A metal storage shed – a ‘must-have’ for Allotment Growers

Do you have an allotment?

Over a quarter of a million people in the UK currently hold an allotment plot.  Allotment gardening has always been a popular option for those of you who don’t mind getting their hands dirty in soil and spend time nurturing flowers and vegetable plants, but may not always have the space in their garden.  Apart from providing low cost food, they also provide valuable recreational opportunities involving healthy activity and social contacts.

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How does your garden grow?

Taking on an allotment plot is not all hard work; it can have many advantages, providing fresh home grown vegetables, fruit and flowers for you and your family, free from artificial additives and at a fraction of that you would have expected to pay in a supermarket or greengrocer.

There is also the social side, meeting new friends with similar interests and enabling you to enjoy a healthy outdoor life with gentle exercise and a place to relax and unwind.

Did you know: The first legislative reforms date back to the Enclosures Act of 1845. Today, the Council has a statutory requirement to provide allotments for the public.

Is your allotment secure?

As many allotments are independently or council owned, they will often have different levels of security.  Many allotment sites suffer from vandalism and theft, from minor incidents such as disappearing Fruit and Veg, ranging to major incidents where sheds located on one site have been broken into and vandalism, smashing of glass in greenhouses, breaking tools, dumping rubbish and damaging frames.

Keep your tools under lock and key 

Always try and keep all your gardening tools locked up and out of sight in allotment huts and sheds.  Not only do they provide shelter from the rain for expensive tools, gardening equipment and clothing, they provide much needed security for your allotment.

Secure Storage units for your allotments

If you need a secure storage unit installed in your allotment, you can choose from a range of metal storage sheds from Asgard in various sizes according to your needs.  The Asgard Addition is a popular choice for many gardens and allotments due to its compact size and multi-purpose storage space.  Built from our tough, galvanised (weather proof) steel with an integral metal floor and convenient large double door access this unit features an excellent 3-point locking system.

Asgard Addition storage unit

Asgard Addition storage unit – Great for allotment storage!

Smart and stylish, the Asgard Addition metal shed unit is available in a choice of 3 colours – dark green, ivory and brown enabling you to match the unit to your environment, and ensure your allotment is looking neat and tidy.

Top Tip: We recommend that you check the area available to install your shed before installation, and confirm with the allotment regulations before installation.

Want to grow your own?

Whether you are budding vegetable grower or a seasoned gardener, visit the Allotment diaries website for more ideas on making the most of your allotment.  For a ‘Plot Holders’ Guide’ from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) click here.

To view our full range of outdoor storage units and unit sizes, visit our website http://www.asgardsss.co.uk for further details.  We also offer free delivery and an installation service is also available for added convenience.

Time for a Barbeque Party?

Are you planning a BBQ party?  With the Football and Wimbledon season in full swing, are you making the most of the lovely summer weather in the garden?

Everyone is rolling out their grills and dusting off the patio furniture. Summertime is meant for backyard gatherings with great food and drink with family and friends.  Whether its steak, chicken, ribs or veggies, barbecuing is a fun and easy way to make a delicious fun meal and keep your friends and family coming back for more!

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Summer garden BBQ party – you’re invited!

Safety check – Before you plan your party and invite everyone round, make sure you are fully prepared.  If you are using Gas for your Barbeque, you will need to check that the gas bottles will be stored safely and secured to prevent any accidents.

The best way to store gas bottles is in a robust metal storage unit, such as the Asgas 38 gas bottle storage unit.  Built from weatherproof steel, the Asgard gas bottle storage range is available in 3 different designs to suit the three most popular gas bottle sizes.

Asgard Gas Bottle Storage

Asgard Gas Bottle Storage – Handy for BBQ’s

All of our gas bottle storage units have been designed in conjunction with Calor gas and are the only units on the market to be selected as Calor Choice products.

Security check - Without realising it, the costs of BBQ equipment do add up; with a BBQ grill, gas bottles, patio heating, garden furniture and lighting equipment, we recommend that they are kept locked away when they are not being used.  The best way to store them would be in a secure outdoor storage unit, such as the Asgard Classic metal storage unit, which will ensure they are kept safe and dry until the next BBQ party.

Asgard Classic outdoor storage unit

Store all your expensive garden equipment and BBQ safe and secure in the Asgard Classic outdoor storage unit.

The Asgard Classic Garden Storage unit provides high security outdoor storage of expensive garden equipment and furniture.  Built with a thick, heavy galvanised steel panel construction and large double door access, the Classic metal shed is an ideal store for all your high value garden equipment.  Fitted with a strong 5-point locking system with Loss Prevention Certification Board approval (to level 1), you can be assured this storage unit offers excellent garden equipment storage security.

If your planning a BBQ party and need some recipe ideas and help with setting up the BBQ grill visit the website from Calor Gas BBQ website here.

Don’t forget to get yourself the coolest new BBQ gadgets this summer at http://bit.ly/BBQmust-haves - Your BBQ party wont be complete without it!

For a full range of secure metal storage units for your garden visit our website now http://www.asgardsss.co.uk.

NEW Asgard High Security Garden Shed

The newest addition the Asgard high security shed range is here, the Annexe metal garden shed. This new high security shed has been designed to provide your garden with the toughest secure storage.  Asgard metal sheds are designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, this new high security shed is no different and is fitted from top to bottom with tough heavy duty features.

Annexe high security garden shed

Annexe high security garden shed

Inside this metal shed there is plenty of room for expensive gardening equipment and power tools, which will all be locked away safely to give you peace of mind.  This high security shed is made from weatherproof steel panels and is fitted with a robust shed locking system, which features a pick resistant euro cylinder lock to keep thieves out!

Weatherproof steel shed

Weatherproof steel shed

Additional features also include a full integral metal floor and reinforced doors, hinges and panels.  All of these heavy duty features have resulted in this high security shed being approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums. Find out more about this metal shed on the Asgard wesbsite.

How much is your garden shed worth?

Is your garden full to the brim? You’ll be surprised at how much the items stored in your garden shed are worth.  A study conducted by Net Voucher Codes, found that in the average garden shed £2080 worth of items can be found.

Worryingly this study also revealed that 29% of people don’t put a lock on their sheds.

What is your garden shed worth?

Valuable items in your garden shed

  • The most valuable items found in a garden shed are bikes, with the average family storing £600 worth.
  • On average we have £450 worth of garden tools
  • The average amount of garden furniture we have adds up to £350
  • Lawnmowers in our shed average at £250
  • Children’s toys average at £230

Now that you know the amount of money that is sitting in your garden shed, you should become more careful when it comes to storing your items securely.  Putting a lock on your garden shed is the very least you can do to protect your garden shed from theft. As we know, garden shed theft is a very real problem and these only increase during the summer months.

A garden shed alarm is also another way to protect your stored garden items. A motion sensor shed alarm is available from Asgard, the home of secure steel storage.

Asgard metal garden shed

Asgard metal garden shed

However, if you would like something more substantial, Asgard has a range of metal garden sheds. These are sturdier and more robust than the average wooden garden shed.  Made from tough weatherproof steel, these metal garden sheds are fitted with tough pick resistant locks to help keep thieves out. Find out more about Asgard on their 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 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.

What is the best way to protect garden items and tools from the winter weather?

Winter is approaching and it’s time to make sure your garden furniture and equipment is well protected from the elements. Keeping these items stored away safe from wind and rain, is the best way to keep your items in tip top condition. If you don’t already have a shed, garage or outdoor storage facility that is secure from harsh weather conditions now is the time to get one.

There would be nothing worse than to find after months of hibernating, you emerge to find that your shed has been leaking all winter and your lawnmower and other electrical gardening equipment have been ruined beyond repair. Not only is this a nuisance, but it would also be costly to replace.

Don’t let the bad weather ruin your gardening equipment

 

So why not save yourself the hassle and bother. Investing in a water tight, secure, outdoor storage unit, will save you time, aggravation and money in the long run. The average household spends between £100 and £600 pounds a year on their garden. The majority of this will be in the form of gardening tools and furniture. So just think of the hundreds of pounds worth of goods that you could have accumulated and stored away over the years. Depending on your home insurance policy your outdoor storage may not be covered for water damage, if covered at all. Don’t be left caught out!

Take the time to invest in a secure and tough garden storage unit.  A range of secure weatherproof garden sheds are available from Asgard, providing fantastic protection for your garden items. These metal sheds are tough and come with a variety of features: pick resistant locks, wind and rain guards, tough locking mechanisms and integral metal bases. A range of high security sheds are also on offer, to help prevent the theft of your stored items and with a 10 year warranty, you don’t have to worry about a thing. To see the full range of metal garden sheds visit the Asgard website.

Secure storage for winter

Having a watertight shed to store away your garden equipment and furniture will provide you with piece of mind, knowing your items are safe and dry. Best of all, you won’t be left with any nasty surprises once spring emerges and you can start enjoying your garden once again, straight away.

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.

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