1. Composter

Using a composter to make your own compost saves time and money and if you ant to grown your own there's no better place to start.

Ground Preparation
Decide where your composter is to be sites. The area needs to be level and it's preferable for the ground to be forked over before commencing assembly.

Assembling Your Composter
Place two of the smaller half-slats on the soil as shown. Insert one of the full slats into the cutouts at either end to form a square base. Add a layer of straw or twigs 100mm thick to aid circulation. Continue adding full slats to the assembly, building up the slides. Finally, put the two remaining half-slats into position to complete the assembly.



A composter relies on heat generation to create compost and moisture is also vital to this process. It is important therefore to retain heat, prevent the compost from drying out but lso to prevent it from becopming water-logged. A composter covr will help prevent all of these conditions.

Return to top ^

2. Log Edging

Log edging comes in various forms and is used to finish and dress a section of garden. There are two main types: fixed straight boards for when long straight runs are required and flexible edging rolls suitable for curved areas. Both types come in a variety of forms.

Log Roll
As the name suggests this form of edging is flexible and takes the form of half-round or full round logs, held together with steeel wire.

Particularly suitable for curved borders or irregularly shaped garden areas, log roll is generally supplied in an easy to carry roll.



Log Board
Log Board is supplied in rigid shorter lengths and provides a straight edge where a long run is required. They vam also be used for small retaining work.

All our log boards have integral spikes which means they can be driven directly into the ground.



Log Board
Drive Log Boards directly into the ground, alternating between each end when hammering in and use a spare piece of timer to protect the top of the board from the hammer.

Screw small lengths of timber to the ends of the boards to act as braces and keep them straight(fig3)

Return to top ^

3. Hanging a Timber Garden Gate

Gates usually provide a dual function. To restrict access to certain areas or to keep in children and/ or pets. The choice depends on your specific requirements but the basic installation methods will be the same, whatever style you choose.



Measuring for a timber gate
When measuring for a gate remeber to add the two posts sizes to the gate size and a further 20mm overall spacing to allow the gate to freely open and close.

Free standing posts for 6 foot gates should be al least 100m x 100m. Supported posts either with a top cross member or at the sides, may be smaller. If using a top cross member it should be at least 2m off ground level.

The hole size for each post should be 600mm deep and 300mm wide. Concrete in the posts with Fix'A'Post or simular product.

Post may also be fixed to an existing wall. Ensure the posts are vertically parallel before attempting to fit the gate.



Fitting the Gate
Position the gate between the posts and place some 50mm packers under it. Allow for any unevenness in the ground when the gate is opened.

Now place wedges either side of the gate to even out the gaps either side to hold the gate in place whilst fitting the hinges (fig 3)

Fit the hinges, taking care to ensure that the gate opens as intended. Remove all spacers and wedges and check that the gate swings freely.

Fit the latch to the gate at the preferred height and in a position where the gate can support the screws. Fit the keep to the post.

Finally, fit a gate stop to the frame/post to protect the hinges from latch damage.



Return to top ^

4. Fencing

Choosing the most suitable type of fence for your needs.

Panel Fence Uses
Privacy
Marking Boundaries
Screening Unsightly Areas

Paled Fence Uses
Marking Boundaries
Decorative Boundaries

Whatever type you choose the basic installation techniques are the same.

Installing Your Posts
Installing posts directly into the ground

If the post are to be installed directly into the ground ensure that 1/4 of the total height of the post is below ground level.

Hardcore or brick rubble can be used to fill the bottom of the hole. Top off the holes with a concrete mix such as Fix'A'Post.



Installing posts using Metpost post support spikes

Using a Metpost Driving Tool and a slegdehammer, drive the spike into the ground using firm short strokes. Regularly check the vertical alignment using a spririt level.

When using spikes take care to avoid underground services.





Installing your Fence Panels
Attach Metclips to the posts using galvanised nails.

Locate a panel into the Metclips and attach also using galvanised nails.

Install another post at the end of the panel and continue in this way until the fence is complete.

Fitting gravel boards
All timber panels should be isolated from ground level to avoid rot. Gravel boards are used to fill the resulting gaps on both levels and sloping fences.

Use Metpost gravel board clips to attach the boards as shown.



Planning your Fence
Install your first post using one of the fixing methods shown previously. Attach a strring line to the post, take to the furthest position in the run and fix in place.

The diagram below uses standard 1.83m wide x 1.8m high panels and 75mm posts. Where a dimension flls short of the sizes shown below, a reduced size panel will be required.



Installing posts using Metpost bolt down supports
Ideal for use on existing concreate areas, patios and decks. It's flush fit design also allows for use on or directly against walls. To install, use the Bolt Down as a template to mark the holes for drilling then secure to the surface using four Metpost Anchor Bolts.

The Bolt Down is not recommended fo use on tarmac.



Sloping Fences
Fences on a sloping ground need o step up in relation to the slop.Ensure that the post length accounts for the step and fit gravel boards to fill any large gaps at the base.

Finishing Touches
Attach a post cap or finial to the top of each post for a professional touch and to protect the top of the post from the weather.



Return to top ^

5. Garden Trellis

Trellis has many uses in a garden. It can provise a framework for climbing plants, conceal unsightly areas or act as a division between garden areas. It may also be used to add height to an existing fence - either as a decorative feature or to provide more privacy.

Fixing Trellis to a Wall
Wall mounted trellis requires a space between it and the wall to allow plants to grown behind it. The trellis should be mounted on wooden battens to provide space. The battens should be mounted on the wall vertically so that they do not restrict plnt growth. Determine the number of battens required - space at approx 600mm apart.

Offer the trellis up to the wall in the desired position and mark where it will be. Fix te battens to the wall using scres and wall plugs. Fix the trellis to the battens using galvanised nails



Return to top ^