The traditional way of doing this is by incorporating manure or compost. Use about half a wheel barrow per square metre and dig in. The worm activity over the winter will help to pull it in deeper.  If using manure then make sure it’s not too fresh – apart from the smell, fresh manure releases ammonia which will damage or kill plants.  Make sure that any you use has been left to rot down for at least 6 months.  Compost can take many forms, mushroom, leaf mould, your own garden compost or why not see if your local council can bulk supply.  Often available from your local recycling centre reports vary about the quality.  Council compost ‘heaps’ frequently get much hotter than domestic compost so are more likely to kill off any ‘nasties’ than your own cooler garden bin but we have had reports that its often full of plastic and twigs – so best to check it out before you order bags and bags of the stuff!

However if you don’t fancy all that digging in then Green Manure may be the crop for you.  Fulfilling a number of purposes green manure covers a range of crops from clover and mustard to ryes, peas and beans all of which are specially grown to put nutrients back into the soil, but will also act as cover crops, preventing soil erosion and run off during heavy rain and also stopping weeds from taking hold.  Don’t forget to visit the Gardening Soopa Store before ordering anything.

Nitrogen is fixed into the plants roots which then is released into the soil when the crop is dug in & decomposes. It’s extremely easy to grow – simply rake over the soil to loosen the top and scatter the seed and rake again. Make sure it’s well watered in. You can use at any time that you have an empty space for at least 6 weeks but are normally sown in autumn after you have lifted your vegetables. Watch carefully as it needs to dug in before it starts to set seed.  Depending on weather conditions this may not be until early spring but if the weather is very mild then you may have to do it a lot sooner. Leave for at least 2 weeks before sowing a new crop. Don’t forget to visit the Gardening Soopa Store before ordering anything.

Another new and usual way of adding nutrients to the soil is to use ‘Rock Dust’.  Made from volcanic rock, which is particularly high in minerals, the crushed rock is added to the soil and the natural weathering process releases minerals and trace elements throughout the growing season.  The use of rock dust is championed by Scottish couple Cameron and Moira Thomson who have used it to convert their six acres of infertile land into soils capable of producing cabbages the size of footballs, onions bigger than coconuts and gooseberries as big as plums. They also assert that their technique can also help the fight against climate change as the calcium and magnesium in the dust converts atmospheric carbon into carbonates.  Don’t forget to visit the Gardening Soopa Store before ordering anything.

Fresh flowers are not for everyone, the usual grumble being that they only last a few weeks before dying, this is why Eden4Flowers caters for those who want to send a longer lasting gift; they have a wonderful range of fresh flowering plants and plant gift sets. These high style birthday gifts will bring a touch of elegance to any home and you’ll be remembered every day of the year. Every birthday plant gift is packed in a custom fitted box, complete with care instructions with your birthday message card included. Birthday flowering plants are easy to care for and most varieties will last for several years if the easy care instructions are followed.

Don’t think that birthdays are just about flowers, Eden4Flowers offer the UK’s largest online selection of indulgent birthday gifts. Whether it’s traditional hand-tied birthday bouquets, birthday chocolates, birthday champagne, birthday hampers, birthday balloons or a hand-made birthday cake the range is practically endless.

Even better than the massive range of affordable birthday gifts is Eden4Flowers Free ‘Anytime’ delivery which is available on all online orders. If you need a timed delivery slot these are available for small additional cost. When you place your order you can see full details of days and times available for delivery of your chosen birthday flowers gift before you complete the transaction.

So if you are searching for birthday flowers, or flowers for any occasion, search no more, you’ll find everything you need at Eden4Flowers.co.uk

Not only do John Lewis offer free delivery when you buy on-line  you also have their Deliver to Shop for Collection service where you order and pay on-line then pick your purchases up from a local store the next day, handy for those little things but maybe not such a good idea for the new dishwasher!

So, whether you are looking for clothing made from organic cotton, recycled glassware, garden furniture sourced from sustainable forests or even fairly traded jam make your next visit to John Lewis where you’ll be able to look after both your conscience and your bank balance!