Category Archives: Gardening Advice

The Different Kinds of Soil Explained

Understanding the Type of Soil You Have in Your Garden Will Help Your Garden Grow

Identifying the kind of soil you are dealing with and being aware of the characteristics of different kinds of soil will help you determine whether it will be a good host to your plants and flowers, and if not, what you can do to rectify this.

There are five main types of soil that gardeners can expect to find on their land. Testing which kind of garden soil you have can be done by looking and feeling the soil, and also by seeing how much water it holds.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil can spell trouble for your garden. It contains large particles, has trouble retaining moisture and feels dry and gritty to the touch.

Not being able to hold moisture is a problem if you are trying to grow plants and flowers – as naturally they need to be able to suck up water and nutrients from the soil in order to flourish.

The gaps that are created between the large particles means water drains straight through the soil making it extremely difficult for roots of the plants, particularly young ones, to reach it.

There are some good sides to sandy soil for a gardener however. The consistency of the soil means it heats up easily creating a mild and warm environment which plants appreciate, and it is light and easy to work with too.

If you have sandy soil you will be able to tell by adding water to it and trying to roll it into a ball, if you cannot do this and the soil reminds crumbly, the soil is sandy.

Silty Soil

Silty soil feels smooth and silky to the touch. This is a reasonably fertile soil, though still can’t hold as much moisture as one would hope for in an ideal garden climate.

Because of its smaller particles it is easy for silty soil to become compacted, which can result in poor aeration -aeration is important for water and nutrients to be easily absorbed into the soil.

Clay soil

Clay soil has the smallest particles of these three, and has a sticky feel when moist, though smooth and silky when dry.

Because of its small particles, its water retention is good. However, this also means that compaction is an issue and if water cannot easily pass through the soil it can become logged if there is heavy rainfall.

It can also be hard to manipulate if the weather becomes very dry so it is important to keep turning it over in the warmer summer months.

Saying that, clay soil is one of the most beneficial for your garden. It is slow draining, which means it will hold onto nutrients better which your plants can then feed off, resulting in more successful plant growth.

Peaty soil

Peaty soil has a rich dark brown colour and feels soft to the touch when dry, and spongy when wet.

Peaty soil holds plenty of organic matter and retains water easily which makes it a useful option in the warmer months as it will hold water, yet also protect your plants roots when heavy rain is experienced.

Peaty soil is often used to help pH levels in soil and control diseases too.

Saline Soil

Saline soil is usually found in very dry regions so is unlikely to be found in the average UK gardeners home!

Saline soil is very damaging to plants due to its high salt content which prevents water uptake by plants. If you have saline soil you are likely to notice a white layer on the surface of your garden soil.

So which kind of soil is best for my garden?

For general gardening the ideal soil type for gardeners is actually a combination of silt, sand and clay soil.

This soil is known as loam soil. Loam soil retains moisture while also draining well and is also easy to manipulate and keep aerated.

If you don’t have loam soil in your garden do not despair! You can help treat your soil with a good soil conditioner, or by adding a layer of nutrient rich topsoil to your garden to give it a boost and help your garden plants to flourish!

Bury Hill has a huge range of premium grade soils to suit any garden and gardener. If you would like to discuss your needs, why not give our friendly and knowledgeable team a call on 01306 877 540?

The Many Uses of Bark and Woodchip

Woodchips and garden bark chippings not only look great -they are good for your garden too!

Wood chips are a useful, hassle-free way of making your garden look great, and have been a garden staple for both novice and veteran gardeners for many years. Whether you are looking to create a fresh new look, want to create a pathway or border, or need to cover a section of your garden that’s gotten a little tired, wood chips and garden bark are both great options. But what many people don’t realise is they can actually help your garden flourish at the same time!

So what can you do with garden wood chips and bark chips? Here are just some of their many fantastic uses.

Mulching

Mulching is a fantastic way to keep your soil in great condition. Covering the soil with a layer of mulch helps it to retain water, and also deters and suppresses weeds from growing through the soil and spoiling your gardens well-kept look.

Contract Ornamental Bark is a popular choice which looks attractive in flower beds or garden pots, making them easier to maintain. A screened mixed Woodchip is another useful option which won’t break the bank, and helps to dress beds and keep weeds at bay.

Both of these compost very slowly, and therefore are very economical – they will only need topping up occasionally, and will keep your garden healthy and looking great for many months to come.

In your garden borders

A layer of garden wood chippings around your garden’s border will create a barrier on top of the soil which makes it difficult for weeds to grow through.

Achieving this look couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is scatter a layer around 7.5cm thick over your borders, on well-nourished soil and you will have immediate protection.

Spring is the perfect time to do this as the chippings will also protect the roots of flowers and plants from being damaged by the heat of the sun, and help prevent the soil from drying out.

Bear in mind that you need to use chippings which have been specially made for mulching – fresh chippings do not work in the same way and can absorb nitrogen from the soil which is needed to allow plants to grow. The layer of chippings also adds texture and warmth to your garden and keeps it looking neat and tidy too.

In the pots

Garden wood or bark chips can also be useful to cover the soil in plant pots and in hanging baskets, though use finer, smaller chippings if you are going to do this.

This will keep your garden looking uniform and the same benefits for your pot plants and hanging baskets will be achieved – keeping the soil protected and moist, which means you don’t have to worry about such regular watering during the hot summer months.

You can expect to see your pot plants, and all those covered in bark or wood chips, grow quickly as the chips help to encourage plant growth as well as nourish and aerate the soil.

For pathways

A pathway of wood or bark chippings can be a great feature in any garden, creating neat sections and helping to give an impression of space.

If you want a garden path, but would prefer to do it on a budget, chippings are an excellent, low maintenance choice as an alternative to hard pathway materials which take considerably more time, money and effort to lay down.

To achieve the look make sure you put down a membrane between the soil and chippings which you should puncture with holes so water can easily drain through. Your pathway of chippings needs to be quite deep – around 10cm is best, so ensure that you have dug deep enough to be able to achieve this.

For children’s play areas

Playbark is a excellent material for children’s play areas. This durable material is easy to install and makes for a fantastic looking space for children to play in safely – helping to prevent accidents or injuries. Our play bark is a carefully selected, 100% natural British pine with a lovely pine odour. It is perfect for play areas but can also be used to suppress weeds, and keeps soil moist and healthy too.

What kind should you buy?

There is a wide range of bark and wood chippings available, and they come in a variety of colours so you can find one that you feel will best complement your garden’s ‘look.’

At Bury Hill, our bark and woodchips are perfect for creating a natural, rustic look in your garden, and our top quality play bark is perfect for children’s outdoor spaces.

If you would like to buy wood chippings for your garden, and would like any advice on what kind would be most suitable for your project, why not call our friendly, expert team on 01306877540 or drop us an email today?

Lawn Care in Spring: How to prepare your lawn for summer months

The best lawn care tips to follow this spring in order to achieve a perfect summer lawn

This is the time of year when you should start preparing your lawn for summer.

With the weather becoming brighter and warmer getting your lawn in great condition is paramount, and will leave your garden looking healthy and well-kept, so you can fully enjoy your outside space during the summer months.

The climate at this time of year means your lawn will start actively growing, and if it has been left over winter it will need some love and care to get it back looking its best.

No lawn can be left untended for too long. In order to keep grass growing healthily and strong, and to avoid sparse dry patches, you need to feed, water and cut it back regularly.

Even if initially it may require some time and effort to bring your lawn back to life, once you have done so, a little and often approach is best, and providing you give it regular maintenance it shouldn’t be a huge job to keep it looking great.

If you haven’t already started, now is the time to start thinking about your lawn and, and with the right attention, it will start to flourish in no time at all.

Here are the top spring lawn care tips you should follow in order to achieve the perfect summer lawn.

Mowing

This is one of the more obvious, but still crucial tasks to complete in order to maintain your lawn.

While not much growth may have occurred during the colder months, you will no doubt have noticed your lawn now beginning to grow again.

Mowing your lawn not only gives it a neat, well-kept, and even appearance it will also keep it healthy by eliminating pests from the grass, clearing bits of debris that may not be immediately obvious if your lawn is overgrown, and help it to easily distribute and absorb water, sunlight and feed due to its even nature.

When you cut the grass on your lawn you are eliminating the weaker, thinner strands, leaving only the most vigorous and hardy shoots which will give your lawn a greener, more luxurious appearance.

The older cut grass that falls onto the earth (even though you will undoubtedly clear the majority of it away) helps to fertilise the earth creating a natural compost which stimulates even more growth.

Do this regularly in spring and summer and your lawn will stay looking fresh and bright throughout.

Eliminating moss

Moss can cause problems to the look and health of your lawn. If your lawn is damp and poorly drained moss can grow and create issues when it comes to creating that neat and even look.

Moss growing on your lawn is usually an indicator that your soil is not right for growing grass – either that it is too acidic, too moist, or is nutritionally poor or too compacted.

These conditions are perfect for moss to thrive in, but not for your lawn! Killing the moss is the first step and can be done with a good quality herbicide or moss killer, which often come combined with a fertiliser. Following this, the lawn will need scarifying which removes the moss and weeds leaving the grass. However, to thoroughly tackle the problem you also need to change your soils condition.

Do this by aerating the soil where necessary and by distributing a fine layer of loam topsoil and/ or soil conditioner to help your lawn recover from the stress and feed the bacteria within the soil, helping to improve its root mass. Alternatively, a good quality green rootzone (a blended sand and compost mix) can also be applied following scarification and re-seeding which is available to order online or by calling 01306877540.

Feeding your lawn

A good lawn fertiliser is useful to help maintain your lawn. Feeding your lawn on a regular basis will help to increase growth and the strength of the grass shoots. It will also keep weeds at bay.

For best results apply a good lawn fertiliser when the soil is damp. Do this as early as possible in spring/ summer. Too late in the year and you could actually damage your lawn by encouraging too much growth too late on which will then potentially be damaged by the cold weather, or pests and disease.

Planting grass seed

There may be patches of your lawn that have become sparse and dry particularly after scarification, and if this is the case you may need to seed over these areas to encourage new growth. Always use a good quality FRESH grass seed which has been coated to aid germination.

Pay attention to the more shaded areas of your garden where lack of sunlight may have affected growth.

The best way to plant grass seed is to create a seed bed by either carefully raking the areas to be re-seeded or by applying a fine topsoil or rootzone. Sow the grass seed at half the recommended rate (unless you are starting from scratch) and then gently rake over the soil for even distribution of the seeds.

Keep an eye on the weather and water the areas if the sun stays out for a few days. You should see the newly planted grass start to show within 7-10 days.

One of the problems with over-seeding your lawn, however, is that it can create a patchy look in terms of colour. It may be advisable to simply seed over your entire lawn in order to achieve a uniform result.

Watering your lawn

Pay careful attention to how much water your lawn is getting. In the UK watering is not usually necessary for your lawn to stay in good condition in summer. However, if you encounter a particularly hot, dry summer, then use a fork to aerate the soil before you water and then do so once a week in order to keep the soil from drying out and the grass turning brown.

Looking after new lawns

If you are planning a new lawn this summer then make sure you choose top quality grass seed or lawn turf to achieve the perfect, manicured garden lawn look.

You can find advice on the best time to lay lawn turf here.

Be sure to carefully follow instructions, and remember not to use your lawn right away. Lawn turf needs at least a week to settle and lawn seed should be planted and allowed to grow until it is ready to be cut back by mowing before it is used.

If you follow these handy spring lawn care tips you are sure to have a beautiful, fresh, well-nourished garden that you can enjoy all summer long!

Bury Hill provides everything you need to get your lawn in great condition this spring. From premium grade topsoils and soil conditioners to grass seed and lawn turf, if you are looking to create a fantastic lawned area in your garden then our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you. Get in touch today!

The Most Beautiful Plant Pairings for Your Flower Garden

When it comes to making your garden look fantastic, it’s all about the planning. Regardless of how big your outside space is, with a little bit of thought you can really bring it to life.

With the celebrated Chelsea Flower Show taking place in May, and with summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan your flower garden, research the perfect plant pairings that will create a carnival of colour in your garden, and find out what to plant now.

Never just pick one plant on its own merit

It is so easy, when browsing for plants, to simply wander around your local garden centre and pick ones that look colourful and interesting.

However, if you really want your garden to look its best you need to think about how plants will look next to each other, and utilise every inch of your outside space to ensure each plant, shrub, tree and flower you choose is next to another that makes it really stand out.

Choose contrasting colours and textures

The best flower gardens are full of bright, contrasting colours and a variety of textures which really bring it to life.

Gardens should be interesting with plenty to look at and investigate. Everything from the walls fences and hedges that create your garden’s border, to the pots that you select to grow your chosen plants in should be picked specifically to create a vibrant and exciting look.

Think about the seasons

Now that spring is definitely upon us there is a whole range of fantastic flowering plants, trees and shrubs that are ready for planting and will blossom and bloom throughout the warmer months.

However, when summer is over it doesn’t mean that you need to neglect your garden – it can look fantastic all year round, even if that means you are admiring it from inside your cosy home as opposed to lazing outside in the sunshine!

It’s not just about the look

Plenty of plants have gorgeous scents that can make stepping into your flower garden truly delightful. So it’s important to pick ones whose fragrances blend sweetly together.

Take the climbing rose Etoile d’Hollande, for example, not only do the striking red flowers give any garden a romantic and elegant look, but the fragrance is truly sublime.

Combine with delicate honeysuckle and you’ll not only create a beautiful wall of contrasting colour, but the wonderful scent is something you’ll appreciate every time you set foot outside.

Jasmine and Lavender also work wonderfully together. Jasmine is an excellent climber, and will look great creeping up stone walls or curling prettily around fences and hedges. Big bushy pots of purple lavender provide the perfect variance and the sweet, floral, herbal fragrance is lovely too.

Think big

Even in smaller gardens if you have space for one large tree, make it a great one!

A small cherry tree will provide a fantastic focal point and the stunning pink and white blossoms that appear in late March and early April are wonderful for injecting some spring colour into your garden, and will work well with more hardy shrubs and leafy green plants too.

Think about the foliage

Flower colours should also be chosen with foliage in mind. Take the Eleagnus Gilt Edge – a medium sized evergreen shrub with sturdy, waxy green and yellow leaves.

This is a garden staple and a great space filler. Intersperse with a deep blue clematis such as Polish Spirit for a striking colour contrast that is sure to delight.

Work in other materials

A beautiful garden doesn’t simply have to be about plants. Let your imagination run wild and think about the contrasting materials you can bring in too.

Decorative stones look fantastic and create the illusion of space, as well as separating larger gardens into district areas. Garden furniture, wooden benches, and water features all create texture and movement too.

Dare to be brave

There is no harm in experimenting when it comes to plant pairings, so be brave and daring and you’ll soon see what works and what doesn’t when it comes to creating a fantastic flowering garden.

The great thing about gardening that if something looks odd you can simply carefully dig it up, plant it elsewhere and start again!

Now that you have some ideas of what you can plant now to create a wonderful flower garden, make sure that you have fully prepared your garden before you start planting.

Get your soil in perfect condition by turning it over, using a soil conditioner and adding a layer of rich topsoil too. Composts and mulches are fantastic at naturally improving the quality of your soil too, so make sure you give your plants and flowers the best start by ensuring your soil is in the best condition before you start.

If you would like any help or advice on the best way to improve and prepare your garden for planting why not get in touch with the friendly team at Bury Hill today?

How to Create the Perfect Vegetable Garden

Top tips to help start your very own vegetable patch

There are so many benefits to growing your own vegetables. Not only is it a satisfying and rewarding hobby, it also saves you money, and is good for the environment too!

With spring upon us, it is the perfect time to start thinking about getting your garden ready for the summer months, and planning and sowing seeds for your very own vegetable garden. You don’t need a big space to start organic gardening and if you haven’t got a lot of room, don’t worry – vegetables grow well in pots too.

Growing vegetables in your garden has become increasingly popular with the likes of celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall advocating using your own freshly grown food to make delicious meals the whole family can enjoy.

There is nothing quite like cooking up a fantastic meal made from produce you have lovingly grown yourself, and providing you do a little planning and take care of your veggies, you can look forward to a fantastic crop come summer. Bury Hill shares it’s tips on how to start your own vegetable patch.

Here are some top tips to help you create a fantastic vegetable garden

Select your ground

Vegetables need lots of sun in order to flourish properly, so make sure you find a bright and sunny spot to start your vegetable patch. Sun helps vegetables ripen too, making for sweeter flavoured tomatoes, onions and carrots – delicious!

Deep, rich soil is best for veg growing. If your soil is thin and dry then now is the time to boost it. Topsoils, composts and mulches will help improve your soil and make your garden perfect for planting veg, and a good soil conditioner can help break down heavy, wet soils which help your plants grow well.

If your garden is paved you can still join in the fun, simply build some raised beds – these will actually help protect your veg from pests, and save them from being trampled on by children/ pets too!

Raised beds also improve the soil drainage and elevate your crops further towards the light!

Protect from pests

Your plot is undoubtedly going to attract slugs and snails who will try to get a sneaky taste of your delicious vegetables. Make it difficult for them by keeping your plot clear of long grasses and weeds. Using natural slug pellets to keep them at bay is another good idea too.

Stick to the guidelines

It is tempting, when getting excited about growing your own vegetables, to ignore the advice on seed and plant packets and to try and start growing them before it is recommended to do so.

Always wait until the dates stated on the packets. In fact waiting until nearer the end of the recommended start date is likely to give your plants the best chance of good growth.

If you plant your seeds to earlier then you’re meant to, cold weather and a lack of light means it will be difficult for them to recover.

What to plant

There are a huge range of fantastic vegetables that you can grow at home. If you are new to veg growing and not sure where to start, here are some of the easiest:

Salad Leaves

Salad leaves are great to grow in the garden, you can choose from a range of flavours and textures, and they grow quickly meaning you should be able to reap the benefits in just a few weeks!

Potatoes

Everyone loves the humble potato! Really growing potatoes simply involves keeping them well watered, and it is great fun rummaging in the soil to find them at the end of the season.

Peas

A fresh pea is truly delightful, and they are great for gardens that don’t get much sun as they will happily grow in cooler weather. You can plant them from March and they should be ready to pick from June through to August, and the more you pick them, the more they grow!

Herbs

A little herb garden is an easy way to grow some of your own food, and a great one for the kids to help out with. Mint, rosemary and tarragon all do well in moist soil, and with a decent amount of sunshine, they should flourish quickly.

Carrots

Since it’s international carrot day on the 4th April why not try your hand at growing your own carrots this year? Carrots need little water and like lots of sun, and you can do lots with them in the kitchen too!

Organically growing your own vegetable garden is lots of fun and even novice gardeners with only a modest outside space can still give it a go.

So why not see what you can grow in 2016 and get planning your vegetable garden now?

At Bury Hill we offer a wide range of garden solutions to improve the look and feel of your garden and help your plants and flowers flourish. For help and advice why not give our expert team a call on 01306877540 – we’ll be happy to help!

The Benefits of Composting in Your Garden

How compost can help your garden grow

Many people tend to think of compost as an environmentally friendly way to reduce household waste, and while controlling waste is, of course, fantastic, keen gardeners also benefit from using compost in the garden as it has a huge number of significant benefits.

Of course, if you are unable or unwilling to make your own, but still want to reap all the benefits of composting, then it is easy to purchase. Good quality compost is a fantastic way to give your garden a much-needed boost and to help it flourish.

So what exactly does compost do?

Improves soil structure

Healthy soil is usually a rich dark brown colour and has a soft and crumbly touch. This indicates enough air and moisture are within it and it contains enough energy to move freely.

Adding compost to your soil will help it to get to this point and keep it healthy from there on. It also helps to neutralise your soil’s PH balance which is useful for plant growth.

Increases its ability to hold nutrients

Compost is nature’s best fertiliser – it is essentially a group of organisms that live in the soil – bacteria and fungi as well as common garden creatures such as earthworms.

These organisms help soil remain healthy, and the organic matter found in compost allows essential nutrients to be held in the soil which plants and flowers can then obtain.

Compost also releases nutrients slowly over time so they don’t leach away, which can be the case when using certain synthetic fertilisers. Plants and flowers need a steady supply of nutrients in order to thrive, and this is what compost provides.

Uses less water

Healthy and fertile soil uses less water, and if compost creates healthy soil it should retain more moisture which means you don’t need to use as much water in your garden.

Obviously the larger your garden the more advantageous this is, but whatever its size, using less water is good for the environment, and less hassle for you too!

Keeps disease at bay

Some studies have shown that compost can help keep pests at bay, and where more sterile soil can eventually become overrun with these and eventually ruin your garden, compost will help to naturally reduce the number of these problematic diseases, keeping your garden safe and healthy.

Compost is also good for keeping soil loose and easy to manage. Soil compaction can be an issue in soil that is not healthy. It also helps to inhibit erosion, and, if you are using clay soil, can promote drainage and aeration.

Composting has so many fantastic benefits which make it an essential product for most gardeners to keep their soil healthy, and give their plants and flowers the best chance of blossoming and flourishing each and every year.

If you are looking for great quality compost, mulch or topsoil to improve your garden’s soil in preparation for summer, we offer a fantastic range, and if you need any advice why not contact our friendly team today?

Make Your Garden A Wildlife Garden: How to Encourage Wildlife in Your Garden

How to encourage wildlife in your garden

Encouraging wildlife to take up residence in your garden is a great way to do your bit for the environment, and can help it flourish too.

Even those with a small urban garden can use this space to invite natural wildlife to come in, and the sounds of bees buzzing and butterflies flitting from flower to flower is sure to have a positive effect on your wellbeing too!

So what can you do to turn your garden into a wildlife garden? Here are some fantastic tips to encourage wildlife to come in.

Look after the bees.

Anyone interested in wildlife and the environment will probably be aware that the number of bees in the UK has been rapidly declining over the last few years, with at least two species of bee becoming extinct in the 21st century.

Bees feed on the nectar of flowers so why not give them an easy meal or two by planting some wildflowers in your garden? We offer a range of high quality wildflower turf and seed which will attract bees into your garden.

Bees are excellent pollinators so play a key role in producing many of the foods that we enjoy, so it is only fair that we give them a helping hand and do everything we can to conserve these lovely creatures -the beautiful mix of colours and textures of wildflowers in your garden is a fantastic added bonus too.

Help the hedgehogs.

Hedgehogs are another delightful wild creature that are sadly in decline. Luckily there is plenty we can do to help them. Hedgehogs are always on the lookout for food sources as well as to find a good spot to settle down for the night, or even search for a mate.

If you have a lot of land you may find that hedgehogs are happy to wander through your garden, but even in an enclosed space you could create a gap to allow hedgehogs to roam in and out of your garden freely.

Hedgehogs love to feast on mealworm, and sunflower hearts, but you can also buy specially made hedgehog food, and they are even partial to meaty dog food and unsalted peanuts too!

Leaving out water for hedgehogs to drink is also helpful, but remember that milk can actually cause them upset so don’t try to coax them in with that.

Creating sheltered spots for hedgehogs to live in can be created or bought and will keep them safe and protected from predators. Another important point is that slug pellets and weed killers can be dangerous to hedgehogs if they ingest them, so using organic products, composts and fertilisers will keep them safe as well.

Boost the butterflies.

Butterflies are attracted to colourful flowers, so include plenty of them in your garden to attract beautiful butterflies and other insects and bees.

While butterflies tend not to be too fussy, if you want to give them the optimum environment, planting clusters of small, tubular flowers or flat topped blossoms are ideal as their shape makes it easy for butterflies to land and feed on the nectar. Including flat stones in sunny areas of your garden are also attractive to butterflies who enjoy resting on warm spots after enjoying a good meal!

Care for the birds.

With spring on it’s way, now is the ideal time to think about including a birds nest box in your garden. Even the smallest gardens can accommodate one, and in doing so you will be helping to conserve birds species, giving them an ideal, safe and secure place to nest and breed as well as being a truly joyful experience if birds do choose to take up residence and lay their eggs in your nest box.

Include the insects.

Insects are an important part of our ecosystem, and attracting insects to your garden can keep it flourishing as they feed on pests that may otherwise destroy it.

They also naturally fertilise soil, keeping it healthy, and ideal for growing plants and flowers.

Avoid use of chemical laden fertilisers and allow your lawn to grow a little longer, and you can encourage a variety of harmless insects into your garden providing them with much needed shelter, which is particularly important over winter where they look for suitable spots to hibernate.

By making little, inexpensive and simple changes you could easily transform your outside space into a thriving wildlife garden, which will not only bring you satisfaction in the knowledge that you are doing your bit for the planet, but will also bring colour and life to your garden all year round.

Why, How and When to Aerate a Lawn in the UK

What is aeration?

Aeration is a process to keep your soil healthy in order to give your lawn the best chance of flourishing. It involves making small holes in your soil which therefore facilitates the absorption of air, water and essential nutrients into it. Aeration makes it easier for your grass roots to take up these nutrients and therefore giving them the best chance of growing healthily. Aeration also allows for the old carbon rich soil which has become compressed and dense to become light, oxygen rich soil which makes for a great base, stimulating the grass roots and encouraging them to grow.

Aeration has many benefits:

Relieves surface compaction, lessening the gradual build up of thick that below the lawns surface.
Stimulates new root growth.
Helps with lawn drainage and absorption.
Increases the uptake of nutrients.
Helps create a better balance and gaseous exchange between the soil and the surrounding atmosphere.

Why do we aerate?

Because often grass or lawn thatch can become built up, aeration is crucial. If your lawn gets heavy use the soil can easily compact, it also may end up with a thick thatch. Without aeration nutrients such as fertilisers or essential water may not penetrate the soil properly and therefore will be unable to reach your grass roots. Making time to care for the soil in your garden properly can make all the difference when it comes to having a beautiful, healthy and lustrous lawn this season.

When to aerate a lawn?

Knowing when you should aerate your lawn is vital. Different weather can affect your soil in different ways and therefore choosing the right time to aerate your lawn is important in order to achieve optimum results. So when should you aerate your lawn in the UK? The best time is during the growing season, either in early or late spring or autumn, here the grass has the chance to heal and will be able to naturally fill into any patchy areas which may occur after you remove the soil plugs. Very hot weather can make aeration difficult due to dry soil, and similarly in the colder months, hard, frozen soil becomes impossible to penetrate effectively.

How to aerate a lawn

The process or aerating a lawn is simple. There are two tools you can use which will help you. Choose from a Plug Aerator or a Spike Aerator. The Plug Aerator, as expected, will remove a plug (or core) of soil from your lawn leaving a hole. A Spike Aerator will simply spike holes into the existing soil. You can easily rent either of these machines from your local garden store or home improvement centre.

Before you begin firstly use your lawn mower to crop the grass very short, it is also important to ensure the soil is thoroughly moist. Trying to aerate dry soil could cause further problems and compaction. Go over each area more than once, and in different directions for thorough coverage. If you chose to use a Plug Aerator remove and dry out the plugs of soil then spread them evenly over the lawn once the process is complete.

Make sure that you aerate to the right depth – simply aerating a compacted layer won’t help, you must go deeper than this to ensure the soil is penetrated properly, you are trying to make deep holes with uncompacted walls.

After you have finished aerating your lawn, you should cover it with new grass seed and then take particular care to water, fertilise and mow back the grass regularly. Repeat this process at least once a year, if not more, dependant on your garden usage and you will reap the benefits of having a strong and healthy looking lawn.

If you are thinking of growing a lawn, here at Bury Hill we have a wide selection of grass seeds and lawn turf available for all purposes, be it small gardens to sports pitches. Our team will be more than happy to help advise on the best type of turf or seed for your project, simply CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR A FREE QUOTE.

How To Sow Grass Seed – A Complete Guide

If you are looking to spruce up your garden, a new lawn is a fantastic place to start. Creating it from grass seed is a straightforward and inexpensive process and will give you great satisfaction as you see your new lawn begin to take shape. Grass seed can be used to create a whole new lawn, or simply to fill in areas that have become sparse and patchy. Make sure you choose the correct type of seed for your garden, there are many different types of grass seed to choose from depending on the type of project. Here at Bury Hill we sell a range of mixes, including a grass seed that works particularly well in shaded conditions, making it perfect for the bottom of trees and shrubs.

When is a good time to sow grass seed?

For the best results sow your grass seed from late summer up until the middle of autumn. At this time of year the soil is still warm but also moist from the rain, which are the best conditions for your seeds to take. Keeping the soil moist is imperative, if you can’t wait to sow your seeds then early to mid spring (i.e. March, April, May) are still acceptable times of year, providing you make sure that you water your lawn regularly and the soil stays damp. If the weather is unseasonably hot and dry however, we wouldn’t recommend sowing your grass seed. The hotter summer months are not a good time of year either as it is more than likely your grass seed will simply dry up and never take off.

Where can you buy grass seed?

Here at Bury Hill we sell grass seed for all gardening and landscaping projects. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you on what type of seed you need to achieve the best results in your garden. Bury Hill is a main distributor for Limagrain Uk – The largest seed development company in Europe. We have grass seed available for sports pitches, amenity, domestic, livestock and wildflower meadows. Ordering couldn’t be easier. Simply go to our website and select the type of seed you need for your project – all prices include delivery to your postcode.

Preparing the soil for seeding

It is important to ensure you thoroughly prepare your soil before sowing the grass seed. To do this, firstly make sure that all weeds and stones have been removed. Rake through the soil aiming to get it loose and fine, to a depth of around 25cm. Once you have done this, carefully tread on the soil to flatten and firm it, then, a couple of days before you plan to sow the seed use a granular fertiliser. Alternatively you could simply buy some of our Bury Hill GP10, premium grade topsoil, which is perfect for seeding.

How to sow grass seed

Once your soil is ready, it is now time to sow your grass seed. To do this you firstly need to mark out the area where you are sowing, you can use stakes to do this. Then begin to sow the seeds by walking up and down the area in parallel rows, scattering the seed evenly. To make life easier and ensure an even spread you could use a spreader (make sure this is set to the right spreader rate before you begin though!). Once you have covered the entire area simply repeat the process, this time walking in parallel columns to ensure the entire area has been covered. Then Rake the soil you have just seeded, ensuring a thin layer covers the seed. The final step is to give your seed a good watering, after that you are done!

Maintaining your grass

It is important to protect your newly sown seeds from any damage. For best results stretch fruit netting over the seeded area – this will keep it safe from birds. Make sure that people stay off the area as treading on it could damage the seeds and prevent them from growing. Keep the soil moist by watering twice a day or more if the weather is hot and dry. Also keep an eye out for any weeds and remove these so they don’t interfere with the growth of your seeds. When your grass is 5cm tall then you can start mowing, ensuring there are dry conditions before doing so. Cut the grass to 2.5 cm (1 inch).

Growing a new lawn is a great way to give your garden a fresh new look. At Bury Hill we have a wide selection of grass seeds available for all purposes, be it small gardens to sports pitches. Our team will be more than happy to help advise on the best type of grass seed for your project, simply contact us for more information or for a free quote.

5 Winter Vegetables to Grow

Many people believe that once the weather turns colder and the firsts frosts start to settle that they should simply protect their garden and wait it out until spring. However there is still so much you can do to keep your garden going throughout winter and many varieties of flowers, plants and vegetables that do well during the winter season.

Organised gardeners actually use this time to prepare for springtime to ensure that their garden will flourish. There is nothing like growing vegetables at home, and one of the great joys of gardening is growing, harvesting and eating your own vegetables. Now is the time to get the garden ready and plant some hardy winter vegetables during the colder months and reap the joy and satisfaction of an early crop.

Planting winter vegetables is easy. While there are many varieties that can be grown in these months, Bury Hill have listed 5 winter vegetables to grow below:

1. Onions and Shallots

Get planting these tasty root vegetables this autumn as soon as possible. Onions are a food staple and are an excellent addition to many recipes. The beauty of growing your own is that they are a particularly hardy vegetable and will need little attention over the winter months. They aren’t good for the impatient though as have a rather long growing period and usually won’t be ready until early summer.

Shallots are another fine choice and are great in salads and sauces. These easy to grow vegetables come in different varieties too. Red onion lovers should select the Onion Electric, or those for those that wish to play it safe the Onion First Early is the most popular variety around. Just remember where you have planted them and take that into consideration when you start sowing your springtime seeds!

2. Garlic

Garlic is another good choice for the busy gardener who likes things to take care of themselves. If you like a little variety then there are different types to go for such as the intense Chesnok Red which is creamy and full of flavour.

The Wright Cristo is the standard popular variety that is used in most recipes and dishes. Remember garlic has a long growing period too, so don’t expect to harvest these hardy flavoursome little treats until the start of the summer months.

3. Perpetual Spinach

Perpetual spinach is nutritious, delicious and most importantly easy to grow! It’s a fast growing vegetable that is great in salads, curries and side dishes. If you sow now you are likely to see the first leaves in the winter months when it will be young, fresh and tender.

Spinach will continue to grow throughout spring and well into summer, just remember to carefully trim off the flowers to ensure a healthy plant and continual growth.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is for gardeners who are in it for the long game. This delicately flavoured vegetable is a fantastic addition to any meal. It is a case of ‘all good things come to those who wait’ though as it will take around two years before you can harvest your first crop.

However once you have established your asparagus bed, if you look after it well you should be able to continue to enjoy the fruits of your labour for up to 25 years!

5. Pak Choi

This delicious oriental vegetable works well in stir-fry’s or as a side dish to fish or meat. Pak Choi also works well in summer salads and is a truly excellent addition to your diet being full of vitamins A and C, Calcium, Iron and Folic Acid. Pak Choi is hardier then most vegetables and can crop, if it has been sown late, during the winter!

The beauty of winter plants is that they are, for the most part, pretty hardy and able to cope with whatever the weather throws at them. You will be able to sow all of these directly into your garden without the need to cultivate them indoors first.

If you get concerned that they aren’t doing well simply give them a bit of protection by throwing a fleece or similar over the top of them to protect them from the worst of the winter frosts.

Bury Hill supply landscape materials, premium grade topsoil’s and turf. Contact Bury Hill for more information or call us for a free quote – 01306 877 540.