With snow forecast again this week many gardeners will be keeping indoors, gardens across the UK will remain untouched until the snow clears. However surprisingly there are a few vital jobs worth venturing outdoors for if you are feeling brave enough!

Shrubs and Trees
The snow can have a damaging affect on your shrubs and trees, it can cause branches to become overloaded and break. Try to brush off any snow from your trees, shrubs and climbers with covered hands or a broom. Check the ties on all climbing plants as some may have broken due to the excess weight caused by the snow and replace where necessary.

Birds
Birds and other wildlife help your garden. At this time of year they will be struggling to find food and water. Put extra food on your bird table and unfreeze your bird baths.

Chickens
If you keep any other animals in your garden such as chickens, check that they have a sufficient supply of unfrozen water and give them extra bedding and food during the cold spell.

Wormeries
A wormery is a great addition to any garden and is pretty self sufficient throughout the year. During a cold spell however you will need to move the wormery into a shed, garage or sheltered spot in your garden. Wrap an old blanket or newspaper around the structure for insulation. Your worms will survive freezing conditions but will stop eating at temperatures below 3C. Do not give them food waste until the temperature warms up. If you can store your food waste until the weather improves. For more tips and advice on looking after your wormery read Jack’s guide to keeping a wormery.

Caution
Do take care to wrap up when venturing outdoors at this time of year, not only will this be beneficial to your health but will also ensure that any outdoor jobs you need to carry out are more pleasurable and less of a chore. Check out the wide range of wellington boots available at Jack’s garden store to keep your feet nice and dry during the snow and wet weather.

Good Luck

Gardener  Jack

Are you interested in raising chickens at home and producing your own eggs?

Keeping chickens is a great hobby that the whole family can get involved in however it is important that you do your research first to make sure you buy the right chickens for you.

There are 4 main reasons as to why people want to keep chickens:
1. Simply as pets
2. For fresh free range eggs
3. To eat
4. To compete and show at competitions

Rearing chickens is a great way of teaching your children about responsibility and pet care. They will also find searching for eggs fun and rewarding.

There are many breeds of chicken and depending on your reason for keeping them there will be a certain type of chicken that is most suitable for your requirements.

If you are simply looking to rear them as pets then it does not matter which breed you choose. If however you want to receive eggs then you can choose a breed depending on its egg colour and also its egg-laying capabilities. Raising chickens purely to eat them is fine, just remember not to become too attached to the birds, choose a large breed and do not give the chicken’s personalised names.

Before choosing a chicken breed think really hard about why you want to keep chicken’s, how many you want to keep and what space you have to keep them safe, exercised and well cared for.

Chicken Breeds:

Bantums – These attractive fellows are renowned for being stubborn. They like to fly around and do lay eggs but in very small quantities.

Reds – Are incredibly easy to tame and good in colder climates. They also produce a great deal of eggs

Silkies and Pekins – Both lay lots of eggs and have many colours.

Americauna’s – Are probably the most beautiful breed. Their feathers are dark and golden and their beaks are curved (similar to that of a Falcon). These birds are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures however the downside is that they do not lay many eggs.

Cornish Cross – This is a cross breed of a White Cornish and a White Plymouth Rock.  A Cornish Cross grows quickly and will become a heavy bird great for eating.

Plymouth Rocks and Sussex birds – Offer both fast egg production and are larger species making them a good choice for consumption.

Good Luck

Gardener Jack

If your reading this article you will already be aware that sometimes it is not simply practical to keep your dog in your home at all times. We all love our pets but sometimes dogs need to be kept in the garden and out of the house. Perhaps your dog has outgrown your home, you are working extended hours away from home or a new arrival such as a baby has meant that you are no longer able to allow your dog to roam freely indoors.

Today there are many dog houses available to ensure that when you dog is outdoors he is comfortable and with shelter.

By taking time to choose the perfect dog house you can ensure your dog always has a place they can feel warm, sheltered from the elements and secure.

Choosing the right dog house.

The type of dog house you ultimately buy will depend on the kind of dog you have, his/her personality, the style of the house, size of your dog and your budget.

The first and foremost task is to measure your dog! Any dog home you buy should be spacious enough for your dog to easily stretch and turn around. As important as making sure it is not too small a space you must also ensure that it is not too large. Your pet will not feel comfortable in a large enclosed empty space. Think about where your dog goes to sleep in your own home, usually you will find your dog nestled in a corner or curled up in a dog bed. Try to find the size most suitable for your own pet.

Make sure that any dog house you buy is waterproof and well insulated. Kennel heaters are now available; these bite proof devices with no electrical wires will help keep your dog’s kennel and bed snug and warm in even the coldest of months.  Position the dog house or kennel in a space that is sheltered from wind and rain.

Types of dog house

Wood Dog House

Wooden dog houses or kennels are by far the most popular type of pet house. This material blends into your garden and looks in keeping with the rest of your outdoor space. Wooden dog houses are durable and inexpensive and provide great shelter for your beloved pet. Each year your wooden dog kennel can be re-painted to keep it looking fresh.

Plastic Dog house

This type of dog house is not as popular as the wooden variety however it is a growing type of pet house. A plastic kennel will not splinter. You will find many available that are competitively priced, light weight and will require less maintenance than the wooden variety. There is a wide range of designs and shapes available.

Metal Dog House

Characteristically rectangular made from either stainless steel or aluminium and deeply insulated. Cannot be chewed or scratched by your dog. This type of kennel is used regularly with hunting dogs.

Good luck

Gardener Jack

The answer to this question depends on the breed;  smaller breeds of rabbit can live up to 12 years old, whereas larger rabbits may live only 5 years.

Rabbits are clean, friendly intelligent creatures that can bring years of joy to any family.  With space, food, bedding and the right living accommodation rabbits are happy living indoors or outside. Do remember that rabbits do require more attention than most other small pets and can occasionally scratch or bite. For this reason you may decide rabbits are an unsuitable pet for smaller children, however with adult supervision they make the perfect pet for older children.

Types of rabbit

There are many types of rabbit available and each has their own characteristics and traits. Here are a few general tips to get you started thinking about which type of rabbit is best for you:

• Male rabbits are more predictable and even-tempered
• Giant breeds require more space and food
• Dwarf breeds can be slightly temperamental and are less suitable for small children
• Long haired breeds need daily grooming
• Common breeds, Dutch, English, Netherland Dwarf and Dwarf Lop eared are more docile.
• Don’t be fooled by the name! – Despite what some breed names may lead you to believe some rabbits can grow quite large! Do your research before buying your bunny.

Living Space
You can decide whether you keep your rabbit indoors or outside, they’ll be happy either way! If you decide to keep your rabbit in the garden you will need to purchase a hutch which must be weather proof and have a separate nesting area where your rabbit will sleep. Rabbits are happy to sleep in clean straw which must be changed on a regular basis to keep your hutch fresh and your rabbit happy!
Ideally, for a medium sized rabbit, the hutch should measure at least 150 x 60 x 60cm, however if you have purchased a smaller hutch this will still be fine just make sure you add a run to the hutch so that your rabbit has enough space to exercise in a safe environment.

Keep the hutch in a shady spot so that your rabbit does not overheat on those hot summer days and keep it sheltered from any strong winds in the colder months.

Include within the hutch a pipe so your rabbit can use it as a burrow or a box with shredded paper so your rabbit can practice digging. Each of these items will encourage your rabbit to carry out its natural behaviours giving you a far happier balanced pet!

As I mentioned earlier,  rabbits can also be kept indoors and will love the company of having you and your family around them. You will need to make a straw filled nest box which can be kept in a quiet area of the house for your rabbit to sleep in and also provide a litter tray which your rabbit can quite happily be trained to successfully use! Your rabbit will still need to spend time outdoors as they require a certain amount of time in the sunshine in order to obtain vitamin D and for this you can purchase a simple run for your lawn.

Jacks Top Tip – You should also consider ‘rabbit proofing’ your home and by this I mean moving any cables or house plants off the floor and out of your rabbits reach.

Feeding
Your rabbit will require a constant supply of fresh water which must be changed daily. A healthy rabbit’s diet will contain 75% hay and a good quality pellet will provide all the additional nutrients they require. Rabbits do love fruit and vegetables especially carrots spinach, watercress, broccoli, apples and dandelion leaves. It is fine to feed them food like this just be careful not to over feed them.
Avoid feeding them grass clippings, potatoes or lettuce and each of these can cause health problems.

Handling
Young rabbits will be nervous so allow them to gradually settle in to their new home. For the first couple of days spend time with your rabbit and talk soothingly to him or her so your rabbit can get to know and trust you. The next step is to slowly introduce your hand to the hutch; you will find your rabbit will increasingly become more confident around you. After a week or two depending on your progress try to pick up your pet using both hands, placing your thumb across its shoulders and your fingers gently wrapped around its ribs. Your other hand needs to be beneath the hindquarters to support your rabbit. Also begin to introduce grooming at this stage as this will need to be done daily.

Companionship
Rabbits are very sociable animals and can become quite lonely on their own, keeping two or more will lead to a happy animal. If you are not planning to breed your pet neutering and spraying will prevent any unwanted litters and fighting. Two neutered males or two un-neutered females can happily live together as can a neutered male and un-neutered female.

Health
A happy healthy bunny will be alert and have clean discharge free eyes, nose and a shiny coat. Breathing should be regular and quiet. If you have any concerns over your rabbit’s health do contact your local vet for advice and assistance.

Top tips for a healthy life

• Give your rabbit time and attention – Your pet should be checked at least twice a day
• A good balanced diet with no sudden changes
• Clean dry living space that is cleaned once a week with a mild rabbit friendly disinfectant
• No extreme changes in temperature
• Clean water changed daily
• Fresh food supplied daily
• Provide gnawing blocks or chew toys to wear their teeth which will grow continually
• Daily grooming especially if your rabbit is long haired
• Your rabbit will pass two types of faeces. In the day time the faeces will be hard little pellets of poop. At night time they will pass faeces known as Caecotrophs which is far softer pellets that they will eat directly from their bottom. Don’t worry this is perfectly normal rabbit behaviour the only time you need to be concerned about this is if your rabbit is obese as they will have a problem with this.

Good luck

Gardener Jack

Imagine some freshly baked bread, lightly toasted and smothered in beautiful sweet honey………. Now imagine that you have collected the honey from your very own bees. Mmmmmmm .. Even better!

More and more people are taking on the challenge of beekeeping and reaping the benefits of their own homegrown produce.

An average bee colony will produce around 50 jars of honey per year.

This will vary depending on the size of the colony, the weather, the quantity and quality of the nectar near to your bees.

In order to get started there is some essential equipment every budding Beekeeper needs to purchase:

The Beesuit with veil – this enables you to get up close and personal with your bees.

Rubber Gloves and gauntlets – provide maximum confidence and safety for you whilst working with your bees.

Hive Tools – to open the hive and for lifting the frames.

Liquid smoke and bottle – essential for keeping bees calm when you are working with the hive.

Hive – a safe, well insulted and ventilated environment for your bees to flourish. The hive should be positioned next to a hedge or fence to protect the bees from wind and rain. It should be positioned so that your bees can fly in and out in a straight line. Bees are happy to fly up to 1 mile high so a hive can be kept on your roof terrace if living in town.

Check out your local area for beginner beekeeping courses. Many are now running nationwide as this hobby grows in popularity. A course will enable you to learn the basic skills including recognising the queen and assessing how well she is laying, and the amount of food your bees have stored. Knowledge and an understanding of how to begin this lifelong partnership with your bees will lead to the success of your colony and many yummy pots of honey!

When can I start keeping bees?

I recommend you start during months March to October. Bees hibernate in the winter so it is best to begin your colony in the spring or summer. If you do purchase an established colony in the winter do not open the hive to check on them as the cold will kill your little honey makers.

What if I get stung?

Your Bees will not want to sting you. They will only hurt you if they feel threatened or under attack. i.e. if a football hits the hive. Do bear this in mind if you have small children. Keeping bees is still OK with a young family you simply need to ensure that your hives are kept in a secluded or fenced off part of your garden. Do let your kids get involved, the art of beekeeping is fascinating and educational. Children’s beesuits can be purchased.

If either you or your child does get stung it should only hurt for 10 minutes or so. The area may swell slightly for up to 24 hours. A very small percentage of the population will suffer a more serious allergic reaction from a bee sting. If you see this happening contact the emergency services immediately.

Good luck and happy beekeeping!

Gardener Jack