Will Britain have to dig for survival?

If you’re already a keen vegetable gardener, this may not be of a great worry to you. But to those of us who find mowing the lawn too much trouble, the following may be hard to swallow.

The agriculture minister David Heath has claimed that unless households start digging and growing their own food, we will face empty supermarket shelves as they will struggle to import enough food to feed us. The government are currently warning about future food shortages which could occur as the UK currently imports 40% of its food. The freezing temperatures earlier this year have already had an effect on crops, with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and peas all being affected by waterlogged ground and low levels of light. More surprisingly this year Britain will need to import more wheat than it exports for the first time in a decade.

Will you dig for your survival?

Will you dig for your survival?

Over the past 10 years, the growth of tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions in Britain has fallen so low that they have been labelled as “endangered”. Brussels sprouts, lettuce, leeks and cauliflower are also at risk of becoming “endangered”. If action isn’t taken by the government, there will be even less home grown food on supermarket shelves and food prices will continue to rise.

While we wait for the government to take action, people can do their bit by growing fruit and vegetables in their gardens. The number of people growing their own fruit and veg is already on the increase, as the share of fruit and veg grown in allotments and gardens rose from 2.9% in 2008 to 5% in 2011.

For those looking to make small changes, herbs, salad leaves, chillies and garlic are all easy to grow and a great way to get started. So why not give it a go and see what you can grow.

Need storage for all of your new gardening equipment? Asgard have it covered with their range of metal garden sheds.

Statistics provided by the Telegraph

Are Asgard Metal Sheds the best?

Asgard Metal Storage Unit Key Features

Asgard Metal Storage Unit Key Features

Take a look at the key features of Asgard sheds to find out if these metal storage units suit and meet your storage needs.

1. Galvanised steel

All of the units from Asgard are made from strong weatherproof steel panels.

2. Low Maintenance

Unlike wooden sheds, metal sheds require very little maintenance.

3. 10 Year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

4. No exposed screws

There are no exposed screws inside Asgard units, so there are no sharp or dangerous edges.

5. Easy assembly

All of Asgard sheds come with simple step by step instructions for easy assembly. An installation service is also available.

6. Pick resistant lock

Pick resistant locks are fitted to most of our metal storage units to provide the best possible security.

7. Unique shed ventilation

A unique shed ventilation system is in every Asgard metal shed. This ventilation system helps to minimise condensation.

8. Accessories

Asgard units are pre drilled for our shelving and hook packs. These acessories are available to purchase and add more storage optipons to your shed.

9. Integral metal floor

 Metal sheds from Asgard are the ONLY metal sheds with an integral metal floor. This floor adds even more security to the unit.

10. Tough locking system

These metal sheds feature tough locking systems to help keep stored items safe from theft.
See the full range of metal sheds from Asgard on the Asgard website.

The worst places in the UK for garden theft

2012 saw a 10% increase in garden and shed thefts in the UK, compared to the previous year and garden shed theft had increased by 25% during the summer and spring alone.

Research by Halifax Home Insurance found that the top 10 areas for garden theft in the UK were:

  1. Stoke – on – Trent
  2. Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham
  3. Southampton
  4. Wakefield and Huddersfield
  5. Nottingham
  6. Newcastle upon Tyne
  7. Manchester
  8. Leeds
  9. Guilford
  10. Bradford

42% of the reported thefts were of power tools, 39% were of hand tools and the rest of thefts were of items such as lawnmowers and Barbecue sets.

Summer will be here before we know it, so it’s important to start getting your garden prepared soon.

Easy ways to protect your garden

  • Make sure sheds, garages and gates are locked at all times.
  • Mark valuable garden items and furniture with your postcode and take photos for your records.
  • Join your neighbourhood watch or set one up if there isn’t one in your area.
  • Restrict access to your garden with high walls and fences.
  • Install security lighting in your garden to deter thieves.
  • Never leave gardening equipment out in your garden for an opportunistic thief.

If you are concerned about your current garden storage and think it’s time to upgrade your security, take a look at the Asgard metal garden shed range. These garden storage sheds offer fantastic security for your gardening equipment and furniture.

Asgard for garden security

Asgard for garden security

Designed with security in mind, they are fitted with tough locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms. Asgard metal garden sheds are available in a variety of sizes and look great in any garden. See the full metal garden shed range on the Asgard website.

Garden Shed Buyers Guide Part 2

Return to part 1

What important features should I look for in my garden storage shed?

When looking at what features your garden shed should have, you should think about what you be using it for. Will it be storing expensive items or just excess items from your home? Will you be visiting your shed regularly or once in a blue moon?

Things to look for include:

Security

  • Check out the locking mechanism, is it strong enough? Does it use a padlock or key point? In general padlocks can be easily broken off by thieves.
  • Look out for exposed hinges and screws that may be visible on the outside of the shed, as these could be unscrewed from the outside to gain access.

Door size

This may seem like an unimportant feature, but you will have wished you had thought about this when you are struggling to move your garden furniture in and out of your shed. Make sure the door to your shed is large enough for moving gardening equipment.

Will you need large double door access?

Will you need large double door access?

Storage Accessories

  • Does the garden storage shed you want have accessories available?
  • Is there room inside for shelving and other types of off the ground storage?

Child friendly

If you have children that will have access to the garden shed, you should make sure that the shed you choose is suitable for them to go in and out of safely. Check for tripping hazards, sharp edges and exposed screws, all of which are safety issues.

Should I buy a flat pack shed or ready assembled garden shed?

Buying a ready assembled shed will save you the time and hassle of putting the shed together, however it may cost you more than a flat pack and you will have to wait for it to be delivered. If you already have the tools to put a flat pack shed together, you may be able to save yourself money by putting it together yourself and depending on where you purchase your shed from, you may also be able to drive it home yourself.

Where should I put my garden storage shed?

Try and place your shed away from trees, walls and fences. Your garden shed should be kept in your rear garden as building regulations state that there should be no outbuilding on land forward of a wall forming a principal elevation.

If you are choosing a wooden garden shed, building regulations also state that any building made from a combustible material must be placed at least 2 meters from the main house.

Where should I put my garden shed?

Where should I put my garden shed?

Will I need to get planning permission for my garden shed?

You will not need planning permission for your garden shed as long as:

  • The garden shed does not cover more than half the area of the garden.
  • No point is less than one meter from a boundary
  • The roof is no more than 3m high if flat or 4m high if ridged

However, if you are unsure about whether you will need planning permission or not contact your local council.

Before deciding on your garden shed, shop around and compare prices sizes and features to find the best shed for you.

Garden Shed Buyers Guide Part 1

Choosing the right type of garden shed for your home can be a difficult. With so many different things to take into consideration, it can be difficult to know where to start.

What material should my new garden shed be made from?

Garden storage sheds are available in a variety of materials, however metal and wood are the most popular choices.

Wooden

Wooden garden sheds are the more traditional type of shed and are widely and easily available. Wooden garden sheds appeal because of their natural appearance, which blends into garden surroundings. However wooden sheds will need regular maintenance and care, otherwise they can suffer from rot, the wood can split or warp and begin to leak water when it rains. To protect a wooden shed it will need painting every 2- 3 years and coating in a protective wood treatment.

Metal

Metal garden sheds are popular as they require very little maintenance. Metal storage units are also incredibly strong, compared to garden sheds made from other materials and in general last longer. Metal sheds are generally made from galvanised steel, aluminium or corrugated iron. Although metal storage sheds don’t suffer from the same issues and wooden shed, whatever type of metal shed you choose, it should be coated to protect it from rusting over time.

Metal garden storage shed

Metal garden storage shed

Other garden shed materials

Plastic is another material that is used for garden storage sheds, although this is less popular. They require minimal maintenance, however they aren’t as durable as wooden or metal garden sheds. Plastic garden sheds are usually made from PVC, this is a light material which can become brittle and faded if exposed in the sun for too long.

How much should I spend on my new garden shed?

Garden storage sheds are available in a variety of prices. The price of a garden shed will depend on the size, material and if there are any extras that come with your shed.  Prices start at around £100 for your basic wooden shed model up to around £2000 for a very large metal shed.  Before purchasing your garden storage shed, compare different models to make sure you are getting the best price for overall size and features.

Large Garden shed

Large Garden shed

Do garden storage sheds come in different sizes?

Regardless of the material garden sheds are available in a variety of sizes from the small to the extra extra large garden storage shed. No matter what your garden storage needs are, there will be a garden storage shed in a size for you.

When choosing your shed size, consider why you are picking this certain size. Will you have enough space left in case your storage needs change?

Continue to Part 2

Different types of outdoor storage

If you are in need of more storage for your home, it is sometimes best to take a look at the available space that you have outside and how you can utilise this. There are many different types of storage units and sheds available for outdoor usage.

Wooden

Wooden sheds are the most common and traditional storage units in gardens. Wooden garden sheds appeal because they blend well into garden surroundings and can be painted any colour/colours that you choose. Wooden garden sheds can be as understated or extravagant as you choose and are easy to transform. However the main problem associated with wooden outdoor storage is that they can often rot and leak, if not regularly maintained. Wooden sheds need regular maintenance because the wood changes with the moisture content, meaning that the shed will need repainting every 2-3 years and regularly coating with a wood protector.

Wooden garden sheds require regular maintenance

Metal

Metal storage units can be slightly more expensive that wooden ones, however they are offer sturdier and stronger storage for your items and are virtually maintenance free. The only maintenance needed on a metal shed is the occasional wipe down and oil of hinges. Metal storage units are also available in large sizes than wooden sheds and can often resemble a large garage. If not made from galvanised steel, these sheds will most likely rust. To prevent this, always check the material that your metal shed is made from. Asgard have a wide range of metal garden sheds available, made from strong galvanised steel and supplied with a 10 year anti- perforation warranty.

Asgard metal garden shed

In terms of security,  metal garden sheds are generally stronger than wood or plastic, they are also much more secure, providing peace of mind and the best in garden security. Asgard metal garden sheds are designed with security a priority, fitted with tough locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms tough enough to stop any thief.

Plastic

Plastic storage units require minimal maintenance, however these may not be as strong or durable as a wooden or metal storage unit. Plastic sheds are generally a lot smaller than their wooden or metal counterparts. Most plastic sheds available are made from uPVC, a light material that can sometimes suffer if exposed in the sun for too long. The effects of this would be the plastic becoming brittle or the colour fading.  Another disadvantage of plastic storage units is that they do struggle to blend into the natural surroundings of a garden.

If you are trying to choose an outdoor storage unit for your home, you need to take into consideration the amount of maintenance you are prepared to do, what features are most important to you, what sort of budget you are on and most importantly what kind of look you are going for.

Secure garden storage for a small garden

If you have a compact garden but still need an outdoor storage facility, your options can sometimes be quite limited. Garden sheds and storage units can look quite dominating in a smaller garden and in small spaces it’s hard for your shed not to become the main focal point. You want something small and sleek, but still strong and secure. Not sure where to look? Asgard has a solution. With a wide variety of high quality garden sheds available, there is something to suit all garden sizes, without compromising on quality.

Compact garden sheds

Finding compact sheds that are pleasing on the eye and still functional, can be a tall task. The Asgard Vangard and Addition are two of the smaller sheds available but don’t let their size fool you, they may be small, but there is still plenty of storage space inside. Both of these sheds are made from strong weatherproof steel, as are all Asgard steel sheds and are packed full of features. These metal sheds are supplied with a 10 year warranty; these are great value for money products.

 

The Vangard

 

Vangard compact metal shed

 

“Outstanding value for money…..So much better than my old plastic unit. For a little bit more money get a metal unit which will last for years, why bother with plastic?

This compact and sleek shed has an integral metal floor, and a two point locking system to secure stored items away. A padlock point allows you to lock the shed with your own lock. Hooks are available to purchase with this shed to expand storage options and the storage unit boasts large double door access, for easy manoeuvring of items. The Vangard has a slanted roof to allow rain to slide off easily and the ventilation system in the roof minimizes the build-up of condensation within the unit.

 

The Addition

 

Addition metal garden shed

“After 2 years the units is totally rust free, the paint has not faded in any way and it all works as it should. A 1st class garden shed”

The Addition metal garden shed provides excellent garden security. This storage unit has a superb 3 point locking system and a pick resistant lock for enhanced security. The integral metal base means you can stack your items from floor to ceiling, without worrying about them being placed directly on the ground, with the option to add shelves and hooks to your shed for versatile storage. The integral rain guard keeps wind and rain out, so your items will be kept nice and dry.

These metal sheds are available in 3 colours; green, brown and ivory. Their sleek and compact design ensures they will blend into any environment well. For more information and to see the full range of garden security sheds, visit the Asgard website.

Help when choosing a quality garden shed

Choosing a new garden shed is a big decision, especially when there are so many options out there. Before picking out your new shed there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Thankfully we are here to help! Asgard has a range of metal garden sheds and there is sure to be one to suit every need.

When choosing your shed, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself:

What do you want to store in your shed?

What you want to store will affect the amount of security features your shed should have, as well as the size. You can store anything from garden tools, to bikes and garden furniture in your shed. If you’re planning on storing smaller items with a low value, a compact shed with less security might be better storage option. If you are planning on storing expensive equipment, tools, bikes etc. Security should be at the fore front of your mind, as sheds are prone to break-ins and easy targets for thieves. Around 5,000 British gardens are targeted by theft every week, so it’s important not to leave yourself wide open. Investing in a high security shed is always a good idea. A range of high security sheds are available with tough 5 point locking systems and some are even insurance approved.

What do you want to store in your new garden shed?

What is your price range?

It’s important to set a budget for your new shed, to stick to it and get the best shed that you can afford. Metal garden sheds range from £80 up to £2000, meaning you are bound to find the metal shed to suit you and your budget.

What do you get for your money?

As you would expect with cheaper garden shed the quality will leave a lot to be desired. At the lower end of the price scale, the security of the shed will be poor and will be easier to access by thieves. In the world of sheds, generally the more you spend the better the quality of the shed. For a more robust, strong and sturdy shed, expect to spend more. Spending more will pay off in the long term, due to the added protection from theft.

How much available space do you have?

We all know that some gardens have more space than others or it maybe that you want your garden shed to look inconspicuous and blend into its surroundings. Whatever the reason, the size of the shed will play an important role in your decision. You will find sheds of all sizes, from the compact Vangard to the Extra Extra Large Gladiator. Browse the full range to find the right size for your storage needs.

How important is garden shed security?

If security is of high importance to you, when choosing a garden shed, it is worth spending the extra money on something more robust. High security sheds come with an array of features to enhance security and deter thieves: Reinforced components, additional bolts, touch locking systems all contribute to a stronger, more secure shed.

High security garden shed

Where should you locate your garden shed?

Ideally your garden shed should be placed at the rear of your home, not immediately in the sight of passers-by. Locating your shed near your garden path or walkway is generally a good idea to stop mud from spreading everywhere. Do not place your shed too close to trees or shrubs, to ensure your shed stays in a good condition and stop excessive moisture from entering the shed through the vents. Remember your shed needs to be built onto a level base that is at least 100mm deep, this base needs to be either concrete or tarmac. This will need to be taken into consideration when planning the location of your shed.

There are lots of important things to consider when choosing your new garden shed. Size, shape, security, price and even the colour all play a role in decision making. After all your shed will be a permanent feature in your garden, you should want it to be perfect. These tips should help you on your hunt. Here’s to happy shed shopping.

Don’t get stuck with a leaky shed this winter

With winter almost upon us, it’s a good time to start thinking about your garden storage. Items that you may have left outside during the warmer months won’t fare so well with the colder weather quickly approaching.

If you have a wooden garden shed, this may be worn and tired or simply not fit for what can be harsh British winters.  In the recent weeks we have seen a tremendous amount of rainfall and this is sure to be repeated as we head into the colder months.  Wooden sheds are not particularly strong when it comes to dealing with severe weather or heavy amounts of rain fall.

It’s important that you have the best protection against the elements for your garden equipment, bikes, tools and furniture. That is unless you like the idea of opening your shed door to find your stored items have been soaked with rain water.

Don’t get stuck with a leaky wooden shed this winter!

Protect your wooden shed

There are a few ways in which you can make your wooden shed more water tight, however water proofing a wooden shed isn’t an easy task. A wooden shed will never be perfectly or completely waterproof.

Seal: A wooden shed needs to be sealed from both the inside and the outside.  Use a sealant specifically designed for wood and give special attention to the corners of the shed.

Wood treatment: This helps to preserve the wood, it is quick and easy as you just spray the treatment all over the shed and let it dry.

The benefits of a metal shed

A metal shed in generally much more weatherproof and leak resistant than a wooden shed  and can withstand severer weather conditions, due to their weight and the material used.  If you store expensive and high quality goods in your shed, a metal shed would be a wise investment.

Metal garden sheds provide better storage in bad weather conditions

A range of weatherproof steel garden sheds are available from Asgard.  Asgard metal sheds are made from galvanised steel, which prevents rust.  These sheds are highly secure and do not leak, even in the strongest of weather conditions.  Not only are they weatherproof, but also highly secure, providing the best protection for your stored items.

Asgard metal sheds are virtually maintenance free, apart from the occasional wipe down and oil of hinges. See the full range of Asgard metal sheds here.

Top 10 most stolen items from UK gardens (More than Insurance)

THE TOP 10 MOST STOLEN PLANTS AND TREES

 

  1. Hanging baskets
  1. Bay trees
  1. Rose standards
  1. Olive trees
  1. Rare lilies
  1. Bonsais
  1. Miniature palm trees
  1. Magnolia trees
  1. Daphne shrubs
  1. Conifers

BOB FLOWERDEW’S GUIDE TO PLANT PROTECTION

  1. ‘This plant belongs to…’ – The simplest deterrent is to mark all of your plants with your postcode. Use an indelible marker pen and boldly write your postcode all over plant labels (which can be concealed within the roots or the leaves before planting) containers, vases, urns and tubs.
  1. Chain it up! – Hanging baskets are by far the easiest target. Make their support fixing secure and difficult to undo by using wire, small bolts or even an unobtrusive lock and chain. When it comes to securing plants, a weatherproof bicycle lock attached to the containers will make life difficult for any thief. And for larger tubs and planters, a short chain or cable bolted to the container and fixed to a concreted bolt will make it impossible to remove the plants intact.
  1. Tug of war – Create bigger holes for your plants and carefully place layers of plastic netting within the roots as you plant them. This will make it infernally difficult to either dig or pull up!
  1. Go large – Large, heavy containers are more difficult to steal than smaller ones. Choose bigger planting containers and for the largest add extra weight with broken paving slabs and heavier soil-based compost.
  1. Be a prickly customer – Thorny and prickly plants are harder to remove and can act as a barrier to other plants. Position thorny and spiny plants and shrubs (such as Berberis, Yuccas, Briars, and Brambles) around the edges of containers, at vulnerable access points, such as low walls and fences, and around the base or up through the middle of valuable specimens.
  1. Take a picture – A photo of a specimen or even of bedding will aid both identification and the claim.

EASY TARGETS


“As we’ve seen from recent incidents of lead being stolen from roofs, thieves are casting their nets ever wider in the search for objects to steal. And as this research unfortunately shows, garden plants and trees are now firmly on the list.

Our gardens are often a sanctuary of colour and calm, and the result of sweat, toil and no small expense. However, everything is not rosy in the gardens of Britain, with research finding that one in five gardens have been pilfered by green-fingered thieves in the last 12 months alone.GARDEN THEFT IN FULL BLOOM

The research, conducted by our Home Insurance team, found that from Kent to Cumbria, Brits are increasingly becoming victims of plant theft. Hanging baskets swiped, flower-beds uprooted, towering topiaries replaced by damp outlines and voids left where precious plants once stood proud. What’s more, according to our figures, plant theft seems to be a problem that’s getting worse every year.

From stunning rose standards to beautiful bay trees, your garden can be rich-pickings for burglars in the know, who are taking £72.21 worth of horticultural haul with each theft – proving that money does grow on trees.

The majority of thefts happen right outside our front doors, with 70% of people claiming losses of pot plants, trees and hanging baskets stolen from outside front doors. These are often used to decorate the thieves’ own gardens, sold to dealers or at car boot sales.

 

theft in the UK


 

We asked gardening expert and broadcaster Bob Flowerdew to offer a series of handy hints and tips and help guard the gardens of Great Britain from theft.

Bob’s top tips to secure your plants and trees:

According to Janet Connor, Managing Director for MORE TH>N:

“Cultivating a beautiful garden is by no means a cheap endeavour, with many items, such as Bay trees, commanding price tags of £60 or more. But all the hard work and money spent on creating a lovely outdoor space can be ruined overnight if the garden is an easy target for thieves.”

More information from the more than website

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