A hedgehog’s natural diet consists mostly of invertebrates, such as caterpillars, earthworms, millipedes, earwigs and beetles. They are able to sniff these out when foraging through the undergrowth on their travels.
However, they are not limited in their diet and will explore other food sources if the opportunity presents itself. They will scavenge a meat carcass, nibble on fallen fruit and berries, or even eat up a tasty egg that’s fallen from a nearby nest. This versatility in diet makes them easy to provide for.
What can I feed hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs will happily consume most foods left out for them, so there is plenty to choose from. You could try:
– Meat-derived moist dog or cat food
– Hedgehog food mixes
– Cat biscuits
Be sure to leave out some water for them as well, as fresh water can be challenging to find in some seasons.
Where should I put the food?
Put the food somewhere that is undercover but easily accessible for a creature their size. Some people turn a plastic storage box upside down with a hedgehog size entrance hole cut into the side, and place this over their feeding dishes. Providing a limited entry space will help protect the hedgehogs from larger predators whilst they eat.
You can also purchase specially made hedgehog houses to provide them with additional support, or you could try making your own hedgehog house.
How often do I need to feed hedgehogs?
If you can, it’s best to provide hedgehogs with food for the whole year round. Whilst they do hibernate, they make wake up during this period to search for food, before returning back to sleep.
If you are using a dry food source, such as cat biscuits, these will stay fresh for up to a week if kept undercover. Why not set a handy reminder on your phone to change over the food and water once a week?
Can hedgehogs eat mealworms?
Yes, but only in small portions. If you already have mealworms to feed your local wild birds, then giving a handful of these to hedgehogs occasionally will be fine. Fed in large quantities, mealworms can cause some health problems, but sporadically they are delicious and nutritious.
How else can I help hedgehogs?
One of the best ways to help a hedgehog is to ensure accessibility. Create “hedgehog highways” by making sure there is a gap at the bottom of every fence for them to come and go into the garden. You can do this simply by cutting a small hole, or you can buy specially designed hedgehog holes.
Fill your garden with plenty of natural foliage and encourage wildlife. Creating the perfect environment for beetles and caterpillars, will in turn help provide for the hedgehogs. It’s all about encouraging the ecosystem.
With the cost of living through the roof, we are all going to be looking for ways to cut down on our energy bills and keep warm through the colder months. Avoid putting the heating on with these five warming essentials, and warm yourself instead of your home.
If you haven’t done so already, invest in a higher tog duvet ready for winter. Go for the highest tog available, usually a 5, which will be sure to keep more of the heat in. If you have a double bed, try changing your duvet and cover to a king size. Having a larger size will prevent heat from escaping out of the sides as you fidget in the night.
Stock up on our beautiful throws and blankets here.
2. Add layers with throws
We all know throws and blankets are a must-have when the colder temperatures arrive, so be sure to have plenty to hand. Make sure there is a cosy throw available for every member of the household, so you can all cuddle up like human burritos in the evenings.
Laying a fleecy throw over your sofas and chairs to be sat on, will provide additional heat from underneath. This can also be applied to your bed, putting a fleecy blanket underneath your mattress protector can provide a surprising amount of additional warmth.
Imagine sitting on an empty sofa, and then imagine sinking back into a pile of fluffy cushions – which feels cosier? Having plenty of scatter cushions on your sofa and bed will create a much cosier space to relax in on chilly evenings. Look out for faux fur or fleecy cushions, these are perfect for keeping warm.
If you have any hard floors throughout the home, laying down a sumptuous rug could make a big difference. Wearing fluffy socks is the best way to keep those toes warm, but walking around on soft rugs feels much cosier than on hard floors.
Every time you boil the kettle for a brew, use the excess to fill up a hot water bottle. Inexpensive and hardwearing, hot water bottles are ideal for additional warmth. Tucked under blankets or at the side of the sofa, they will warm you up in no time.
Dress warm, stay warm
It may be stating the obvious, but make sure to add plenty of layers to yourself to save on bills. If you can get through the daytime in layers of jumpers and fluffy socks, then you can keep your bills lower by only heating the house in the evening.
Keep an eye out for any draughts around the home, a draught excluder could prevent the heat from escaping and make your living space more energy efficient. And if in doubt, always have another cup of tea!
Come and see us
We have a wide range of warming essentials perfect for keeping warm this autumn, all at fantastic prices. Find your local store here.
If you’re looking for a fun garden project and want to help out your local pollinators, try making one of these adorable bee hotels. Using some everyday items from around your home, you can construct the perfect place for local bees to come and have a time out.
Who wouldn’t want to help out this cute little guy?
First things first
The main part of your bee hotel will be the bee tubes. Bee tubes should ideally be between 10 to 15cm in length, and the diameter of the entrance hole should be anything between 6 to 10mm. I find that using a pencil is ideal as a mould.
We will look at two methods for creating the bee tubes, using either newspaper or old paper bags.
You will need:
– 1 standard pencil
– 1 newspaper, or a few old paper shopping bags
– Sellotape
– Weatherproof recyclable containers, such as an orange juice carton or old plastic bottle
– (optional) An old birdhouse or scraps of wood
Newspaper Method:
1. Cut each newspaper page in half, then cut each half into three evenly sized strips.
2. Soak your newspaper strips in water.
3. Wrap the wet paper loosely around the pencil.
4. Remove the pencil and leave it to dry.
5. Repeat until you have plenty.
Paper Bag Method:
Many retailers now provide paper bags for your purchases, I am sure you can think of some well known brands who do this. These bags are made of a very strong and flexible paper that also works well for bee tubes, without the need to soak and dry.
1. Cut the bag into strips of desired length.
2. Roll around the pencil (around 6 times).
3. Secure with a Sellotape.
The finishing touch
Now is the time to personalise your bee hotel. If you have any scrap wood, or ideally an old birdhouse roof, you can use these to create a sturdy structure for mounting your beehouse. But if you don’t have these, don’t worry.
The aim is to have your bee hotel between 1 and 4 metres above the ground, under a shelter. This could be anywhere you like, but a great place would be under the side of a shed roof and facing south.
If you do create a wooden structure around your bee hotel, why not paint it in some vibrant colours to get the bees’ attention.
When decorating our homes, our bathrooms are often left until last – or forgotten about! The space needs to be functional and easy to clean, but it can also be vibrant and welcoming. While getting excited over bathroom decor might come naturally to most, we are here to help inspire you.
Create a calming and inviting space to escape and have a relaxing bath after a long, busy day. Whether you are trying to switch off your thoughts after a hectic day at work or need five minutes to yourself, the bathroom can be your tranquil escape.
Everything neatly tucked away
Keeping a space tidy can make a big difference. Open shelves are wonderful for showing off decor and housing plants, but baskets and cupboards are far more practical for essentials. Whilst it is great having your everyday things to hand, items such as toilet rolls and mouthwash can look messy when left out.
Consider your space and budget, and then find some suitable storage units. Keep all your clutter organised and out of sight, giving the room a much neater and more attractive appearance.
Consider all of your senses
I think it is fair to say that nobody wants a bad-smelling bathroom. Keep your space smelling fresh with a good quality reed diffuser, which offers a long-lasting fragrance. Scented candles are a great alternative and create a soothing ambience when lit. If your candle is a good quality brand, it may even be fragrant in between burning.
Although it’s sometimes considered old-fashioned, you could consider some potpourri. When displayed in a transparent vase or a decorative bowl, they can look beautiful and offset your colour palette. And the best part, of course, is that they provide a consistent and pleasant smell for the space.
New towels make a big difference
If your home is anything like mine, you will have a mismatched collection of towels from all walks of life. Why not treat yourself to a new set? Aside from enjoying the softness of fresh, new towels, you can use this purchase to add style. Give your room a pop of colour with a bold shade, or alternate shades between towel sizes to create an attractive contrast.
If you are feeling particularly creative, neatly rolled towels on an open shelf can make an attractive bathroom feature. If it sounds like a lot of faffing and upkeep, consider a spacious bathroom cupboard as an alternative.
Perk it up with plants
I cannot say it enough, always add plants! If you’re not green-fingered, don’t worry, even artificial plants can make an impact. Adding houseplants to a space encourages relaxation and improves wellbeing. Green is a particularly easy colour to blend in with any palette, making them an affordable way to really give the room a lift.
From large, leafy palms in the corner of the room to tiny cacti on your windowsill, those little pops of green will really brighten up the place. You will be surprised what a difference can be made with just a few, simple additions.
Lastly, embrace your style
The most important thing to remember when designing any space in your home is to make it somewhere you love. Choosing accessories and decorative items personal to you will help you relax in your surroundings. At the end of the day, this is somewhere you will spend a lot of your time and so should be somewhere you feel comfortable.
Embrace your favourite colours, hang your favourite wall art and add functionality that suits your lifestyle. The bathroom might not be a commonly admired room in the home, but with a few special touches, it could soon become your favourite.
10 Amazing Tips On How to Start Your Indoor Vegetable Garden!
Guest Blog – By Tony Manhart
Published August 2022
In this article, we will give you tips on how to start your indoor vegetable garden. Tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers, for example, require a longer growing season. Most gardeners plant the seeds for these veggies inside in the spring to improve overall growth.
Starting your own seeds not only saves money over buying transplants but also promises a more profitable harvest season. It’s also a fun and fulfilling way to start the gardening season!
Discover our great range of vegetable seeds online here.
Tips for Starting Your Indoor Vegetable Garden
Tip #1: Buy your seeds from a trusted vendor
Fresher, higher-quality seeds have a greater germination rate (meaning more sprouts), giving you an advantage in growing tasty, healthy veggies.
Tip #2: Pot with the seed-starting mix
Although these mixtures do not contain any actual soil, they are perfect for sprouting seedlings. They also provide an excellent combination of drainage and water-holding capacity, as well as preventing disease troubles in vulnerable seedlings. If possible, avoid using garden soil while starting seedlings indoors.
Tip #3: Check for drainage holes in your containers
You may use recyclable pots, such as empty yoghurt containers, but make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom so your seedlings don’t get too wet. Plastic flats and six-packs are also great options since you can reuse them year after year. You can use biodegradable pots as well.
Tip #4: You should plant the seeds at the right depth
Planting depth should be determined by the seed packaging. You don’t need to be perfect with your measurements, but make sure you don’t plant any deeper than the recommendations say. Plant the seed two to three times as deep as it is wide, according to the rule of thumb. Tiny seeds, for example, should be barely covered with soil mix, but big seeds, such as beans, should be planted approximately an inch deep.
Tip #5: Set the pots in a warm spot after sowing
Ideal areas are frequently on top of the refrigerator or near a radiator. Check your pots for signs of improvement every day!
Tip #6: Keep the seed-starting mix wet at all times
Both air and water are required for the roots of the seedlings. Keep the mixture humid but not covered by water.
Tip #7: Place the pots in a bright position when the seedlings appear
A sunny window would work, but if you can use extra fluorescent lights to provide steady light will bring the best outcome. Suspend the lights an inch or two above the plants’ heads.
Tip #8: Seedlings like a cool indoor temperature
If you can find a cooler room in your house, or you can use your garage, while still having a good light source, it will help the seedlings thrive.
Tip #9: Begin with weekly fertilization
Once your seedlings have one or two pairs of leaves, use a half-strength fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are a fantastic option since they supply a variety of nutrients as well as micronutrients.
Tip #10: Trim the seedlings once they have two pairs of leaves
You only want to maintain one seedling per container, so pick the healthiest, most strong seedling. Cut the other seedlings at the soil line and throw them away.
You can purchase compost tea or make it home for your veggie container garden. Compost tea is prepared by brewing the beneficial microbes that have been formed in a compost heap. It’s an excellent all-natural vegetable fertilizer!
Eggshells
Eggshells are a fantastic organic fertilizer for container veggie crops! It’s free, nutrient-dense, and simple to use! Plant cell walls are strengthened by the calcium carbonate in eggshells, while photosynthesis is boosted by magnesium.
Worms
Worm faeces is one of the most low-maintenance fertilizers you can use in your container veggie garden! You can start your own earthworm farm and gather your own.
Final Words on How to Start Your Indoor Vegetable Garden!
In conclusion, growing a vegetable garden indoors is quite similar to growing one outside. With our simple indoor vegetable gardening tips, you’ll be well on your way to a rich harvest even without leaving your home!
About the Author
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor-in-chief at Gardeningdream. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.
Summer evenings are the perfect time to kick back and relax outdoors. Imagine spending those warm nights catching up with friends in this perfect outdoor setting. Inspired by tropical holiday destinations, you can pretend you’re hanging out at an exotic resort at a moment’s notice.
Anyone can achieve this look, and we have put together our top tips to get your garden glowing.
Whether you have a petite patio or some spacious decking, you will want to choose the perfect spot for your new hangout. Try to pick somewhere secluded that provides you with some privacy, nobody feels relaxed when they are being watched. Corners are particularly great for creating a cosy ambience.
Arrange your furniture so that everyone can socialise effortlessly. Garden sofa sets are often referred to as ‘conversation sets’, as they can be perfectly arranged to have everyone gathered around and chatting. Adding a garden coffee table makes it easier to serve drinks and snacks to guests.
Being outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t decorate, you just need to look at it from a new angle. If you own your fence, consider adding a lick of paint or varnish to give it a whole new look. Bamboo and reed screening is great for defining areas and adding new textures to a previously dull wall or fence.
Using natural textures gives the feel of a tropical bar destination and will have you and your guests feeling like you’re on holiday. Outdoor rugs not only provide patterns and colours, but they bring the space together like an outdoor living room and make it super inviting.
We have a wide range of outdoor plants for home delivery
3. Add calm with a palm (or two)
Plants, plants, plants – we can’t get enough of them. These tropical beauties are absolutely perfect for feeling like you’re on a staycation. Palms are not always ideal for beginners, so if you are new to gardening then be sure to read up on the care and maintenance advice to keep your plants flourishing for longer.
Surround your furniture with bushy green foliage and decorative pot plants to really make it feel like an oasis. If you are looking for something a little easier to maintain, why not try some easy-to-grow perennials or hardy ferns?
Let there be light – and lots of it. The best thing about solar lighting is that after the initial purchase, it requires no running cost whatsoever! You can add as many solar lights to your outdoor space as you like without having to worry about the utility bills.
String lights look beautiful pinned to fences or along roof edges, you can even wrap them around tree branches! Solar stake lights are ideal for brightening up borders, whilst lanterns can give the corners a radiant glow. Why not add a little personality with some novelty-shaped solar lights such as animals, or even neon signs?
The finishing touches
Create a coordinated finishing look by bringing in a colour scheme. If you have any flowering plants in the area, perhaps try to match your chosen accessories to the colours of the blooms. Insect repelling candles and colourful plastic tableware can really liven up your table setting.
Now you have a relaxing outdoor setting, take the time to get outdoors and enjoy it. The summer is not here for long, so make the most of it.
Whatever you are looking for, you can count on us to provide you with great quality.
Who wouldn’t want their very own bar in the back garden? Forget queues and over-priced drinks, enjoy your favourite tipples with friends this summer in your own snazzy bar of paradise! We have put together a quick list of 5 simple steps to creating your own tropical-themed bar at home.
Whether you already have a shed that can be transformed, or you are looking to invest in a new bar shed building, there are lots of things to consider. Make sure the wood is protected with either a treatment or a coat of suitable exterior wood paint. We love the grey used in this photograph, as it blends perfectly with the rich greens in the plants.
Take some time to think about what you would like to store in your garden bar. If you are a fan of cocktails, you may want a power supply for a blender, or perhaps a mini-fridge for some ice cold beers. Make sure your building is placed somewhere it can be connected easily to the power supply.
Nothing brings tropical to mind quite like layers of rich, greeny foliage. If you already have a garden that’s flourishing, your paradise bar will sit beautifully against this leafy backdrop. If you have a patio or less established garden, add plenty of plants to create that tropical vibe.
Large, leafy shrubs are perfect for both borders and planters. Many small trees are quite happy at home in a large plant pot and make excellent patio additions. Decorative plant pots are another way to include colours, patterns and personality.
Brighten up the space and create a tropical ambience in the evening with a selection of solar lighting. String lights are perfect for pinning around the roof of your building and for defining the bar itself. Choosing novelty shaped solar lights, such as these flamingos, creates a playful twist that feels personalised.
From a simple pair of bar stools to a luxurious corner garden sofa, make sure everyone has somewhere to sit and relax with their drinks. If you already have some comfortable garden furniture, position it around the bar area so everyone can socialise effortlessly.
Garden furniture sets are a great way to have plenty of seating to hand. Footstools can double up as extra seating for larger get-togethers, whilst offering the ultimate relaxation for those lazy summer afternoons.
5. A dash of personality
Now you have the bases covered, it’s time to inject some of your own style into the space. If you are going all out for that paradise theme, this collection of tropical-inspired plastic dinnerware and candles makes the perfect finishing touch!
Add your own stamp to the place, whether it’s with a colour scheme, photo frames or personalised bar signs. Let your personality shine through your decor and create a space you can fall in love with.
Now for the best part
Once all is said and done, it’s time to get those drinks flowing and enjoy your new paradise bar shed! Host your guests in style and discover more excuses to get out and enjoy your garden. Summer just got a whole lot more chilled.
Whatever you are looking for, you can count on us to provide you with great quality.
Now that spring is here it’s time to start getting your garden ready to enjoy the warm summer days that are just around the corner. Your garden is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, whether you are relaxing on your own or inviting family and friends around for a barbecue. Revamping your garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune and there are some simple ways to get your garden summer-ready whilst on a budget.
Adding quality garden furniture to your garden is the perfect way to make the most of your outdoor space. Bistro sets offer excellent value for money and are ideal for patios, providing the perfect place to enjoy a drink while relaxing in the sunshine. If you are looking for something bigger, a garden sofa set is perfect for getting together with friends or entertaining guests.
When the weather gets warm enough, there is nothing better than sunbathing in the privacy of your own garden. There are plenty of options to suit all budgets and make sure you have somewhere to lie back and relax. Hammocks and sun loungers are an affordable way to stretch out and enjoy the glorious sunshine.
If you already have a garden set, why not give it a little makeover with some new outdoor cushions? Add a splash of colour with some garden textiles, or use an outdoor rug to add a whole new dimension to the space. Throws are great for staying warm during the evening time when the temperature gets a little cooler.
When the sun goes down but it’s still warm enough to sit outside, outdoor lighting can help you enjoy your garden for longer. One of the most cost-effective ways to light your garden is by using solar lights. Recharging using sunlight, solar lights don’t use any electricity or batteries – giving them zero running costs!
Why not get creative with lighting? Battery-powered string lights in painted glass jars always make an eye-catching feature. When you finish off a jar of pickles or cooking sauce, give the jar a wash and keep it to one side. Add a quick coat of glass paint and pop in your battery-powered lights and you can give your outdoor space some beautiful themed lighting.
Summer is barbecue season and who doesn’t love a freshly grilled burger from the barbecue? With the current increase in energy prices – BBQ cooking might be one of the cheaper ways to cook this summer! Barbecues are perfect for parties where all your neighbours, family and friends are around to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Whilst some of the larger models can be a little pricey, there are plenty of budget barbecues to be found. Smaller charcoal barbecues are inexpensive and still provide a great way to get your grill on. Investing in the right barbecue for your outdoor space means you can enjoy outdoor cooking all summer, which provides a lot of low-cost entertainment for friends and family.
One of the easiest ways to create an attractive and colourful garden space is to fill it with plants. This can sound like an expensive task, but there are cheaper ways to do this – if you are willing to be a little patient.
Getting ahead of the season with plants is the easiest way to get more for your money. Planting bulbs during winter is a cheap way to fill planters and garden borders, ready to bloom when the warmer weather arrives. You can also pick up packets of flower seeds for a low price and nurture them in seed trays, ready for transplanting in Spring. Growing your own flowers is the cheapest way to get an abundance of flowers.
Room to grow
If you have left it too late in the season to start from seeds, have a look at bedding plants. You can pick up large trays full of spring-flowering bedding plants at great prices. These colourful flowers tend to spread out quickly if well looked after and provide a cheap way to fill large areas with a burst of colour. The Sunday Gardener has some great advice on planting bedding plants.
Many shrubs and trees can be purchased as “bare root” plants, which are usually much cheaper than an established mature plant. Although they look a little unappealing in this state of growth, given the right conditions they will grow to be beautiful mature plants. With a little patience, you can create a beautiful garden space on a small budget.
Find fantastic paintbrushes for your Garden upcycling.
Spruce it up
It doesn’t always have to be a case of “out with the old and in with the new”. Some structures in our gardens may just need a little TLC. If you have some dilapidated wooden furniture or a sad-looking fence, there are things you can do to give them a quick facelift.
Sanding down rough wooden surfaces and applying a fresh coat of either wooden paint or varnish, can really give the wood a new lease of life. You can even use this as an opportunity to add some personality to the space. Why not try a new colour scheme? Grey exterior wood paint is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor spaces and provides a contemporary aesthetic.
Keep it clean
We all have our cleaning routines for around the house, but we might forget the garden. Cleaning down your patio, garden furniture and plant pots can leave your outdoor space sparkling and fresh. Weeding in between paving slabs and gravel patches can really tidy up the space.
Plastic, metal and rattan furniture can also be given a freshen up with a good clean. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before cleaning to ensure the best outcome. Read here for some great advice from Good Housekeeping.
Enjoy the space
When the weather is good, be sure to get outdoors and enjoy it. Spending time in your garden is a great way to identify quick fixes and areas that need some attention. Little changes can make a big difference, and they can all be made within budget.
Whatever you are looking for, you can count on us to provide you with great quality.
Do you ever look around your house and feel fed up with the amount of clutter and things out of place? Well, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that our moods are actually lifted by a tidier home as it helps us feel more relaxed in our surroundings. So, it’s no wonder we feel fed up with bits and pieces everywhere. Sorting out your home is no easy feat, but there are some easy quick wins that will be sure to help.
It’s time to think inside the box.
We have come up with 8 everyday uses for plastic storage boxes that will leave your home feeling fresh and organised in no time.
Out with the cold, in with the few.
As the warmer weather sets in and you can just about smell summer around the corner, it’s time to pack away your woollies. Jumpers, cardigans and seasonal knits take up a lot of space in our drawers and wardrobes. Packing bulky clothes like these out of the way in plastic storage boxes will make your day to day life easier. Besides, who doesn’t love nice tidy drawers? Have a good clear-out and free up some room for your favourite spring florals.
“Florals… for spring? Groundbreaking.”
[Miranda Priestly – Devil Wears Prada]
Top tips: Always make sure your clothes are clean and dry before putting them away. Opt for deep plastic boxes when you are storing clothing and pack items loosely to maintain consistent airflow and prevent moisture build-up. You can always pop in some desiccators, such as silica gel packets, for good measure.
Don’t just kick your shoes off.
If you’re anything like me, you will have a bunch of ‘occasional’ shoes filling up your shoe rack. We all need something fancy to wear to the next wedding or date night, but you don’t have to store them all together. Taking the shoes you wear less often and storing them in small plastic storage boxes not only frees up space but prolongs the life of your shoes. Keep them free of dust and out of harm’s way so they look their best for your next outing. You can always put in a scented drawer liner or small bag of potpourri with each pair, making your shoes smell super fresh when you come to wear them.
It’s tidy-up time!
If you have little ones, you will understand the everyday battle of keeping their space tidy. But never fear, there is plenty we can do to help encourage a tidy playroom. Children love consistency, routine and organisation. Having a sort out of your children’s toys feels like a tedious task initially, but it pays off in the long run. Sort their toys into accessible plastic storage boxes, making it easier for them to know where to put things back. Clear plastic boxes are perfect for this, so they can see what they are looking for – instead of emptying every box to find their favourite fidget toy.
Be crafty with your creativity.
Being creative is good for our wellbeing and is a very popular pass time. Creative activities usually involve a whole host of small parts, tools and materials – all of which need a home. Sometimes I find myself put off from enjoying my favourites crafts just at the thought of finding everything and tidying it all away again. Well, it’s time to take that stress out of the equation. Invest in some suitable plastic storage boxes, take the time to find boxes that suit your materials and tools. Once your favourite creative activities have been organised, you will find it easier to persuade yourself to take some time out and enjoy them.
Bake-a-change.
Here we are again, another birthday is here and we need to find the bakeware to make the birthday cake. Time to rummage through the cupboards and await the inevitable landslide of baking trays. Well, we think it is time to bake your life easier. Gather all your speciality cookware that only gets used for special recipes and pop it into a nice big plastic storage box. Even if the storage box ends up living in the cupboard regardless, you will find it a lot less stressful getting ready for those last-minute bakes. Plus, this will prevent the trays from marking the inside of your kitchen cupboards. Next time you need to whip up a batch of biscuits for the summer fete or decide to give that souffle another go, it will all be in a handy place.
No more spilling the beans.
Whilst we are still in the kitchen, let’s have a think about food storage. Instead of being frustrated the next time you find three open boxes of cornflakes at the back of the cupboard, give them a forever home with some plastic food storage. Food storage remains a popular household item, although we are having fewer parties about it these days. The majority of our food cupboard staples arrive at us in a type of plastic bag or packaging. Once opened, these bags are hard to reseal and end up spilling out and making a mess in the cupboard. Plastic food containers are perfect for avoiding this, especially for foods such as cereals, dried fruits, legumes and grains.
Not only will you have tidier cupboards, but plastic food containers have an additional benefit. If you fancy making a small change to be a little more sustainable, try finding your local zero waste shop. You simply take along your own clean containers, weigh out your foods and pay. This means you have skipped out the unnecessary plastic packaging entirely.
Take the stress out of cleaning.
All this talk of baking and food, but what comes next? Ah yes, mess. Everyone loves their space to be spic and span, but it involves a lot of cleaning products. Finding somewhere to store these can be a challenge with bottles toppling over and sponges on the loose. Instead of wading through dryer sheets and dusters next time you are looking for your favourite scrub brush, find a way to keep it organised. There are plenty of plastic storage boxes that will slot neatly in your under-sink cupboards. Try finding some small plastic containers to sit inside these to keep things separate and easy to find.
Unexpected spills and messy accidents can make us feel very stressed, so we need cleaning products at the ready for a calm clean-up. In addition to this, having cleaning products stored away in plastic boxes with lids, makes them feel a little safer and out of reach.
Get some junk in your trunk.
Once the inside of the home has had a freshen up, make sure to give your outdoor space the same treatment. There are plenty of plastic storage boxes which are ideal for outdoor use. Outdoor storage boxes for your garden and garage are often referred to as ‘heavy-duty’ or ‘trunks’. We have a couple of these in our back garden full of summer inflatables, footballs and sandpit toys. Storing away outdoor toys keeps your garden tidier and helps the toys last longer, avoiding plastic waste.
Garden storage boxes are also brilliant for the shed or garage. Keep your plant pots and garden tools tidy and organised in-between seasons. If you have shelving in your garden building, why not keep things like wild bird food stored in a plastic container? This will keep away any unwanted pests whilst ensuring the food is tasty and fresh for your garden visitors.
Above all, make sure your home works for you. Tailor your home storage to suit your everyday needs and make life a little easier for you and your family. Whatever storage solutions take your fancy, let them reflect your style and enhance your living space.
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