Useful jobs to do in the garden

Check out our guide to some of the chores you could get stuck into.

Clear the deck

So many gardens today have a patio area or decking. These features are great if you like to regularly host garden parties or dine outside with your household, as you can set up a table and chairs on a sturdy surface and not worry about ruining your lawn.

A patio and decking are both relatively easy to keep looking like new, provided you take the time to give them a clean every now and again. As with all wooden products, decking should be treated with a preservative so you don't have to worry about rot and mould ruining its appearance.

Sweep these surfaces to remove debris and leaves, as they can cause algae and dirt to build up. If you have a patio, ensure you pull out any weeds growing through the cracks, or treat them with a fertiliser. Finally, you can buy or hire a high-pressure washer, with which you spray the surface to blast away any grime. Remember, this is not only worth doing because it will keep the space clean, but also as it will prevent the wood or stones becoming slippery and posing a safety risk.

Install window boxes

If you have been bitten by the grow-your-own bug, you'll be pleased to hear there are more ways to cultivate fruits and vegetables than only in a dedicated patch. Hanging baskets and window boxes are both great items to have if you want to grow even more fresh produce.

Putting up a hanging basket might be a more challenging piece of DIY than you first imagine. People often underestimate how much these items weigh once filled with compost and plants.

Buy a sturdy bracket and position it above head level so people don't knock themselves on it. Measure where the holes will go with a spirit level and mark them on the wall with a pen before using your drill - but remember to only drill through the brick and not the mortar, which can crumble. After putting in the plugs, hold the bracket against the wall and screw it in. You can now hang your basket.

If you're wondering how this will allow you to grow your own food, both hanging baskets and window boxes are ideal for cultivating herbs. Thanks to the sheer variety of herbs available, you can keep your containers brimming over with tasty greens throughout the year, and having them situated near your back door means you won't have to look far when you need some fresh ingredients in the kitchen.

Make a compost collector

Composting is an increasingly popular thing to do, as it allows you to make the most of your garden waste and also provides you with a cheap source of nutrition for your plants. Luckily it's also relatively easy to do.

Select a spot in the shade, with many people preferring to use a corner at the end of their garden where their compost pile will not be unsightly. You can use chicken wire to create a shell in which to put the cuttings and leaves and stop them blowing everywhere, or you can use fence posts to make walls for it. It's also worth covering the top as while a little moisture is beneficial to compost, it should not get overly wet.

Begin by putting in any old twigs or branches you have collected to create a drainage base. Like with potted plants, your compost heap needs to allow air to circulate and the branches will let this happen, while an alternative is to place large stones at the bottom of the pile.

Now you can start composting by throwing in grass cuttings, raw vegetable peelings, weeds that have not yet grown seeds and even cardboard and wood shavings. Not only will you be left with a useful product with which to boost your plants, but you'll also be reducing the amount of household waste you leave out for the bin man.

Rated People

There are so many gardening jobs for DIY enthusiasts to get stuck into. However, if you feel like taking a break, post the job you need doing on Rated People so a professional can do it.

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