Get the best results in your garden

If working your garden's soil is getting harder and taking longer, take a good look at your gardening tools. Spades, shovels trowels and pruning tools all work better and make your job easier when their cutting edges are clean and sharp.

To maintain wooden tool handles, sand them once a year, then rub them with boiled linseed oil using a soft cloth.
Use pruning tools that have durable nonslip handle that cushions the hand when cutting.  Tools should be clean and sanitized as well as sharp.  Sanitizing tools may prevent the spread of disease from infected to healthy trees.

If you are going away on holiday, use these tips to care for your plants:

1. Give your plant a good soaking.
2. Use a plastic bag and cover the plants leaving a few breather holes.
3. If you live in a flat, place your plants in the bath and fill with a few centimeters of water.
4. Cut your lawn slightly lower than normal and water well.

Get the most from your pool

Knowing your pool capacity is essential in pool operation as the amount of chemicals needed is determined by how much water it holds.  Once you’re familiar with your pool, you can quickly determine the correct amount of chemicals that are needed for your start-up and routine water treatment programme.

Pool water must be “in balance” to maximise efficiency of pool chemicals and to safeguard the pool surface and equipment.
To keep your water balanced and maximize efficiency of pool chemicals, it is essential to check the water regularly by means of the Test Kit and in doing so to benefit from an early warning of problems.

Don’t forget to shock treat your pool at least once a month.