NOVEMBER GARDENING TIPS

November is the time to sow early crops of Peas and Broad Beans - these should be ready for picking in May and June. Make sure you choose varieties which are for winter sowing and plant in a sheltered spot which has been manured - avoid waterlogged areas. Peas are sown in double rows, 10-20cms apart and at approx. 5cm intervals and 5cm deep. Broad Beans are planted at the same depth but at 20-25cms intervals and in staggered rows, 60-90cms apart.

For a comprehensive range of great Gardening Gifts visit Down the Garden

Don't be disappointed - Order early for Christmas.

OCTOBER GARDENING TIPS

If, like me, you have an apple tree you will have an abundances of apples at this time of year (providing the wasps haven't destroyed them all!). Rather than throw lots away or wait until they've rotted on the lawn have a go at storing them to last you through the coming months.

Use the damaged ones straight away for apple sauce or fruit pies, but the good ones can be stored individually in trays. Make sure they do not touch each other or any that rot will pass the contamination to its neighbours - any that do fall by the wayside should be plucked out and disposed of. Keep the trays in a cool dark place which is frost and vermin free. Sprinkling the floor with water occasionally (or lightly spraying the air if this is not possible) will moisten the atmosphere and prevent the apples from shrivelling.

Then just keep an eye on them from time to time - and enjoy!

July Gardening Tips

This time of year Gardeners are plagued by weeds. The secret to an easier life is to weed little and often, ten minutes every morning and evening should keep those evil weeds quiet! Once an area is cleared spread mulch over the ground to prevent them invading again. On paths and patios use a flame gun to destroy them or spray weed killer in dry weather.

For a comprehensive range of great Gardening Gifts visit Down the Garden

If it ever stops Raining..

We have a unusual gift items which are ideal for the Self Appointed BBQ enthusiast and Chef.

With products from Aprons, Hats and Caps to Keyrings and Coasters , there is something for everyone - even a colourful Apron for the young Cook!

So get out your umbrella and stoke up the BBQ.

There are trugs full of unusual gifts for the BBQ and Garden at online retailer Down the Garden

May Gardening Tips

If, like me, you have Hostas or Succulents in your garden or on the patio in pots they will have started to come through now and it won't take long before the slugs find and devour them!

As an alternative to the usual slug pellets try shallow dishes filled with beer, these are good traps for the slugs or even better, put bands of copper metal around the top of the pots or base of the plants (flattened strips of old copper pipe are ideal). This gives off a mild electrical charge which the slugs will shy away from. Plus sharp-edged grit around the plant will also help to deter them.

There are trugs full of unusual gifts for the gardener and garden at online retailer Down the Garden

April Gardening Tips

If you have not already started, now is the time to begin mowing the lawn. Gentle mowing is required at first with the mower blades on the highest setting and gradually reduce the height with each successive cut. As growth increases apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to promote leaf growth.

Cutting will not eradicate the common weeds that will begin to appear in the lawn, these need to be removed with a hand fork or with a lawn weedkiller when the grass and weeds are growing vigorously. Raising weed stems with a rake before mowing will help prevent them spreading.

There are trugs full of unusual gifts for the gardener and garden at online retailer Down the Garden

Maxplay Climbing Frames now available at Down the Garden

A range of top quality children's Climbing Frames are now available to buy online from Gardening Gifts retailer Down the Garden

There are various Frames available to suit all gardens and pockets!

Maxplay are manufacturers of childrens Climbing Frames with the emphasis on attention to quality and safety. Maxplay is a nationally recognised brand for children’s Climbing Frames and is synonymous with quality and customer care.

Maxplay products offer a lifetime guarantee to the original purchaser on all stainless steel and galvanised fixtures and fittings and a 15 year guarantee on all timber sections against rot and infestation. All ropes, canopies, base camps and accessories carry a 1 year guarantee. Additionally, there is a 1 year guarantee against faulty materials and workmanship.

As timber is a natural product, surface cracks and shakes will occur and knots may change in appearance; these will not affect the structural integrity of the product and are excluded from the terms of this warranty.

The above guarantee is subject to correct assembly, installation and normal residential use. Maxplay systems comply with BS EN71 including part 8 and are CE certified.

Worth remembering as we head towards the long hot summer!

Down Amongst the Plantpots gardening and cooking gifts now available online

The entire range of Gardening & Cooking gifts from trade supplier, Down Amongst the Plantpots are now available direct to the general public from online retailer Down the Garden

Here you will find gifts galore for the Head & Reluctant Gardener, the Lady Gardener and the Young Gardener. There are also gift ideas for the BBQ Enthusiast & Cook, the Angler & Golfer and anyone who likes Animals!

The unusual gift ranges contain items such as: Humorous T-Shirts, Gardeners Sweatshirts, Gardeners Polo Shirts, Aprons for the BBQ, Kitchen and Garden, Hats and Caps for the Gardener and Chef, Gardeners Scarves, Gardeners Socks, Tea Towels, Wooden Garden Signs, Keyrings, Body Warmers and even Mousemats! - all designed with the Gardener and Cook in mind.

Most of the T-Shirts & Aprons are hand printed using earth friendly, solvent free, water based inks, the Shirts have WRAP CERTIFICATION for providing excellent working conditions for its employees plus an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 CERTIFICATION for sustainable environmental practices - the most internationally recognised eco-label available.

Many of the products can be personalised to create that extra special gift.

All these products are available, with recorded delivery from only £3.50.