Most vegetable waste can be composted for your garden, but do not try to compost meat or cooked food as this may attract vermin.  Ensure woody material is either shredded or cut into small pieces.

The composting process can be speeded up by adding a compost accelerator additive such as Vitax Compost Maker.

Heat is generated during the compost making process which helps the breakdown of organic matter.  Mixing the compost within the bag will also help speed up the process and ensure enough air gets into the compost.  Good quality compost should be achieved in about 3 months.

Using the 3 bag system with Botanico's Home Composting System, will ensure a continuous supply of compost can be produced, as the contents of the first bag will be breaking down whilst the subsequent bags are filled.

The compost produced can be used for digging into beds and borders to improve the condition of the soil, aid water retention and add to the fertility of the soil.  This type of compost is not suitable for sowing seeds and growing plants in pots.

Plant Me Now stock a full range of products to help produce your own compost.  You can find more in their Home Composting category.

Time to search round the shed for the garden tools and get digging! Before you do, have a good think about the number of back injuries caused and previous back injuries aggravated by a session of weeding. Gardening and the garden need to be treated as a 'Green Gym' and nobody would suggest that you spend a two hour session in the gym without a warm up and a cool down. Spend just 15 or 20 minutes on each activity so you don't strain any particular part of your body. Warm up first and stretch after, then treat yourself to a relaxing bath to help ease the aches and pains.

Using the correct tools for the correct gardening job is always a good idea to prevent injuries, the correct tools also help to make the tasks easier and therefore leave you with more time to sit back in the garden chair and admire your efforts. Check your garden spades and forks over before you start, examine the handles for splinters and splits which may injure your hands and always remember that a good pair of gardening gloves is essential for the prevention of blisters. A good quality range of lightweight garden tools are now available on the market which make gardening easier in compact areas and are ideal for use by ladies, long handled garden tools limit the need for bending and twisting, therefore easing the strain on your back muscles and also easing the pressure on the knees.

Certain weeds can be particularly hard to remove from the soil. Weeds such as dandelions need to be lifted complete with all of their root system and this can prove difficult if they have become well established. The use of a preparatory weed killer can help to ease the task. Using weed killers can be relatively easy but always remember to read the instructions for use carefully. There are different preparations on the market to deal with different weeds, from the common dandelion through to couch grass and even for help in removing tree stumps.

Systemic weed killers will kill the weeds and their roots and are ideal for clearing these unwanted visitors. One point to consider when using weed killers is their effect on children and pets, never apply with children or pets nearby, always use a weed killer which allows children and pets to access the treated areas once the preparation has dried and always store unused weed killer safely out of harm's way and with clear labeling.

Drives and gravel paths can be cleared of weeds using a specialist path weed killer. These can be safely used around your ornamental trees and shrubs and have the added bonus of a long lasting formula which prevents new weeds growing back for at least 4 months. The use of these weed killers will ease the strain on your back and if you order from an online garden centre then you won't even have to carry them home; delivery will be direct to your door, which will definitely help when it comes to ordering your new garden tools too!

Above all enjoy the gardening experience and stay safe.

Tackling problem garden weeds has however become much easier thanks to the development of chemical based weed killer. As one of the most used herbicides domestic weed killer is now a key piece of gardening equipment in any gardener's toolbox.

Over the years, leading manufacturers such as Weedol and Roundup have released numerous varieties of weed killer on to the market, each designed for different tasks. Some are for lighter jobs whilst others are far more potent and should only be used for heavy duty weed removal.

With so many weed killers available it can get confusing as to which one best suits your requirements. Some weed killers come with ready made spray appliances, some are gels or creams whilst other require you to mix the chemicals from concentrate which necessitates the need for you to have the correct gardening equipment to do this job.

Types of Weed Killer

Weed killers based on chemicals usually work in a number of ways;

Contact Killers

This type of weed killer works when applied directly to the unwanted weed.Best suited for use on weeds that are situated amongst densely populated garden plants, contact weed killers need to be painted or applied to the foliage of the weed itself making them targeted and specific.

Systematic Weed Killer

Typically applied through a spray, systematic weed killers work from the inside of the weed out by attacking the plants roots first and spreading throughout the rest of the weed. Although systematic varieties often take longer to work they are more suitable for use on perennial or deep rooted weeds.

Most systematic weed killers, including those based on glyphosate will require a spray application so some gardening equipment may be required. Some will come with ready-made spray devicesthat make the process easier due to you not having to handle the chemical but for use on larger areas choosing a concentratewould probably be more beneficial.

Weed Prevention

These varieties are for use on the ground and target the dormant weed seeds that lie below the soil. By preventing the seeds from germinating this type of weed killer is ideal for use on areas where annual weeds are a problem due to the volume of seeds likely to be present.

When to Apply Weed Killer

Getting the timing right when applying weed killer is important not only for safety reasons (more details of which can be seen below) but also because the weather can play a part in how effective the herbicide will be. Overcast days, for instance, are an excellent day to apply spray weed killers as on rainy days the herbicides will be washed away and on sunny days, they will be evaporated before they have had the chance to work.

In other instances the time of year should also be considered as where the weed is in its growth cycle will determine how effective the weed killer is. The best time to apply a systematic wed killer, for example, is in the spring time when the plant has already begun to grow and the plants transport system is active enabling the chemical to be transported around the plant more efficiently.

Always Read the Label

When it comes to using weed killer it is essential that you always read the directions on the packet as each brand and type will be different requiring different applications.

The manufacturers of the product will have spent a great deal of time working out the correct measures of each particular weed killer so by disregarding the instructions, all you will do is end up using more of the substance than is necessary and the likelihood is that it will not destroy your weed problem any quicker anyway.

Importantly, the directions on the weed killer will also provide information as to when it will be safe to re-plant on the treated area. This is particularly important when clearing large areas within which you wish to grow vegetables or other edible plants. Weed killers containing glyphosate will more than likely advise that the area is ready for replanting as soon as the weeds are dead, but it must be remembered that this it not the case for all herbicides so it is always best to check the label.

Safety Issues

Although most herbicides sold for use in domestic gardens are relatively safe to use there are still a number of safety precautions you should adhere to when using any garden chemicals. Not only should you always read the instructions, store things correctly and use the right quantities but you should also consider wearing the right clothing, weather conditions and disposal of the product in question.

It should never be forgotten that weed killer is a potentially harmful piece of gardening equipment thanks to the many chemicals and toxins it will contain. For this reason, application of weed killer should be taken seriously in order to ensure that no harm comes to you or other desired garden plants during the treatment. You should always wear protective clothing such as gloves when handling any dangerous substances.

When it comes to using weed killers that require a spray application you may want to wait for a day when the weather conditions are suitable. Windy days, for example, are not a good idea as the wind is likely to carry the substance particles onto garden plants you do not wish to kill or even backwards towards you where you will run the risk of inhaling the chemicals or risk skin exposure.

Another thing to consider when using spray applicators is the condition of your garden equipment such as the nozzles and hoses used to apply the weed killer. Should this equipment spring a leak other areas of your garden may be left exposed. On a similar note, washing your equipment thoroughly after spraying will ensure that no residue will be left to cause any harm.

It is probably also wise to ensure that children and animals are kept inside whilst applying weed killer although most are perfectly safe an hour or two after application. It is also advisable to dispose of any containers that have come into contact with a toxic substance correctly with any leftover weed killer being applied to the area where you used it as it is illegal to throw it down to drain.

Keep Other Garden Plants Safe

When using a herbicide it is necessary to not only consider your own personal safety but the safety of the surrounding garden plants. Whilst using a spray to apply the substance is much quicker than contact application the likelihood is that you are running the risk of treating plants you wish to keep.

One way to combat this is to set your spray nozzle to a narrow jet setting as this will allow you to target a specific weed. Changing the setting to a mist will allow you to treat a much larger area where harming surrounding foliage is not an issue. Another way to avoid this happening is to protect desired plants with a cardboard box or cover whilst spraying.

Another thing to consider is what to do when spraying weeds near vegetables and other edible plants. In this instance you will need to pay special attention to any instructions regarding the time between treatment and harvesting to avoid any nasty cases of poisoning when the crop is eaten.

Be Patient

After using weed killer, all you need to do it sit back and be patient. Although many herbicides can take a few weeks if not months to fully eradicate the weeds completely, there are several products on the market that can provide quicker results and some can take effect in as little as three hours. It is important to remember that in the event of re-growth becoming apparent then you may have to re-apply the product.

Often overlapping with horticultural and agricultural tools, garden tools have developed dramatically over the years and are now categorised into hand tools and power tools. Whilst many power tools have rightfully earnt their place amongst the garden tool elite and there is still a lot to be said for the more traditional hand tools such as the trowel, cultivator and fork.

The earliest garden tools on record were made from wood, flint and bone but metalworking developments soon led to the production of more durable garden tools made from copper, iron and then most recently steel. This development in metalworking and industrial production also meant that these tools could now be mass-produced and made more accessible to gardeners from all walks of life.

Over the years, stainless steel tools have proven to be not only the most reliable and hard wearing but also the most cost effective. Whilst some would argue that premium stainless steel garden tools are far more expensive than their inferior counterparts, over time you may have to replace cheaper tools as they will wear more easily and need replacing. Stainless steel tools if looked after properly will last you years and will eventually pay for themselves.

The Yeoman collection of premium stainless steel tools are a prime example of high quality garden tools that are designed to last whilst being produced in such a way that they are easy to use, and ergonomically designed. Each garden tool in the range comes with a lifetime guarantee, as proof of the standard and manufacturers confidence in the range.

Modern garden equipment such as the Yeoman range has taken classic garden tool designs and improved them two-fold, allowing users to buy old classic cultivating and digging tools with a modern twist. Some of the most popular and must have stainless steel garden tools every keen gardener should own include a garden spade, a Soil Rake, a Stainless Steel Hand Trowel, a Stainless Steel Hoe, and a Digging Fork.

Stainless steel garden tools can be polished preventing soil and earth sticking to digging and cultivating tools such as spades and hoe's. Not only does this make using the tools easier as they will feel lighter but it also makes them much easier to clean and maintain thus helping to achieve a longer shelf life.

Many garden centres can now offer help and advice when it comes to buying garden tools as it is essential that you buy a tool that is suitable for both you and the job you intend to use it for. Many garden equipment suppliers will also be able to offer you a selection of garden tools for all the family with carefully designed children's garden tools and tools designed for ladies to use.

Back pain is one of the most common ailments reported by gardeners and can affect gardeners of all ages. A study documented by the BBC¹ in 2000 highlighted that 42% of the 2,000 adults surveyed by Gallup had suffered from back pain and that half of these said that their back problems were caused as a result of working in the garden.

The survey also indicated that many of these problems were associated with lack of education when it came to correct lifting procedures and preventing back strain. It also highlighted that many gardeners thought the best treatment for back strain was to 'lie down and rest' which is in complete contradiction with experts recommendations to 'take adequate pain relief and stay active'

Dr. Peter Skew, of the charity Back Care told BBC News Online at the time that: "Gardening is one of the best forms of exercise any of us can take; it is good for flexibility, strength and stamina. But you have to plan what you are going to do, and you have to pace yourself properly - don't try to do everything in one weekend."

Despite this advice back pain still remains prevalent amongst gardeners and the estimated 1.1 million people affected by back pain in 2000 is likely to have risen dramatically over the years. However, there are a few tips available to keen gardeners to help avoid back strain whilst working in the garden.

These include warming up correctly, avoiding repetitive tasks, not lifting heavy objects, adapting your garden with raised beds to reduce the need for leaning or investing in long handle garden tools which are designed to help reduce the amount of bending needed to carry out regular garden tasks.

Using garden tools with long handles reduces the need to stretch and bend which can, if done repetitively be a major cause of back ache amongst gardeners.

Tim Milward from Plant Me Now had this to say:

When it comes to using garden tools, long handled varieties can help to relieve the strain you put on your back as they reduce the need for you to stretch or lean over in order to complete the task in hand. The Yeoman's new cranked handle cultivating range for example, has specially adapted cranked handles to help make back ache a thing of the past.

The Yeoman Carbon Steel Long Handled Fork has been manufactured with a cranked or angled handle and an extra length grip to help make the tool easier and more comfortable to use. Both this and the Yeoman Carbon Steel Long Handled Trowel are available from Plant Me Now for just £11.75!

For more information about the Yeoman's garden tools range available at Plant Me Now please visit the website at www.plantmenow.co.uk or call 01675 442 551.

Notes for Editors

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/926374.stm

With over 25 years experience providing garden supplies including garden tools, garden plants and bulbs, composts, garden furniture and much more, Plant Me Now only offer the very best to their customers which is why, according to spokesperson for the online garden centre, they stock Yeoman's garden tools:

Yeoman's are a well respected and established manufacturer of high quality garden tools and their collection of ladies light weight tools is unbeatable. As a premier supplier of garden equipment we only want the best and when it comes to garden tools, we believe you can't get any better than Yeoman's.

They continued;

Yeoman's offer a range of garden tools to suit all gardeners from beginner or entry level tools to their Premium Stainless Steel Tool collection for gardeners who want a little something special from their garden equipment. They also offer a brilliant collection of garden tools for children, Yeomini's, which are a great choice for budding young gardeners.

Some of the collection of Yeoman tools on offer from Plant Me Now includes:

Cultivating Garden Tools - The stainless and carbon steel collection of cultivating tools includes digging forks, rakes and garden spades, each ergonomically designed and excellent value for money at Plant Me Now. This Yeoman Carbon Steel Long Handled Fork, for example, helps to eliminate backache thanks to its new cranked handle and extra length and is available for just £11.75.

Yeoman Hand Tools - The Yeoman's hand tool collection is both stylish and practical and with carbon steel potting trowels and Daisy Grubber's available from just £2.95, the value for money is unbeatable.

Ladies Garden Tools - The special edition collection of ladies garden tools from Yeoman includes everything from secateurs to stainless steel hand trowels and forks and was designed by Yeoman not only to boost Breast Cancer awareness but also to provide female gardeners of all ages with stylish, lightweight garden tools. Both the Yeoman ladies garden tools and their collection of Light Choice garden tools are GIMA award winning.

Trimming and Pruning Garden Tools - This range includes secateurs, garden snippers, hedge shears and loppers, all of which are premium tools and are currently on offer at value prices. The Yeoman Professional Bypass Secateurs, for instance, comes with a built in oil wipe feature to keep the blade in prime condition yet only cost £9.75!

For more information about the Yeoman Garden Tool Collection available from Plant Me Now visit the website at www.plantmenow.co.uk or call directly on 01675 442 551.

Plant Me Now are very much behind initiatives designed to get children interested in gardening and learning more about garden plants and horticulture in general. The Whole School Policy, which aims to turn gardening into a practical, hands on learning experience covers projects such as, but not limited to;

• Showing how composting helps recycling and demonstrates how decay work
• Studying the growth and life cycles of flowering garden plants
• How different flowers attract insects, butterflies and bees and their different interactions
• Demonstrating through the use of vegetable plots the process between soil and shop

This will not only give children a practical grounding in the scientific aspects of gardening but also help them to look after their environment and encourage healthy eating through growing their own vegetables at home or at school.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are also doing their bit by asking Schools to sign up to a scheme that encourages children to learn how gardening works. Their campaign for School gardening has so far encouraged over a million children to start gardening through access to school gardens.

Plant Me Now understand how important these initiatives are and how the future of gardening lies in the very hands of our youngest generation. Plant Me Now is proud to stock a comprehensive range of children's gardening tools and accessories which include the following;

• Children's Garden Seeds - Plant Me Now have a large range of different packaged children's fun seeds, from flowers that attract insects to the garden, cress and mustard seeds that can be grown indoors, sunflowers which help to keep growing more in tune with a child's patience right through to vegetables like pumpkins that can be entered into competitions.
• Outdoor Clothing - Yeomini children's clothing offer a variety of different colourful styles and designs ranging from Wellington boots, gloves, scarves, hats and PVC lined raincoats. Everything the discerning child would need to encourage them to get up and out into the garden, whatever the time of year.
• Children's Garden Tools - Spades, shovels, buckets, watering cans, trowels, aprons, wheelbarrows etc etc. As you can see the range of gardening tools offered by Plant Me Now for Children really does have garden tools for every garden duty.

Tim Milward from Plant Me Now commented;

The importance of educating the next generation of gardeners cannot be underestimated, not only for the enjoyment and sense of achievement it can bring but for the future promotion of health, understanding of practical science and care of our environment.

For more information about Plant Me Now and how it can help get you or you children into gardening please visit www.plantmenow.co.uk. For information on the Royal Horticultural Society's campaign for school gardening then go to www.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening.

With some great deals on greenhouse insulation equipment and plant protection supplies, not to mention a selection of garden gloves and shoes for gardeners of all ages, the Solihull based garden centre is proving to be the first line of protection against frosty weather conditions.

Snow and frost, whilst typically a symbol of the great British wintertime and one that helps to paint a perfect scene for a Christmas postcard, can actually cause a great deal of trouble for gardeners across the UK.

Frost in particular can do a great deal of damage to garden plants but with the right garden equipment you can help to eliminate this risk according to Tim Milward for the online garden centre;

The recent cold weather we have been experiencing across the UK can have a major impact on gardens whether its frost damaged garden plants or freezing cold greenhouses. The key to beating frost is to be prepared, as with most things in life prevention is better than cure. There is likely to be more cold weather on the way so we're offering gardeners the chance to wrap their garden up for winter.

There have been many tried and tested methods and equipment used over the years to try and combat the damage extreme weather conditions can have on British gardens. Some of the most recognised and effective methods include greenhouse insulation, fleece wrap protection for both potted plants and grow houses and greenhouse heaters.

Commenting on the effectiveness of Plant Protection Fibre Fleece Roll, Tim Milward said;

Fleece roll offers a simple and effective way to protect garden plants from frost damage during cold weather conditions. The range we provide is made from non-woven polypropylene fibre making it strong enough to protect seedlings as well as fully mature plants.

A 1.5 x 10 metre roll is available now at Plant Me Now for just £6.99, an unbelievable price for such an indispensable piece of garden equipment!

The garden centre even has some great deals on greenhouse heaters including the botanical 2kW Electric Greenhouse Heater which is on offer for just £19.99! Suitable for use in both conservatories and greenhouses, the heater comes with a thermostatically controlled frost guard and a 1 year guarantee.

Other winter protection equipment on offer includes Insulation Bubble Wrap, a tri-laminated bubble insulation film which can help to prevent frost damage and retain heat from heaters used during the wintertime.

For more information about how to protect your garden from frost damage visit Plant Me Now online at www.plantmenow.co.uk

With childhood obesity levels appearing across national headlines more and more parents in the UK are looking for ways to encourage their children to both eat healthily and exercise regularly, two things that Plant Me Now claim they can help with. A spokesperson for the garden centre commented;

"Gardening is an active and physical activity that lets children get close to nature whilst at the same time teaches them to care for their environment. Our range of children's seeds and garden tools encourages children to get active, nurture and watch their seeds grow into garden plants or vegetable plants and enjoy a healthy snack at the end of a busy days gardening."

The Cress Egg Head Seeds are great fun and can even be grown indoors all year round yet are available from Plant Me Now for just £1.25. Likewise Tomato Minibel Seeds are available for just £1.25 a packet, a bargain given the juicy bite-size tomatoes at the end of a successful growing process.

And its not just vegetables and salads seeds up for grabs, the Bug, Bees and Butterflies seed selection are hardy annual flowers that are both easy to grow and when in full bloom are perfect for attracting wildlife into your garden.

The garden centre not only provides a range of child friendly vegetable seeds and flower seeds but also boasts an impressive collection of children's garden tools and accessories which are perfect for young gardeners.

From gloves, hats and wellies to spades, forks and watering cans the Yeomini's range supplied by Plant Me Now is top quality gardening equipment but on a smaller scale. The Yeomini's Children's garden spade is particularly impressive as it has a fully adjustable handle that can be adjusted as children grow making it extremely cost effective too at only £6.95!

Commenting on the Yeomini's range a spokesperson for the garden supplies company had this to say;

The Yeomini's garden tool range is all lightweight and child friendly and encourages children to interact and care for their environment whilst helping them stay active. The range is a particular valuable resource to schools and nurseries who wish to actively promote gardening as a fun and interesting hobby for children.

To view the collection of Children's fun seeds and Yeomini's garden tools available at Plant Me Now please visit www.plantmenow.co.uk

Whether you need wellies, gloves, or children's tools, Plant Me Now has the answer with their range of garden supplies. Accessories for men, women, and children are available, which are perfect to protect you against the elements while working outdoors.

When it comes to hats, gloves, and footwear, there is something for everyone. For the kids there is a themed range, choose from butterflies, frogs, or even hedgehogs. All of which are available in colours children will love. Why not add a finishing touch with a matching PVC raincoat from the same theme. Prices start at only £12.95 so bargains are to be had.

Adults can take advantage of an impressive range too. Protective gloves are available not to mention an impressive range of footwear including clogs, highlander boots, and various wellie brands. Again, all of Plant Me Now's accessories are priced with the customers firmly in mind. In fact, footwear prices start at an amazing £10.75.

A spokesperson for Plant Me Now, commented:

When it comes to accessories, we try to give the best value for money we can. No matter whether it's for adults or children we want to get the right balance between affordability and practicality. We feel that the current range does just that.

It is not just clothing on offer at Plant Me Now. A great range of garden tools can be found too. In fact, the tools range is so good that you would be hard pushed not to find the perfect item for every possible task. Make light work of any job around the garden with Plant Me Now's premium tool range. Traditional tools are available too. These beautifully crafted tools offer a nice alternative to their modern counterparts.

Staying with tools, for you ladies who love to spend time in the garden, Plant Me Now stock the ladies light choice, specifically designed for women and offer style and functionality in spades.

garden tools designed to suit small hands. These tools are fully working, scaled down versions of the full size items. They allow children to get involved without the worries associated with using adult tools. To further add to the enjoyment; why not add a 3D bug viewer or a gardening guide to help them get a better understanding of plants and flowers.

Why not take a trip to www.plantmenow.co.uk today and discover the amazing range of garden plants and garden supplies on offer. Plant Me Now are your one stop shop for all your horticultural needs.