to installing a garden fence with concrete posts and gravel boards: setting posts in concrete, fitting gravel boards at the base, and slotting panels into place.
Read the fence installation guideUseful guide
How to grow dahlias
A practical UK guide to growing dahlias from tubers: starting indoors in spring, planting out after the last frost, staking, feeding, deadheading, and lifting for winter.
Read the dahlias growing guideUseful guide
How to prune wisteria
A practical UK guide to pruning wisteria the right way: the summer prune in July, the winter prune in February, training new growth, and why two cuts a year make all the difference to flowering.
Read the wisteria pruning guideUseful guide
How to grow sweet peas
A practical UK guide to growing sweet peas from seed: when to sow, how to help germination along, the right support, pinching out, and how to keep them flowering all summer.
Read the sweet peas guideUseful guide
How to set up drip irrigation
A practical UK guide to setting up garden drip irrigation: planning the system, connecting to a tap or water butt, laying the pipe, fitting drippers, and adding a timer for hands-free watering.
Read the drip irrigation guideUseful guide
How to grow rhubarb
A practical UK guide to growing rhubarb: planting crowns, mulching, forcing for early stems, harvesting without stripping the plant, and keeping it productive year after year.
Read the rhubarb growing guideUseful guide
How to grow chillies
A practical UK guide to growing chilli peppers, from sowing in January and providing warmth for germination through to harvesting pods before the first frost.
Read the chillies growing guideUseful guide
How to build a bird box
A practical UK guide to building a wooden bird box, including timber choice, entrance hole sizes for different species, siting, and annual cleaning.
Read the bird box guideUseful guide
How to sharpen garden tools
A practical UK guide to sharpening garden tools including secateurs, spades, and hoes, plus how to remove rust and keep edges lasting longer.
Read the garden tool sharpening guideUseful guide
How to grow cucumbers
A practical UK guide to growing cucumbers from seed, covering indoor and outdoor varieties, training, watering, and harvesting a good crop.
Read the cucumber growing guideUseful guide
How to grow kale
A practical UK guide to growing kale from seed to harvest, including sowing times, spacing, watering, and protecting plants from pigeons and caterpillars.
Read the kale growing guideUseful guide
How to fit composite cladding
A practical UK guide to fitting composite wall cladding: preparing the substrate, installing battens, clipping the boards, and finishing around openings and corners.
Read the composite cladding guideUseful guide
How to build a wheelie bin store
A practical UK guide to building a timber wheelie bin store: planning the size, building the frame and walls, fitting a roof, and hanging the doors.
Read the wheelie bin store guideUseful guide
How to build a garden bench
A practical UK guide to building a solid timber garden bench: choosing the right wood, cutting the frame, assembling it square, fitting the seat boards, and treating the finished piece.
Read the garden bench guideUseful guide
How to create a wildflower meadow
A practical UK guide to creating a wildflower meadow or patch: choosing the right spot, preparing the ground correctly, sowing a native seed mix, and managing it so wildflowers thrive year after year.
Read the wildflower meadow guideUseful guide
How to divide perennials
A practical UK guide to dividing garden perennials: knowing when to divide, lifting clumps correctly, splitting them into healthy sections, and replanting for better growth and more flowers.
Read the perennial dividing guideUseful guide
How to clean a garden pond
A practical UK guide to deep-cleaning a garden pond in spring: removing sludge, scrubbing walls, servicing the pump, and safely returning fish and plants.
Read the garden pond cleaning guideUseful guide
How to repair a concrete garden path
A practical UK guide to repairing a cracked or crumbling concrete garden path: cutting out loose areas, applying bonding agent, filling with repair mortar, and finishing to match.
Read the concrete path repair guideUseful guide
How to line a garden pond
A practical UK guide to lining a garden pond: digging the hole, laying underlay, draping and fitting a butyl or EPDM liner, and anchoring the edges neatly.
Read the garden pond lining guideUseful guide
How to grow sweetcorn
A practical UK guide to growing sweetcorn: starting indoors in mid-spring, planting in a block for pollination, watering well, and harvesting at the peak of sweetness.
Read the sweetcorn growing guideUseful guide
How to grow salad leaves
A practical UK guide to growing salad leaves: choosing cut-and-come-again varieties, sowing little and often, protecting from slugs, and harvesting for months.
Read the salad leaves growing guideUseful guide
How to grow broad beans
A practical UK guide to growing broad beans: sowing in autumn or spring, providing supports, pinching out tips to deter blackfly, and harvesting before the skins toughen.
Read the broad beans growing guideUseful guide
How to grow leeks
A practical UK guide to growing leeks: sowing in modules, transplanting into deep holes, earthing up for long white shanks, and harvesting through winter.
Read the leeks growing guideUseful guide
How to grow carrots
A practical UK guide to growing carrots from seed: preparing a deep, stone-free bed, sowing thinly, protecting against carrot fly, and harvesting a great crop.
Read the carrot growing guideUseful guide
How to grow raspberries in the UK
A practical UK guide to growing raspberries: choosing summer or autumn varieties, planting canes, building wire supports, pruning each year, and harvesting a generous crop.
Read the raspberry growing guideUseful guide
How to build a drystone wall
A practical UK guide to building a drystone wall: choosing stone, laying the foundation, placing throughstones, and finishing with coping for a wall that lasts generations.
Read the drystone wall guideUseful guide
How to grow peas
A practical UK guide to growing peas: choosing varieties, sowing at the right time, building supports, keeping pests off, and harvesting before the pods become starchy.
Read the peas growing guideUseful guide
How to prune garden shrubs
A practical UK guide to pruning shrubs: knowing when to prune, understanding old and new wood, making clean cuts, and getting healthy growth and better flowers each year.
Read the shrub pruning guideUseful guide
How to grow herbs in a window box
A practical UK guide to growing herbs in a window box: choosing the right container, which herbs to combine, compost mix, watering, and keeping it productive all season.
Read the window box herbs guideUseful guide
How to grow grapes in the UK
A practical UK guide to growing grapes: choosing the right variety for the British climate, training along wires, pruning correctly in winter, and getting a decent harvest.
Read the grapes growing guideUseful guide
How to build a rockery
A practical UK guide to building a garden rockery: choosing the right stone, setting each piece at the correct angle, filling with gritty compost, and planting alpines that will thrive.
Read the rockery guideUseful guide
How to grow onions
A practical UK guide to growing onions from sets: planting in spring, weeding, harvesting when the tops fall, and drying for long-term storage.
Read the onions growing guideUseful guide
How to grow runner beans
A practical UK guide to growing runner beans: building cane supports, sowing after frost, watering, picking regularly, and getting a long harvest through summer.
Read the runner beans guideUseful guide
How to grow courgettes
A practical UK guide to growing courgettes: sowing indoors, planting out after frost, feeding, pollination, and harvesting before they turn into marrows.
Read the courgettes guideUseful guide
How to grow blueberries
A practical UK guide to growing blueberries: acidic soil, choosing varieties, watering with rainwater, netting against birds, and harvesting a summer crop.
Read the blueberries guideUseful guide
How to grow potatoes
A practical UK guide to growing potatoes: choosing the right variety, chitting, planting depths, earthing up, and harvesting for the best crop.
Read the potatoes guideUseful guide
How to install solar garden lights
A practical UK guide to choosing and installing solar garden lights: picking the right type, checking sun exposure, positioning for the best effect, and keeping them working all year.
Read the solar garden lights guideUseful guide
How to grow garlic
A practical UK guide to growing garlic: choosing the right variety, planting cloves in autumn, caring through winter, and harvesting and drying bulbs in summer.
Read the garlic growing guideUseful guide
How to grow herbs
A practical UK guide to growing herbs: choosing which to grow, planting in pots or beds, watering and feeding, harvesting regularly, and keeping them going through winter.
Read the herb growing guideUseful guide
How to grow vegetables in pots
A practical UK guide to growing vegetables in pots and containers: choosing the right containers, varieties, compost, and watering routine for a good harvest from a small space.
Read the vegetables in pots guideUseful guide
How to build a garden room
A practical UK guide to building a timber-frame garden room: planning permission, laying the base, framing the walls, fitting the roof, cladding, and finishing the interior.
Read the garden room guideUseful guide
How to install fence panels
A practical UK guide to installing lap fence panels: setting posts in Postcrete, fitting gravel boards, slotting panels into post clips, and finishing with timber preservative.
Read the fence panels guideUseful guide
How to paint metal railings and gates
A practical UK guide to painting metal railings and iron gates: removing rust, priming, applying topcoat, and getting a finish that actually holds up outside.
Read the metal railings guideUseful guide
How to clean composite decking
A practical UK guide to cleaning composite decking: removing debris, scrubbing with the right solution, tackling stains, and restoring the finish without damaging the boards.
Read the composite decking guideUseful guide
How to build a garden arbour
A practical UK guide to building a timber garden arbour: choosing the site, setting posts, constructing the frame, treating the wood, and anchoring it securely.
Read the garden arbour guideUseful guide
How to grow tomatoes from seed
A practical UK guide to growing tomatoes from seed: the right sowing time, pricking out seedlings, potting on, and hardening off before planting outside.
Read the tomato growing guideUseful guide
How to lay bark chippings
A practical UK guide to laying bark chippings in garden beds and borders to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep the garden looking well maintained.
Read the bark chippings guideUseful guide
How to assemble a greenhouse kit
A practical UK guide to assembling a greenhouse kit: preparing the base, building the aluminium frame, fitting glazing, and anchoring it against the wind.
Read the greenhouse kit guideUseful guide
How to remove a tree stump
A practical UK guide to removing a tree stump: manual digging for small stumps, hiring a stump grinder for larger ones, and restoring the ground afterwards.
Read the tree stump guideUseful guide
How to build a shed base
A practical UK guide to building a solid wooden shed base: marking out, laying gravel, fitting pressure-treated bearers, and levelling before the shed goes on.
Read the shed base guideUseful guide
How to design a garden water feature
A practical UK guide to choosing the type and position, installing the pump and liner, and planting around a garden water feature for a result that runs trouble-free.
Read the water feature guideUseful guide
How to build a brick barbecue
Practical UK guidance on laying a solid base, building brick courses in a U-shape, fitting angle iron grill supports, and leaving the mortar to cure before the first fire.
Read the brick barbecue guideUseful guide
How to build railway sleeper steps
Practical UK guidance on calculating the rise, excavating each step shelf, setting the first sleeper level, and pinning the timber in place with rebar for a result that lasts.
Read the sleeper steps guideUseful guide
How to build a polytunnel
Practical UK guidance on siting, driving ground anchors plumb, assembling the hoops, fitting end frames, and stretching the polythene cover for a properly finished growing tunnel.
Read the polytunnel guideUseful guide
How to build a log store
Practical UK guidance on sizing for a season's supply, building a base that keeps logs off the ground, adding slatted sides for airflow, and fitting a pitched roof with adequate overhang to keep firewood dry.
Read the log store guideUseful guide
How to grow strawberries
Practical UK guidance on choosing early, mid, and late varieties, planting at the correct crown depth, feeding with high-potassium fertiliser, protecting fruit from slugs and birds, and managing runners for next year's crop.
Read the strawberry growing guideUseful guide
How to install a garden soakaway
Practical UK guidance on percolation testing, digging the pit, choosing crate or rubble fill, lining with geotextile membrane, and connecting the inlet pipe from a downpipe.
Read the soakaway guideUseful guide
How to build a cold frame
Practical UK guidance on sizing and materials, shaping sides for a drainage slope, assembling the frame, glazing the lid with polycarbonate, and positioning for maximum sun.
Read the cold frame guideUseful guide
How to start a no-dig garden
Practical UK guidance on suppressing weeds with cardboard, adding a deep compost layer, sowing and planting without digging, and keeping beds mulched through the season.
Read the no-dig garden guideUseful guide
How to lay resin bound paving
Practical UK guidance on base assessment, mixing resin and aggregate, screeding to a consistent depth, and curing times for a permeable, long-lasting driveway or path.
Read the resin bound paving guideUseful guide
How to lay a porcelain patio
Practical UK guidance on sub-base preparation, adhesive mortar technique, setting drainage falls, cutting porcelain with a diamond blade, and finishing with flexible jointing compound.
Read the porcelain patio guideUseful guide
How to lay Indian sandstone paving
Practical UK guidance on sub-base compaction, wetting slabs before laying, full mortar bed technique, checking levels and drainage falls, pointing joints, and sealing the finished surface.
Read the Indian sandstone guideUseful guide
How to build a wildlife pond
Practical UK guidance on siting, digging, lining, and planting a garden pond that attracts frogs, newts, dragonflies, and other wildlife through the seasons.
Read the wildlife pond guideUseful guide
How to build a railway sleeper raised bed
Practical UK guidance on sourcing sleepers, stacking courses with staggered joints, securing the corners, lining for veg, and filling with the right soil mix for a durable garden border.
Read the sleeper raised bed guideUseful guide
How to build a garden fire pit
Practical UK guidance on choosing a safe location, preparing the base with drainage, building with fire-safe bricks and mortar, and curing before lighting a full fire.
Read the garden fire pit guideUseful guide
How to build a garden summerhouse
Practical UK guidance on permitted development, preparing the base, building wall frames from scratch, fitting the roof structure, and weatherproofing for a lasting outdoor room.
Read the garden summerhouse guideUseful guide
How to lay composite decking
Practical UK guidance on building a treated timber sub-frame, fitting boards with hidden clips, leaving expansion gaps, and finishing with fascia boards for a clean, long-lasting deck.
Read the composite decking guideUseful guide
How to plant a hedge
Practical UK guidance on choosing the right species, preparing the planting trench, planting at the correct depth, watering in, mulching, and first-year formative pruning.
Read the hedge planting guideUseful guide
How to paint garden furniture
Practical guidance on cleaning, sanding, priming bare wood, and applying exterior garden furniture paint for a durable finish that stands up to UK weather.
Read the garden furniture painting guideUseful guide
How to install a water butt
Practical guidance on choosing the right position, fitting the stand, cutting the downpipe, connecting the rainwater diverter, and routing the overflow safely away from the house wall.
Read the water butt guideUseful guide
How to build patio steps
Practical guidance on planning the rise and going, digging and compacting foundations, pouring concrete, building brick or block risers, setting slab treads with a drainage fall, and pointing the finished steps.
Read the patio steps guideUseful guide
How to seal block paving
Practical guidance on removing weeds, pressure washing, re-sanding the joints, choosing the right weather window, applying sealer in two thin coats, and keeping the driveway looking good for years.
Read the block paving sealing guideUseful guide
How to make a compost bin
Practical guidance on choosing the right spot, balancing greens and browns, layering material to keep air in the heap, keeping it moist, and knowing when the compost is ready to dig in.
Read the compost bin guideUseful guide
How to oil decking
Practical guidance on picking the right weather window, cleaning the boards, carrying out a water absorption test, applying decking oil generously along the grain, and keeping on top of annual maintenance.
Read the decking oil guideUseful guide
How to build a pergola
Practical guidance on planning post positions, setting posts in concrete, fixing cross beams, laying rafters, and treating the timber for a long-lasting garden structure.
Read the pergola guideUseful guide
How to lay a gravel driveway
Step-by-step guidance on excavating, compacting a sub-base, fitting edging restraints, laying weed membrane, and spreading gravel to depth for a tidy, durable driveway.
Read the gravel driveway guideUseful guide
How to replace fascia and soffit boards
Practical guidance on removing old guttering and rotten timber boards, checking rafter feet, fitting uPVC fascia and vented soffit panels, and refitting guttering.
Read the fascia and soffit guideUseful guide
How to build a garden shed
Step-by-step guidance on laying a level base, assembling wall panels in order, fitting the roof, felting for weatherproofing, and hanging the door for a tidy, long-lasting shed.
Read the garden shed guideUseful guide
How to erect a concrete fence post
Practical guidance on marking the fence line, digging post holes to the right depth, setting posts plumb in postcrete, and slotting in gravel boards and panels once cured.
Read the concrete fence post guideUseful guide
How to paint a garden fence
Step-by-step guidance on choosing the right fence paint or treatment, preparing the timber surface, applying two coats in dry weather, and finishing around posts and top edges.
Read the fence painting guideUseful guide
How to build a brick garden wall
Step-by-step guidance on digging footings, pouring concrete foundations, laying courses in stretcher bond, keeping the wall plumb and level, and finishing with a weatherproof coping.
Read the garden wall guideUseful guide
How to lay a garden path
Practical UK guidance on planning the route, excavating and compacting a sub-base, laying paving slabs on a mortar bed, cutting edge pieces, and pointing the joints for a lasting finish.
Read the garden path guideUseful guide
How to paint an external door
Step-by-step guidance on cleaning and keying the surface, priming bare timber, painting panels and rails in the right order, and getting a finish that holds up to UK weather.
Read the external door painting guideUseful guide
How to fit a garden gate
Practical guidance on checking posts are solid and plumb, marking hinge positions, hanging the gate for an even swing, and fitting a latch that works first time.
Read the garden gate guideUseful guide
How to lay block paving
Step-by-step guidance on excavating to depth, compacting a Type 1 sub-base, fixing edge restraints, screeding sharp sand, laying the blocks, and brushing in jointing sand.
Read the block paving guideUseful guide
How to plant a tree
Practical UK guidance on choosing the right spot, digging the correct depth, firming the roots in without damage, staking if needed, and watering through the first season.
Read the tree planting guideUseful guide
How to repair a fence panel
Practical guidance on assessing damage, replacing rotten arris rails and featherboard slats, re-fitting lap panels, and treating the timber for a lasting repair.
Read the fence panel repair guideUseful guide
How to felt a shed roof
Practical steps for stripping old felt, checking the roof boards, laying overlapping strips correctly, and capping the ridge to keep water out for years to come.
Read the shed roofing guideUseful guide
How to lay artificial grass
Step-by-step guidance on excavating the area, compacting a type 1 sub-base, laying weed membrane, rolling out and cutting the grass, securing the edges, and brushing in sand infill.
Read the artificial grass guideUseful guide
How to fix a leaking gutter joint
Simple steps for diagnosing the leak, cleaning and inspecting the joint, replacing the gasket, reassembling, and testing the repair before checking the rest of the gutter run.
Read the gutter joint guideUseful guide
How to plant spring bulbs
Practical UK guidance on choosing bulbs, planting at the right depth in autumn, spacing for a natural display, and leaving foliage to feed them for next year.
Read the spring bulbs guideUseful guide
How to lay patio slabs
Step-by-step guidance on excavating, compacting a type 1 sub-base, laying slabs on a mortar bed with the right fall, and finishing the joints neatly.
Read the patio slabs guideUseful guide
How to repoint brickwork
Practical steps for raking out failing mortar joints, mixing the right ratio, pressing in new pointing, and finishing with a bucket-handle or flush profile.
Read the brickwork repointing guideUseful guide
How to build a raised bed
Practical guidance on choosing the site, selecting and treating timber, assembling the frame square, preparing the ground, and filling with the right compost mix.
Read the raised bed guideUseful guide
How to aerate a lawn
Practical steps for timing, choosing between spiking and hollow tining, brushing in top dressing, and overseeding thin patches for a healthier, thicker turf.
Read the lawn aeration guideUseful guide
How to lay decking
Step-by-step guidance on planning the layout, building a level sub-frame, fixing boards with consistent gaps, and treating the timber for a lasting finish.
Read the decking guideUseful guide
How to clean gutters
Practical advice for clearing blocked gutters safely, flushing through with water, unblocking downpipes, and checking for sagging sections and leaking joints.
Read the gutter cleaning guideUseful guide
How to install a fence
Step-by-step guidance on planning post spacing, digging holes, setting posts in Postcrete, fitting panels, and adding gravel boards for a fence that lasts.
Read the fence installation guideUseful guide
How to sow grass seed
Practical guidance on timing your sow for UK conditions, preparing a fine seedbed, choosing the right mix, sowing evenly, and caring for new grass through to the first cut.
Read the grass seed guideUseful guide
How to trim a hedge
Safe UK guidance on timing around the nesting season, choosing the right tools, working sides upward from the base, setting guide lines, and clearing clippings properly.
Read the hedge trimming guideUseful guide
How to scarify a lawn
Practical guidance on timing, tool choice, and technique for removing thatch and moss from a lawn, with advice on feeding and overseeding afterwards.
Read the lawn scarifying guideUseful guide
How to create stripes on a lawn
Simple mowing tips for cleaner lawn stripes, including roller use, straight lines, dry grass, and sensible cutting height.
Read the lawn stripes guideUseful guide
How to sharpen your lawn mower blades
A practical guide to removing, sharpening, balancing, and refitting blades safely for a cleaner lawn cut.
Read the mower blade guideUseful guide
How to remove ivy from a wall
Careful steps for cutting ivy back, letting it die off, protecting brickwork, clearing roots, and spotting when the job needs help.
Read the ivy removal guideUseful guide
How to prune roses
Simple UK-focused guidance on when to prune, what to cut out first, and how to shape roses for healthier growth.
Read the rose pruning guideUseful guide
Guide to pressure washing
Practical advice for cleaning patios, paths, decking, and driveways without damaging surfaces, joints, doors, vents, or electrics.
Read the pressure washing guide