5 Ways To Warm Up your Garden

Get Creative This Winter To Give Your Garden A Cosy Feel!

With the temperature dropping in recent weeks you may want to keep warm and stay inside. However there is no reason why you can’t make use of your garden all year round, and with these great tips you can still enjoy your outside space in the colder months.

1. Candles and Lanterns

Candles and Lanterns are perfect to give your garden a cosy feel, and are fantastic to use whatever the weather. Bring out some tall candles in calmer days and place them around your garden. You can use glass jars to keep them steady and protect them from the wind, or simply have them next to plant pots, on the edge of steps, or use floating candles if you have a pond. You can choose all white to keep it classy, or use a variety of coloured candles to brighten up your garden and give it a fun and magical feel. Colourful lanterns can also bring warmth to your garden and give it a lovely enchanted look.

2. Fairy Lights

Just because the festive season is over doesn’t mean you have to pack away the fairy lights just yet. Fairy lights are another great way to give your garden some sparkle during the winter months, and because it gets darker earlier they will have a great effect in the early evening. If you can’t plug your lights inside and lead them outside, why not invest in some solar lights? Despite the lack of sun, a good set will still charge during the day and then will light up your garden from dusk without you having to do a thing!

3. Winter Plants

Despite the cold, there are many plants that will thrive during this time of year. You can find a huge variety of plants that will do well in the cold, and for instant gratification choose from winter flowing plants such as the common pansy, or the more unusual Nepalese paper plant ‘Jacqueline Postill’ (Daphne bholua) which produces delightful pink flowers at this time of year. Berries and snowdrops are also great choices. It is also a good idea to pay attention to your soil at this time of year too. If there has been a lot of frost you may wish to thaw it out by placing some black plastic sheeting over the top. Turn your soil over regularly to keep it loose and add some soil conditioner to keep it in top condition.

4. Colourful Pots

Investing in some colourful pots at this time of year is a fantastic way to keep your garden cheerful all year round. There are plenty of garden centres and shops that sell a variety of coloured plant pots, or you can get creative and paint your own. Regardless of whether it is the right time to grow plants in them, this instant splash of colour will give your garden warmth and vibrancy whenever you look out of the window.

5. Outdoor Heaters

While spending long evenings sitting out in your garden may not be practical at this time of year, if you invest in a patio heater there is no reason why you can’t enjoy it. A fire pit or chiminea is another great option to keep you cosy, providing you use the right logs or coal. So invest in these if you fancy doing some winter star gazing in the evenings, or even invite people over for a winter BBQ -why not?!

So there you have it – with these tips you can keep your garden looking great, and more importantly, usable whatever the temperature. Wrap up warm, grab some blankets and get the fire going and you can enjoy your winter sanctuary until the sunshine reappears!

What is Topsoil & What is Topsoil Used For? – A Comprehensive Guide

So What is Topsoil?

Topsoil is the very uppermost part of the earth’s surface and is only around 2-12 inches thick. Topsoil is formed when rocks become altered over many years, causing them to break down into very small parts due to weathering or chemicals. As this process occurs other organic matter that naturally occurs on the earth’s surface, for example, dead animals, leaves and other vegetation become mixed into it which means that when the topsoil is formed (which can take over 100 years). The soil contains a great many organic nutrients and minerals which support life. Often people add other materials such as manure to topsoil to make it even more fertile and so it can be used for multiple purposes.

Topsoil has become increasingly difficult to cultivate in recent years as pollution can often contaminate the soil and the slow process needed for it to form. This means it has become increasingly important to monitor how much topsoil gets removed from the earth’s surface intentionally and used for commercial purposes.

What is topsoil used for?

Topsoil is widely used in gardening and is very efficient in helping to improve the quality of soil on a particular patch of land. It can also be used to level out uneven ground or lawns. Using topsoil on your land or in your garden will provide plants and flowers with the right kind of nutrients needed to flourish. If the existing soil in your garden is poor then covering it with a layer of topsoil should allow anything you plant to grow well. The rich soil is packed with good nutrients, minerals from rock and sand, and organic matter from decayed plants and animals, which will provide a source of food for your plants and allow them to take root.

What is screened topsoil?

There are plenty of variations of different types of topsoil which are used for different purposes, generally however, they are usually divided into two different categories; screened and unscreened.

Screened topsoil is created using a specific process where the soil is filtered through different sized meshes when it is being made. Customers can choose how fine or chunky they want the topsoil to be, for instance choosing between particle sizes of say 3/4 inch or 5/8 inch and so on. The benefit of screened topsoil is that is is a consistent size which allows for optimum water flow and distribution of essential nutrients which will keep your garden healthy.

Unscreened topsoil does not go through the meshing process and therefore tends to be coarser and more uneven, because of this it is therefore a cheaper alternative, however doesn’t provide the same quality and benefits as the screened topsoil does.

How and where to buy topsoil

At Bury Hill we have a large selection of different topsoil’s, suitable for all purposes. Remember to do your research beforehand and understand which kind will work best for your needs. If you are using topsoil to lay a new lawn you will need at least a 4 inch layer all over, and if you are planting new beds you will need at least 8 inches of topsoil to ensure optimum growth. Use our topsoil calculator to work out home much topsoil you need for your gardening project.

If you have any questions about any of our topsoil’s, please feel free to give us a call. We have different grades of topsoil, Premium grade topsoil which is the most expensive but will not contain any weed seeds and is extremely fertile. We also have a Bury Hill General purpose topsoil, which is a standard topsoil and commonly used for beds and lawns.

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.

How to Lay Lawn Turf – A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a new look for your garden can be a hassle free process. If you start at the right time of year, and plan carefully, you can have a stunning outside space in no time. One of the elements that will instantly give your a fresh look is by laying new lawn turf. It’s a great option for families if you have children or pets and don’t want to keep them out of the garden while seed grows. It’s a slightly more expensive option than grass seed, but the results are instant. The aftercare is also less strenuous in that you don’t have to worry about weeds growing and ruining the look of your new garden. The experts at Bury Hill have written a comprehensive guide to lawn turf, to ensure you can have the lawn you’ve always wanted.

When is the best time to lay turf?

The best time of year to lay lawn turf is in the spring and mid autumn. For the best results soil should be warm and moist so autumn rain and april showers work well in creating the perfect conditions to lay it down. Of course if you are keen to get your new garden look outside of these seasons, then it is possible to lay lawn turf at any time of year, providing you ensure that the soil is kept in good condition and watered regularly so it doesn’t dry out and become loose. The summer season however is not a good time to lay the turf as warmer weather will mean the soil dries out putting stress on the turf meaning that it’s possible the roots will not take. Bury Hills drought turf is a good option if you plan to makeover your garden in drier weather as it is designed to require less water.

Where can you buy lawn turf?

Here at Bury Hill we sell quality lawn turf for all gardening and landscaping projects. Whatever the size and shape of your garden our expert team can advise on the best product for you. We specialise in lawn turf for domestic family lawns, parks, commercial and industrial use, as well as verges and amenity areas. It couldn’t be easier to buy your lawn turf from us. You can order directly from our website, and all our prices include delivery right to your door. Use our turf calculator to work out how much turf you need for your garden or landscaping project. All of our lawn turf is delivered direct from our cutters within 1 day ensuring you have the freshest lawn turf.

Preparing the soil

Preparing your soil in the best way is one of the most important steps if you want to achieve the best results for your lawn turf. To do this make sure the soil is devoid of any stones or weeds and loosen it with a fork so it is broken up and soft, with no lumps or hollows. For best results try to do this to a depth of around 25cm. Use a rake to even out the soil and ensure it is finely combed, then rake in a pre-turf fertilizer to ensure best possible growth. Our Pre-Turf fertilizer is very high quality and is easy to use.

How to lay lawn turf

Once the soil has been prepared you can now go about laying the turf. Ensure you do this in several steps and take your time to make sure the turf is lying evenly and there are no gaps:

Firstly take a roll of turf and place it on the far edge or corner of your mapped out area. Gently unroll the turf being careful not to damage it. It is important to make sure each roll is positioned as close as it can be to the previous roll, do this while being mindful not to pull or stretch your turf. Whilst laying your turf it is a good idea to stand on boards as this will compress the turf into the soil as well as ensuring you don’t damage or indent it. Once you have laid all your turf and covered the desired area, use a roller to smooth it out. The next step is to simply trim the edges of your lawn with a sharp knife. Finally all that you need to do is then give your newly laid turf a good watering to ensure you achieve the best results.

Maintaining your grass

Aftercare is as important as preparing the soil and laying the lawn turf correctly. It is imperative to regularly water your lawn to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. Do this for at least 3-4 weeks, or more if the weather is particularly dry. Watering your grass regularly gives the roots the best chance of developing. Once your grass is 5 cm tall, and you have good weather conditions, you can start mowing your new lawn. Make sure you trim it lightly, with a sharp bladed mower, cutting to around 2.5 cm.

Re-designing your garden is a hugely satisfying project. At Bury Hill we have great quality lawn turf available for all purposes, simply get in touch with one of our dedicated team members for more information or 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.

5 Things to consider when choosing your landscaping materials for your landscaping project

Redesigning your garden is a big project, and one that requires a great deal of planning and thought. When you make the decision to put time and money into creating the perfect oasis right outside your door, you want to make sure you get it right. Choosing the right landscaping materials for your project is one of the biggest decisions you will make when it comes to redesigning your garden, and one you don’t want to get wrong. There are several factors to consider when choosing your materials, and with so many landscaping suppliers and landscaping companies out there offering different advice and materials it can often be overwhelming.

Preparing questions that you should ask landscaping companies is a great way to ensure that you get all the information you need before choosing the materials for your landscaping project, and any reputable landscaping company will be happy to give you lots of information and advice to help you choose. Here at Bury Hill we have listed five things below for you to consider when choosing the materials for your landscaping project.

1. Make a plan

The most important piece of preparation is to create a plan of exactly how you want your garden to look when it is done. Map out a visual drawing of the area you are working on and where the sun hits each part at what time of day. That way you can ensure when it comes to planting that you select plants that will thrive in your landscape. You should remember that your garden or outside space has a little microclimate all of its own, and everything from the soil type, hours of sunshine, even the slope of the land will affect which plants and materials will work best.

2. Think about who are you designing your garden for?

There are many different purposes for a garden which are important when consider when planning out your garden:

Is it a calming place where adults can relax?
Do you want to use it as a social space?
Do you want to dine outside?
Do you have children who will want to run around and play?
Do you have pets that might want to scratch or chew, or dig things up?

It is very important to have a clear idea of the functionality of the garden so that you can source the right materials as well as ensuring that the whole family are happy with the finished product.

3. How easy does your garden need to be to maintain?

How much work are you willing to put in to keep it looking good? How often realistically will you be using it? These are important points to consider when deciding on what materials you need to buy. If you want a garden that you can leave to its own devices then bare that in mine when you are buying your materials. If you want a garden that is also a hobby then equally source the correct materials to ensure it meets those demands.

For any advice and information just call us on 01306 877540

4. What kind of style do you want your garden to be?

Have a clear idea of the style of your garden, often the most beautiful and successful landscaping projects are built around particular themes. Do you want a scented garden, one bursting with flowers and colour, a serene place to stretch out and relax, or perhaps even an Oriental garden? Of course if your outside space is big enough you can create different spaces and zones within it. Have a planting strategy and use different hardscapes to separate areas. Build walkways in-between the areas to guide people to them. It is good to consider your personal tastes and often looking to the style of your home can help you decide. Do you like things to be clean, neat and ordered or do you prefer a softer more romantic feel? Getting the style right is imperative to ensure you get the most out of your garden.

Landscaping supplier materials

5. Pick plants that work for you

Another important piece of landscaping advice it to ensure you pick the right plants for you. Plants can be used in a variety of ways to give your garden shape and structure. You can use them to create neat borders, to corner off different sections and also to provide beautiful visual scenery. If you have an area of the garden you want people to, pay particular attention to using striking, bright plants will highlight this. You can also think about other materials such as plant pots, ornaments and clever outdoor lighting to make your garden look exactly as you want it to be.

landscape gardening materials

If you live in a noisy area, choosing the right plants can make a huge difference when it comes to creating a little oasis of calm. Selecting denser trees and bushes will help block out unwanted noise, as will selecting sturdy fencing materials will help insulate your garden from noise outside it.

A landscaping project is truly exciting, and the satisfaction of creating your own perfect outdoor space is very rewarding. Planning in advance and asking the right questions early on can save you time and money and ensure the end result is exactly what you had in mind. At Bury Hill we supply high quality landscaping materials including; lawn turf, decorative stone and building aggregates. Contact us with any questions or for a free quote. – https://surrey-topsoil-blog.buryhilltopsoilandlogs.co.uk/contact_us.php

6 things to ask your landscape supplier

Choosing a landscape supplier

Deciding to landscape your garden is an exciting project. However when it comes to choosing a landscape supplier you want to make sure that you are picking the right one for you. There are many fantastic landscape suppliers out there who offer a great service and plenty of advice on how to get the most out of your landscaped garden. The best Landscape supply companies will make sure that they have friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to give you the best advice on your landscape design, and will work with you to create a perfectly designed garden that meets all your needs. Shop around and come prepared with questions to make sure you have the right knowledge to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your landscape supplier.

1. Ask them for examples of previous projects

Any reputable landscape supply company should have a great portfolio of previous projects that they should be more than happy to show you. Not only will this help you get ideas for your own garden, but it also shows that the company has the right experience, and is versatile in understanding how to provide the right materials for different gardens depending on the needs of the client and the design.

2. Do they have suitable insurance cover?

This is a practical question, but a truly necessary one. Knowing that your landscape supplier has the correct insurance in place, and is fully covered for mistakes and damages means you can have complete peace of mind if you choose to go with them.

3. Landscape Supplier Testimonials

Can they share testimonials from previous clients? The best and most experienced landscape suppliers will have a wealth of testimonials from happy and satisfied customers they have worked on projects with before. Usually these will be displayed on the companies website. However if you can’t find any testimonials there, don’t hesitate to ask companies to provide you with these, if they can’t -warning bells should start to ring.

At Bury Hill we have our testimonials from our customers readily available:

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4. Ask them about any hidden VAT or delivery charges

This is something to be aware of when it comes to almost all purchases, and it is important for companies to be clear and transparent about the total cost of their services before you agree to buy from them. The last thing you want is to have carefully budgeted for your garden and then be lumped with a huge bill you weren’t expecting because VAT and delivery charges have been added on. It is important to know exactly what the costs are before you start work so you know that you can keep within your budget.

5. Is there a guarantee?

Most reputable landscape supply companies are confident in their materials and what they offer, so are very happy to provide a guarantee and have clear guidance about what to do if you are not satisfied. If the company is not willing to offer a guarantee as them why. It is unlikely they will be able to give a satisfactory explanation.

6. Where are the materials sourced from?

Finding out where the materials you plan to use in your garden are sourced from is an excellent idea. If you are environmentally conscious this is a particularly important question, it also gives you peace of mind that the materials you are using are good quality and long lasting.

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Spending a little time finding out about what your landscape suppliers can offer, and making sure they are a reputable and quality company is so important. By asking the questions above you are able to make an informed choice, and feel satisfied that your landscape supplier will be easy to work with and provide the best customer service and quality around.

Bury Hill provides Landscape supplies for the whole of the UK including London and Surrey. Contact Bury Hill for more advice on products or for a free quote.

How To Be a Self-Sufficient Gardener & Practise Sustainable Gardening in 2014

Becoming a self sufficient gardener

Becoming a self-sufficient gardener simply means learning how to grow your own fruits and vegetables in a way that’s harmonious with the environment. This is also sometimes known as ‘sustainable gardening.’

This means that you won’t use harmful pesticides, and that you’ll recycle garden waste into compost that can be reused in the soil where your garden grows. In an age in which many people are trying to live healthier lives, growing and maintaining your own garden is an effective way to ensure that your family eats fresh, nutritious food that combats toxins and promotes an overall healthier lifestyle. You don’t need a lot of supplies to embark on your self-sufficient adventure; you just need to decide on a few things before you get started.

The first thing you must decide on is whether you are going to grow your vegetables indoors or outdoors. If you have a house, then even a small backyard can be used to plant seeds. But if you lack a backyard or an outdoor space, you can still grow some foods in indoor containers. The one thing you’ll need is plenty of sunlight and water for your seedlings to grow. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes, do require more space and are very difficult to grow indoors unless you have set up ample space inside.

The second thing you have to decide is what you are going to grow. With a few exceptions, vegetables and herbs are the easiest foods to grow and usually yield a harvest in two months or less. However, depending on what you’re growing, there are different requirements for the plants to flourish. Some vegetables need a lot of sun and can withstand hot temperatures, whereas others need less light and are likely to wither when it’s very hot. Where you live will determine in large part what you grow. If you reside in a very cold climate, then certain kinds of vegetables will not flourish in your climate.

Similarly, a very hot climate may preclude you from growing vegetables whose seedlings do not respond well to extreme heat. One of the main factors in deciding what you want to grow is you and your family’s likes and dislikes. Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and salad are popular with a lot of people because they’re versatile enough to be used in a number of dishes, which maximises your self-sufficiency.

The next thing you have to do is make sure the soil you’re using is optimal. This is more important in an outdoor garden, where you can’t really control the soil quality. Indoor containers by definition will be composed of soil you select, so the prep work for an inside growing area is not as vital as for an outdoor. Soil is different everywhere, so after you’ve decided where your outdoor garden will be located, you have to clear out rocks, which are an obstacle to the growth of plants. Though it’s not an absolute necessity, you can buy a small kit to determine the pH level of your soil. This information can help you choose the right kind of vegetables to grow in your garden.

After you make these three decisions, you’re well on your way to becoming a self-sufficient gardener. Remember, it’s not about trying to become the ultimate green warrior. Start small, and as you achieve success, add on to what you’ve already grown. Soon, you’ll be waving goodbye to your grocery store produce section or farmer’s market, because you have everything you need at home.

We are one of the leading topsoil suppliers in London and would be glad to provide landscaping advice or help you with any queries you may have about your next landscaping project.

How to Keep Fire Logs Dry In Winter

Using firewood to keep your home warm in winter is a good alternative to central heating. They often work better than anything else available, heating up your living room quickly and efficiently. You should see a good drop in your gas bill as well!

However, storage is often a big problem. It can be a little challenging to keep logs dry in winter. So here at BURY HILL LANDSCAPE SUPPLIERS we have made a guide that will give you a quick overview of the best way to store logs, keeping them usable for the duration of winter. Having dry logs makes a lot of difference to the amount of heat your wood burner will produce, so ensuring they are as dry as possible is extremely beneficial.

Split the Wood

Depending on how you get your hands on your logs, you may want to split the wood first. This means splitting your firewood into separate sections, which speeds up the drying process. This is due to an increased surface area being exposed to the air. Alternatively buy logs that are already split, this halves your work load and getting them from a reputable supplier means you will have the best quality wood, split in the correct way.

wood-splitting

Contact Bury Hill for a quote or advice on split Hardwood logs – 01306 877540.

Allow Drying in the Open Air

If you’re lucky with the weather, we advise that you let your logs dry completely in the open air before storing them. The wind is a fantastic natural element that can help dry your logs out. It will speed up the drying process, ensuring your logs are in the best position possible before covering them for protection from the elements. It is important however to ensure that you time this right, the last thing you want is your logs sitting outside uncovered when a rainstorm comes. If your logs get damp then it is a long process to dry them out again.

Use Wooden Pallets for Storage

wooden-pallets

Keeping logs dry is more than just about protecting them from the elements above such as snow and rain. You also need to keep them dry from the bottom – that’s why we advise investing in wooden pallets, as it’s the easiest and cheapest way to achieve this. Many garden centres will give these away for free, so why not ask around in your local area? Using wooden pallets ensures that the logs are kept off the ground but also have plenty of circulation from underneath. Ventilation is key to keeping your logs dry which is what makes wooden pallets the ideal base for your log pile

Stack Properly

Stacking can take a little practice to get just right, but it’s an important part of the process. Your stacks should be around a metre tall and your pile should not be more than one log-length in depth.

log-stacking

The logs need to be stacked in such a way that you allow for plenty of circulation. Leave gaps between the logs and make sure none are left covered. You also want to store each layer in the opposite direction of the next one. This will ensure that the logs will have the best possible ventilation they can and ensure that they burn well and create the most possible heat.

Leave a Space

If you are looking to stack your logs next to a wall or shed, make sure you leave plenty of space, as this will allow for air circulation. This is a very important step that plenty of people forget. Stacking your logs up against a wall will often result in wet logs and termites, as well as other nasty creatures. Try to leave a 5-10 cm gap between the logs and the wall in order to achieve the best ventilation around your logs.

How to Use a Tarpaulin Cover

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is covering your logs completely. This will seal the entire pile and stop air circulation, allowing moisture to damage your supply, which will render it useless for burning. Make sure that the sides remain uncovered for proper aeration. If possible, build a shelter that can sit over the top of the logs, again ensuring there is a large amount of space for air to circulate in.

log-tarpaulin

Remember before you start using the fire logs, bring them inside at least a day in advance. Keep them in a dry area of your home and they should be good to go the following day. Hopefully if you follow all of these steps you will end up with the perfect burning logs that create copious amounts of heat.

Make sure your have a large supply of logs ready for the winter. Order your logs at Bury Hill online or over the phone. At Bury Hill we sell Hardwood logs perfect for; open fires, multi-fuel stoves, pizza ovens and fire pits. We also sell Coal and Smokeless fuel.

Contact us today for advice and quotes – 01306 877540