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The 7 best mini chainsaws to easily give wood the chop

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November 2024 Issue – out now

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Best budget lawn mower for reliable and affordable performance 2024

Using the best patio scrubbing brush to tackle unsightly grime in your patio or decking is a surefire way to keep your outdoor space in top condition. If you’re not looking to make a splash with a :a[pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-garden-pressure-washers/' }, a manual, hands-on approach might suit you better. After all, we can’t see any reasons as to why you shouldn’t go back to basics. We’ve found the best outdoor brushes to help.

To help scrub your way to success, it’s likely that you’ll need a decent :a[patio cleaner]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/how-to-patio-cleaner-solutions/' }. No matter how big our decking or patio is, a patio cleaner will make this chore a little more bearable – and way more effective. We’re certainly not discounting your skills when armed with a brush, but an easy-to-apply patio cleaner will take minimal effort and with a scrub, will have fabulous results.

## Best patio scrubbing brush at a glance:

Keeping your patio clean and tidy is something we strive to achieve. For all of us outdoorsy people, the patio is our go-to space to catch up with friends, play with the kids, relax, and even work during the warmer months. All the more reason to keep it looking its best. Something like a :a[patio pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-pressure-washer-for-patio/' } may get the job done faster, but using a garden brush to tackle your filthy patio will make the end result feel much more deserved. Just like gardening by hand, it evokes a great feeling.

So, we’ve found the best patio scrubbing brush for your outdoor space. For those of us who prefer to rely on ourselves to get the job done – as opposed to some garden tech like a :a[cordless pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-cordless-pressure-washer/' } – a garden brush will do the trick. Though it may take a little more time to get the decking sparkling, you’ll be feeling all the better for it – and you will have saved some dosh, too. Result.

## Best patio scrubbing brush {#h-best-patio-scrubbing-brush}

## How we chose the best patio scrubbing brush {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these patio scrubbing brushes have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the style, materials, and, of course, the number of pockets in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of scrubbing brushes suitable for your patio to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News, and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

### How to use a patio brush? {#h-how-to-use-a-patio-brush}

Thanks to Deborah Eaton at :a[Simply Paving]{href='https://www.simplypaving.com/advice-centre/how-to/how-to-clean-a-patio/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, we have a guide on how to clean a patio – with your lovely (and new) patio brush. So, get scrubbing. After all, summer is here – and the unsightly grime on your patio is making an appearance after months of wind, frost and heavy downpours.

Before you start scrubbing, make sure to remove all furniture and brush any debris off your patio.

Apparently, you don’t need fancy products to clean a patio without a pressure washer, says Simply Paving, who claim that the “most effective patio cleaning products is good old-fashioned washing-up liquid mixed with warm tap water.” So, the method below doesn’t involve any patio cleaner.

Requirements: Bucket, warm water, washing-up liquid, hard-bristled brush

After adding washing-up liquid and warm water to a bucket, you need to start from the corners of your patio and work your way in. Simply “splash a little water, grab your brush and scrub,” says Deborah. Here, the dirt and debris will begin to lift as you rinse away as you go. She has a top tip on your scrubbing method: “scrub diagonally; this will be gentler on the jointing compound.”

Repeat this routine as you work your way into the centre, covering the entire patio. If your patio is a whopper, you may need to top up your solution a few times. When finished, you need to use a fresh bucket of clean water to “clear the dirty water away… into a drainage point.” Now, you must check between the slabs and add a jointing compound to your shopping list if any has come loose.

Lastly, wait for the patio to dry before popping the furniture back on.

Could white vinegar be the most versatile cleaning compound out there? Quite possibly. Found in just about any supermarket, this solution is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and is not full of chemicals. You can use white vinegar instead of the washing-up liquid from the last method.

However, Deborah says: “you shouldn’t use this method on limestone pavers as the acid will permanently damage their surface.” If your patio is not limestone-based, then you need to mix a 1:1 ratio of warm water to white vinegar. This method involves pouring the solution over the patio slabs and covering them for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, follow this up with a bucket of clean water.

No scrubbing brush technique is needed, in fact. This is a :a[budget pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-budget-pressure-washer/' } solution.

Simply Paving recommends cleaning your patio once a year and claims that a “small amount of maintenance… year-round” is great practice. Deborah suggests regularly brushing “your patio, especially during the autumn months” as this can prevent any leaves from causing displeasing stains.

They add: “You might want to consider a patio sealant. This helps to prevent weathering and is also effective at preserving the colour of patio slabs – a good option if you have recently laid dark slabs.”

## What to read next: {#h-what-to-read-next}

:a[Best electric pressure washers to tackle dirt and grime]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-electric-pressure-washer/' }

:a[Best Kärcher pressure washers for a powerful yard clean]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-karcher-pressure-washer/' }

:a[Best pressure washers under £100]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-pressure-washers-under-100/' }

**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. **:a[View our latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}** to save on shop prices.

_:a[Piper Huxley]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/piper-huxley/' } is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…_

Keep your paving spotless with the best patio scrubbing brush

Once you’ve finished in the garden for the day, there’s a tendency to just put everything away in your :a[garden storage]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-storage-ideas/' } and forget about it till next time. But your shed could be home to lots of valuable items such as :a[lawn mowers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-lawn-mower/' }, hedge trimmers, bikes and furniture. These things are not cheap, so it makes sense to keep them as secure as you can, and a garden shed alarm could be just the protection you need.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on protecting your :a[garden shed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/best-garden-sheds-uk/' }, and it could help to deter potential burglars and alert you in the case of any break-in attempts. Alarm systems come in many different forms, from basic shock alarms to systems that will integrate with your home security set-up and send alerts to your phone or other connected virtual assistants like Alexa. They provide a valuable additional layer of security as thieves are more likely to target homes that appear vulnerable or lacking in security features.

**• Best alarm for comprehensive protection:** Yale HSA Essentials Alarm Kit - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-YES-ALARMKIT-Essentials-Alarm-Kit/dp/B07SQ1XZ4N/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best police-approved shock alarm:** Defender Shock Contact Alarm - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defender-Wireless-Shed-Alarm-Burglar/dp/B019CNLT2S/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best battery-powered alarm:** KERUI D121 Door Alarm - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/KERUI-Wireless-Contact-Control-Security/dp/B097QT9G3S/tag=qmgarticle136-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

So, what type of alarm do you need to protect your shed and its valuable contents like important :a[DIY tools]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-garden-tools/' }? Here are some reasonably easy-to-install solutions to beef up your garden shed security.

## How we chose the best shed alarms {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these shed alarms have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the range of coverage, ease of use, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of outdoor alarms to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

## What to look for when choosing a shed alarm:

If you are going to fit an alarm into your garden shed or :a[tool shed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/best-tool-shed/' }, there are a number of things you may want to consider before making your choice.

**Type of alarm:** Would you prefer a wired or wireless system? Wired alarms require the installation of wiring and sensors, while wireless alarms can be installed more easily and can be monitored remotely.

**Sensors:** Choose an alarm with sensors that are appropriate for your shed. For example, motion sensors will detect movement inside the shed, while door sensors will detect when a door is opened.

**Sound:** Consider the loudness of the alarm’s siren. You want an alarm that is loud enough to deter would-be intruders and be heard from inside your home.

**Price:** Consider your budget when choosing an alarm. Prices can range from just a few pounds to hundreds of pounds depending on the features and capabilities.

**Compatibility:** If you have a smart home system or other security devices, consider choosing an alarm that is compatible with your existing system.

:a[Best solar lanterns for the garden]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/best-solar-lanterns/' }

:a[Best garden mirrors to brighten up your outdoor space]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/garden-mirrors-uk/' }

:a[The best garden water features in the UK]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/decor/best-garden-water-feature-uk/' }

_:a[Alex Boyd]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/alex-boyd/' } is a Commercial Content Writer for Modern Gardens specialising in Power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music._

Best shed alarm for added security

Once you've invested in decent :a[garden furniture]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/the-best-garden-furniture/' }, it's important to maintain it so you can enjoy it for many seasons to come. After all, outdoor dining and entertaining aren't really much of an option without at least some garden chairs. While plastic garden chairs can simply be hosed down, when it comes to wooden garden furniture, this maintenance entails giving it a bi-annual treatment with a solution designed to weatherproof and protect it.

Varnishes, stains, waxes, or simply outdoor-friendly paint are all solutions you could opt for, but our preference, especially for high-quality hardwood furniture, is a specialist wood oil. All wooden garden furniture, whether that's your favourite wooden :a[garden chair]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/best-wooden-garden-chairs/' } or your :a[wooden bench]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/best-outdoor-wooden-benches/' }, can be maintained, preserved, and protected from British weather by investing a small amount in a decent oil designed for outdoor wood furniture.

## Best oils for outdoor wooden furniture at a glance:

While varnish only adds a thin veneer to the surface of your wood, and a stain merely adds colour, a wood oil will penetrate the timber, giving it what's almost a moisturising treatment to prevent cracking, warping, and splitting. It can help to weatherproof it for the season ahead and even enhance the natural wood grain to make it more attractive. There are a range of different oils available that can be used to treat outdoor wooden furniture. From teak to tung, we've compiled a selection of the best oils for outdoor wood furniture so you can find a solution to suit you.

## How we chose the best oils for outdoor wood furniture {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these wood oils have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the type, application method, and effectiveness in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of oils suitable for outdoor wood furniture to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

:a[Best DIY tools for your garden projects]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/the-best-diy-tools/' }

:a[Hedge trimmers to keep your hedges prim and proper]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/hedge-trimmers-uk/' }

:a[9 best garden gazebos to entertain come rain or shine]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/garden-furniture/best-garden-gazebos-uk/' }

_:a[Amy-Mae Turner]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/amy-mae-turner/' } is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis._

Apply a layer of protection with the best oil for outdoor wood furniture

They're the ultimate spring icon, says garden writer Melissa Mabbitt, so you're sure to want to know when to plant tulip bulbs. Their classic wine glass silhouette adds a grace and style to gardens that can’t be matched by any other :a[outdoor plant]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/projects/planting/best-garden-outdoor-plants/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} this season.

From as early as March through to mid-May, tulips will be grabbing attention in your outdoor space. The gorgeous glowing cups of colour atop graceful stems have a glamorous style that makes them the most elegant of spring flowers. Plant them by the dozen to make the most of their brief but glorious season.

In jewel-bright shades, with a mixture of looks from that classic goblet-shape to funky fringed forms and soft and sumptuous peony-like rosettes, there will be a tulip that suits any garden style. If your space is small, you can grow tiny tulips, such as red and purple ‘Little Beauty’, or the bright yellow ‘Honky Tonk’, which will thrive in a container filled with compost and grit.

There are thousands of different tulips, and you can grow almost any colour at home. Garden centres tend to offer just a couple of dozen tried-and-tested favourites that are guaranteed to look gorgeous, so you won’t be overwhelmed when you browse.

Alongside the classic shapes, you can also buy tulips with more unusual looks. Parrot tulips, such as ‘Blumex’, have petals like the fabulous plumage of an exotic bird. Fringed tulips have rounded flowers with tasselled, crystalline edges and make a similar quirky statement. Try deep aubergine ‘Cuban Night’ or hot pink ‘Crispion Love’.

For a more chic shape, there are the lily-flowered tulips, which have gracefully flaring petals in pure colours.

Tulip flowers are stunning but often short-lived, the petals fading and falling away after two or three weeks. But there are so many varieties that flower through the months of March and May, that you can create a succession of colour all spring if you plant a few different kinds together.

The earliest tulips appear with daffodils and because the weather is cool, their petals will last the longest. Of these ‘Purple Prince’ is one of the most gorgeous, with velvety purple petals. Early tulips are shorter, growing to about shin height, making them perfect for pots. Planted in numbers they will still have plenty of impact in flowerbeds. Later varieties, such as the gorgeous peony-flowered and sugar pink ‘Angelique’ will be taller and often more blousy.

To make the most of a long succession of different tulip varieties, mix up the bulbs then plant them scattered across a :a[flower bed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/projects/planting/raised-flower-beds/' } so their colour is dotted throughout. Another design trick for more dramatic pops of colour is to plant a group of early tulips towards the back of a bed, then a mid-season clump in the middle, and finally a late-flowering group at the front. As one clump dies away, the tulips in front will start to look their best, hiding messy older stems.

The easiest and cheapest method involves buying bulbs in autumn to plant in November. You’ll be able to afford to plant more and create more impact. However, bulbs have to be in the soil before winter begins, as the colder weather starts the growing process.

To plant bulbs in the ground, dig a 10-15cm deep hole and pop the bulb in, pointy end up. To get the depth of the hole just right for whichever type of tulip you’re growing, aim for a hole that’s two to three times as deep as the bulb is high. It doesn’t need to be exact as it’ll find its way up to the sunshine anyway!

All tulips love soil that’s light, sandy and well-drained. If your soil is sticky like clay and heavy to lift when you dig into it, you’ll be better off growing them in containers. If your garden tends to be on the soggy side, make the hole a few centimetres deeper and drizzle in a small handful of horticultural grit first, so the bulb sits on a little well-drained bed. Fill the hole back up with soil.

They need full sun to grow strongly, although if they are partly shaded the flowers last longer. Try to position them out of the wind, as gusty weather can snap the slim stems, especially if they are tall or have larger flowers.

Keep the bulbs 8cm apart in beds, but in containers, it’s fine to squeeze them closer, and just leave a centimetre or two between each. For a packed pot, you can also plant the bulbs in layers up to a depth of 30cm. Use multi-purpose compost and make sure the pots have holes in the base so water can drain freely. Water well, but then only when the soil is dry, so you probably won’t need to water them at all until late spring unless your pot is in a sheltered position.

You can also buy potted bulbs from garden centres and supermarkets in early spring and plant them directly in your garden. Choose pots where the leaves are out but before the flower bud has opened, so you get the benefit of the whole flowering phase. To plant, dig a hole in the soil the same size as the pot. Gently remove the tulips from their container, and you will see a mass of white roots holding the compost together. Try not to disturb these and gently slot your tulips into the hole and firm the soil back into place.

A shop-bought plastic pot of shooting bulbs is a brilliant way to fill an empty spot in the garden. Use a trowel to dig a narrow hole the same size as the pot. Water the bulbs, then tip them out of their pot and pop the whole clump in together.

Tulips flower really well in their first year, then dwindle in the second, leaving just the green leaves in the third. Consequently, some people prefer to replace them every year as you would seasonal bedding plants.

If you’ve planted yours in containers, all you’ll need to do is lift them out when they’ve finished flowering, leaving a handy hole to plant something new in. If they’re in the ground, dig them up while the leaves are still visible as they will be almost impossible to find once they have died away.

The one type of tulip that will reliably come back year after year is the tall and colourful ‘perennial tulip’. These are stately flowers with large blooms growing to above knee height. They look glorious planted in groups where they rise above shorter plants to make a real statement. Most of these are bright colours such as the golden variety ‘Daydream’, but subtler shades are a good choice for cool or pastel-coloured garden designs, such as the peachy pink ‘Apricot Impression’, lemon sorbet-shaded ‘Ivory Impression’ and the misty mauve ‘Light and Dreamy’ (all available from :a[peternyssen.com]{href='https://www.peternyssen.com/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}).

After the flowers fade, nip off the flower stem at soil level but leave the leaves in place to nourish the bulb, until they go brown and wither (if they tug away from the bulb easily, they’ve finished doing their job) and can be removed, and there’s a good chance the bulbs will bloom for another year.

Tulip bulbs are fantastic for awkward spots under trees. Use a trowel to dig small holes in the soil around the base of the tree, taking care not to damage its roots. The tulips benefit from the extra light let through the tree’s bare winter branches, and then go dormant as the canopy comes into leaf.

Lots of tulips will pop up through grass, creating a temporary meadow at the start of the year. Use a bulb planter to dig out narrow holes in the lawn and drop individual shooting bulbs in, backfilling with gritty compost. Consider using small species of tulips for this. The shorter flowers will drop their seed into the grass, gradually increasing the size of your flower patch. Try the Sprenger tulip (_Tulipa sprengeri_) which has bright red flowers, or the horned tulip (_T. acuminata_) with its striking, ultra-fine, flaming yellow and scarlet pointy petals.

Individual tulips can sometimes look a bit isolated, so it’s best to plant bulbs in bigger groups of at least six or seven. A good trick is to toss a handful of bulbs into the air and plant each one where it lands. This will create pretty pools of colour without too many straight lines.

### Can I mix tulip bulbs with other spring bulbs?

Tulips mix really well with other spring bulbs and flowers, so try interweaving them with alliums for a wilder style. Or you can create heady clouds of scent by pairing tulips with hyacinths or wallflowers.

A few tulips, usually those with amber colouring, are scented with a sweet and fruity fragrance. They are potent enough to detect in the garden if you plant them near your patio or in a pot on a table where their scent will be closer at hand. The fragrance will always be strongest on a sunny day, but if you cut a few blooms and bring them inside, they’ll be even stronger. Grow one or all of these sweetly fragranced varieties: ‘Apricot Beauty’, ‘Brown Sugar’, ‘Ballerina’ or ‘Veronique Sanson’, which are all shades of burnished orange.

For pink varieties with fragrance, try the pale-pink ‘Peach Blossom’, sugar-pink peony-flowered ‘Angelique’ or deep magenta ‘Margarita’.

### How do I make cut tulips last longer?

To stop drooping, wrap stems tightly together in newspaper – keeping them as straight as possible – and stand them in a bucket of water. After a couple of hours, the stems will ‘set’ and stay that way.  
Strip any leaves that are below the waterline – they’ll make the water cloudy and shorten the flowers’ vase life. It’s not usually necessary to refresh the vase water for a single bunch of tulips, but adding one drop of household bleach will help keep it clean and fresh for longer. When the flowers fade, shorten the stems on flowers that are still open and pop them in a jam jar for an extra few days of bloom.

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**Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space.** **Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. View our :a[latest subscription offers]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/modern-gardens-magazine?utm_source=moderngardensmagazine.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_moderngardens&amp;utm_content=affiliates_button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to save on shop prices.**

_:a[Angela Kenny]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/angela-kenny/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} is features and production editor for Modern Gardens magazine and is always on the look out for new and trending modern garden inspiration._

When to plant tulip bulbs: the best time for vibrant spring blooms according to our bulb buffs

Buying a :a[BBQ grill]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/best-outdoor-grills/' } is just the beginning of the story. A huge range of :a[Weber barbecue]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/best-weber-bbq/' } accessories means there’s almost no limit to your creativity when it comes to cooking outdoors.

While it’s possible to sear and smoke meat and vegetables in a number of different ways simply using the grill grates your barbecue came with, there’s a whole other world of techniques you can unlock via the modular Weber Crafted and Gourmet Barbecue System.

So, if you’re bored of flipping a few burgers and sausages on a Sunday afternoon and want to flex your culinary creativity, give your outdoor grill an upgrade with these Weber accessories. Whether you’re craving a pizza, smoky rotisserie chicken or even a breakfast waffle, there’s a :a[tool or attachment]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden-care/tools/best-bbq-tools/' } for you.

Best of all there are options for barbecues of all sizes, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a small :a[charcoal kettle]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/charcoal-bbq/' } tucked away in the corner of your garden or a four-burner gas grill taking up half the patio. Or both.

## How I tested the Weber Crafted accessories

Over the past ten years, I’ve become a backyard barbecue expert, and enjoy nothing more than spending a long Sunday smoking a pork shoulder or beef brisket on my :a[57cm Weber Master-Touch Kettle]{href='https://www.bbqworld.co.uk/weber-barbecues/charcoal/weber-mastertouch-e5750-black-charcoal-bbq.asp?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}.

On my :a[Weber Genesis EPX 335 gas grill]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/weber-genesis-epx-335-smart-barbecue-review/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, I like to experiment with different recipes, especially ones that you wouldn’t normally cook on a barbecue. Gas is more controllable and this opens up lots of possibilities for new and exciting methods, enabled by the Weber Crafted range.

Here are the best barbecue upgrades I’ve tested so far, and I’ll keep adding to this list as and when I try something new.

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:a[Our pick of the best smoker grills for your cookouts]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/best-smoker-grills/' }

_:a[Adam Binnie]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/adam-binnie/' } is the Affiliate Operations Editor and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in bikes, fitness, cars, parenting and cooking._

Best Weber barbecue accessories, tried and tested

Discover easy switches to make good times last in the November issue of Modern Gardens magazine…

PLUS! The most beautiful plants you can buy now, our pick of the best clutter keepers, get the on-trend Moorish naturals look, add a powerful punch of lime to your plot, 6 easy projects with old wood, fill your garden with tempting textures, enjoy a spot of dried-flower faffing, what to do in your garden this month to keep it looking good, whip up a layered pumpkin latte, make your own buried treasures hanging basket this weekend, treat your garden to some some fiery faves, simple lace-lantern upcycle, hold an alfresco fondue party, share the strawberry tree love, and much more.

Don't forget to join our :a[#10GREENminutes campaign]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/10-green-minutes/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} to boost your mind, body and soul.

Nothing screams summer more than the smoky smell of a BBQ and the delicious mezze of burgers, hotdogs, and skewers on your plate. Not only do they taste amazing but they’re the perfect excuse to bring everyone out into your garden, not that it takes much convincing when the sun’s out! But if you’ve had big dreams of summer soirees but are missing a BBQ to deliver the goods, it can feel like your ship has sailed. Luckily, Amazon comes to the rescue, making the process of getting a BBQ as quick and easy as possible.

First, there’s knowing what type of BBQ to go for. If you’ve had a BBQ in the past, you might have an idea as to whether you’re after the convenience of gas, the classic flavour of charcoal or the beauty of both with a hybrid grill. Or you might be completely clueless. Either way, Amazon makes the daunting process of selecting the right BBQ seamless by telling you everything you need to know.

What Amazon expertly does is clearly share each BBQ’s key features, specifications, customer reviews (so you can see how like-minded BBQers have got on) and a comparison table to directly see the differences between its extensive selection of products or other BBQs in your favourite brand’s range.

Amazon has streamlined the BBQ shopping experience, taking the guesswork out of choosing the right grill. With just a few clicks, you can have a high-quality barbecue delivered to your doorstep, leaving you ample time to focus on planning the ultimate summer cookout. No more lamentations over a missing grill - you can get sizzling in the sun as soon as possible.

Take for example the :a[Char-Broil Gas2Coal 2.0 Hybrid Grill]{href='https://amzn.to/4bQmzis' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}. This firm favourite gives you the option to cook with gas and charcoal, and the ability to switch between both in just 60 seconds. It’s a well-rounded piece of kit with a side burner included, ideal for warming sauces or quickly preparing side dishes and vegetables, a side table and storage cabinet, and a warming rack to keep grub warm while you’re already chomping down. With four burners, it’s got plenty of space for entertaining groups of up to nine people and thanks to its patented charcoal tray, you don’t need to worry about flare-ups.

That being said, you may be looking for a smaller hybrid grill, in which case its :a[three burner alternative]{href='https://amzn.to/4fahHI8' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} comes with all the same perks. Or, if you love the idea of simply cooking on gas, the :a[Char-Broil 140895 Advantage Series 445S]{href='https://amzn.to/3LqY3df' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} is sure to please. In a gorgeous stainless steel, like the Gas2Coal it’s also available with a :a[three burner option]{href='https://amzn.to/4cXmGtI' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}.

But if you’re after the big smoky flavours that tickle your tastebuds, you may prefer the :a[Kamado Joe Classic II Smoker BBQ]{href='https://amzn.to/3LrYXWX' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}. A grill with all the frills, this beautiful red ceramic Kamado grill has a whopping 250 square inches of capacity with the option for two-tier cooking, so you can cook different foods at various temperatures and guarantee there’ll be no hungry mouths going spare. Extremely efficient at locking in heat and flavours, you can expect delicious, juicy results with customers using it to cook pizzas, low-smoked pulled pork, and the “tenderest roast chicken ever”. Plus, it comes with a stand so you can manoeuvre it around your garden (good luck otherwise!)

Compared to the :a[Kamado Joe Classic I Smoker BBQ]{href='https://amzn.to/3Wdb2Ea' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, it’s got some great upgrades, including the Air Lift hinge so you don’t need to hold the lid up, and the Control Tower top vent which gives you more precise temperature control. Nevertheless, the Classic I is still fab if you’re looking for an option that’s a little more affordable.

## Easy setup with Amazon’s delivery and assembly options

Next, there’s the delivery and thankfully, Amazon makes getting a new BBQ a breeze with convenient delivery and setup services. Not only do both these BBQs offer free delivery within a few days, but you have the option to add unpacking and assembly for a little extra. If you choose the unpacking option, the delivery team will bring the grill to your desired location and remove all the packaging, leaving you with a clean slate to start assembly. You can easily wave goodbye to a mountain of recycling without trying to squeeze into your outdoor bin.

Prefer not to assemble it yourself? Amazon offers full unpacking and professional installation as well. With this option, you’ll get all that plus a technician who’ll carefully construct your new BBQ for you using the manufacturer's instructions. This is a fab option if you’re not DIY savvy, are busy working or would just rather not be trying to put together a BBQ for two hours.

Simply choose your desired level of assistance, and your brand-new grill will be ready to fire up in no time.

And finally, if you have any issues, all of these BBQs are returnable and come with specialised customer support, on hand seven days a week. They’ll provide expert guidance to help you get the most from your new grill and make anything that needs fixing quick and easy.

You can find out more about :a[Amazon's home services right here]{href='https://amzn.to/3Ya8yJA' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}, with assembly and unpacking options not just for BBQs, but garden furniture and sheds too.

:a[_Eleanor Weaver_]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/eleanor-weaver/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} _is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature._

Need a BBQ for the summer months? Here’s how to get one quickly with zero effort

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Whether you are looking to add some later summer colour to your pots, beds or hanging baskets; taking on some Autumn gardening tidying; or getting ready for the cooler months with outdoor heaters and fire pits, Dobbies has all your autumn garden living needs sorted.

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If you are on the lookout for the best garden shed to keep your space looking pristine, we have got you covered. Sheds are :a[garden storage]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-storage-ideas/' } essential, that's why, at Modern Gardens, we've curated the ultimate guide to the best garden sheds on the market.

Sheds and :a[garden storage boxes]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-storage-boxes/' } are great for storing just about anything, from seasonal furniture and accessories like BBQs and sun loungers, to, of course, all your gardening tools. The best sheds will keep all your outdoor accessories protected and safe all year round from the weather and any little animals that may venture into your garden during the night.

## Best garden sheds at a glance: {#h-best-garden-sheds-at-a-glance}

• **Best small plastic shed:** Keter Manor Outdoor Plastic Garden Storage Shed - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keter-Outdoor-Plastic-Garden-Storage/dp/B00BI0VPIW?tag=qmgarticle51-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}  
• **Best premium wooden shed:** Pinelap Wooden Garden Shed - :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pinelap-quality-wooden-garden-timber/dp/B07B9K2WBH?tag=qmgarticle51-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
• **Best value wooden shed**: Mercia Wooden Overlap Garden Shed - :a[View now on Argos]{href='https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7058615?' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

So whether you are looking to build a :a[tool shed]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/best-tool-shed/' } or storage unit - we have picked a range of sheds in different sizes and materials to fit your needs.

We want to make finding the right shed for you as simple as possible, so on top of our online best buys, we’re giving you some pro tips on ensuring your shed suits your needs, as well as some great shed interior ideas you can find below.

## Best garden sheds {#h-best-garden-sheds-at-a-glance}

## How to find the perfect shed for you: {#h-how-to-find-the-perfect-shed-for-you}

**Size** – size will be a major factor when choosing a garden shed, take into account the space you have available in your back garden and how much you’re willing to lose. As well as this, make sure to note down what you’re looking to do with your shed and if the size will accommodate, for example not all sheds may be able to fit bikes.

**Purpose** – of course, what you will be using your shed for is key. If you’re only planning to store small gardening tools and :a[inflatable pools]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-trends/the-best-swimming-pools/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'}, a small shed will be enough for you. However, if you’re looking to store bikes or even convert the shed to an outdoor office, you’ll need to get your measuring tape out and plan a size that works for practicality.

**Price** – price and budgets will be different for everybody. As per usual, the price is determined by the materials used and the size. Plastic and metal sheds will be more budget-friendly, whereas hardwoods like Timber are more expensive. But, you get what you pay for.

## Shed interior ideas {#h-shed-interior-ideas}

Perfect for any avid gardener, this organisation is on point, with a dedicated potting station and all your small gardening tools right where you can see them.

Ideal for any DIY-ers among us, have everything right where you can see them and make your home tasks that little bit easier.

Stuck on how to store you're larger gardening tools? Utilise all your wall space with shelves and hooks, yes even on the inside of the door!

Think vertical when storing bikes to utilise as much space as possible.

## Read more popular articles {#h-read-more-popular-articles}

:a[Shed organisation: How to get the most out of your outdoor storage]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/garden/garden-designs/shed-organisation-ideas/' }

:a[Best garden log stores to protect wood all year-round]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/garden-log-stores/' }

:a[The best wheelie bin storage for your garden]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/outdoor-living/storage/wheelie-bin-storage-best/' }

_:a[Ellen Kinsey]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/author/ellen-kinsey/' } is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature._

Storing your outside essentials: the best garden sheds

Powerful and lightweight, the best petrol leaf blower is an effective tool for clearing leaves and other garden debris like grass and hedge cuttings. :a[Leaf blowers]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-leaf-blowers/' }, sometimes worn as a backpack, are a nifty device for blowing away wet leaves for you to clear detritus from lawns, flowerbeds, and hardstanding without damaging the plants.

A petrol leaf blower has a sturdy plastic or metal body housing its petrol-powered engine. Controlled by a throttle on the handle, it emits airflow through a long and narrow nozzle that's adjustable to control the direction and angle of the airflow. Simply hit 'go' with the ignition switch or pull cord, but it's worth bearing in mind that a petrol-powered device will emit fumes.

A petrol leaf blower gives you a bit more oomph than a battery-powered or corded electric machine. When it comes to the best leaf blowers, a petrol model boasts the highest air volume and airspeed output. However, with great power comes great responsibility; it's essential to wear protective gloves and ear defenders. Be prepared, as the vibration from a petrol leaf blower may come as a shock.

If you're a professional grounds maintenance person, then leaf blowers and combination :a[garden vacuums]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/tools/best-garden-vacuums-uk/' } are a familiar tool. Otherwise, you may have been woken up by a neighbour blowing away the autumnal leaf-fall - there's no denying that petrol leaf blowers are loud, more so than your average lawn mower or :a[pressure washer]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/pressure-washers/best-pressure-washer-for-patio/' }. As we take a spin through the best models on the market, look for features such as vibration and noise reduction systems built-in to these powerful leaf zappers.

## Best petrol leaf blowers {#h-best-petrol-leaf-blowers}

## How we chose the best petrol leaf blowers {#h-how-we-chose-the-best-folding-garden-chairs}

All of these petrol leaf blowers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the power, functionality, and usability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of leaf blowers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

## FAQs: Best petrol leaf blower {#h-faqs-best-petrol-leaf-blower}

## How much does a petrol leaf blower cost? {#h-how-much-does-a-petrol-leaf-blower-cost}

Factors such as brand, engine power and build quality are important when you're considering which petrol leaf blower to buy. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between £100 to £500 for a petrol leaf blower. Entry-level models, with basic features and lower engine power, are around £100 to £200. High-end models with more powerful engines, advanced features and durable construction can cost upwards of £300 to £500. :a[Stihl leaf blowers]{href='https://shop.stihl.co.uk/collections/leaf-blowers' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'} are from a trusted brand and powerful machines at a variety of price points.

## Are petrol leaf vacuums any good? {#h-are-petrol-leaf-vacuums-any-good}

Petrol leaf vacuums are powerful, making them effective for cleaning up leaves and debris in outdoor spaces. They provide convenience and portability, allowing users to reach areas where electric vacuums may not be practical. However, they require fuel and maintenance and, like a :a[petrol lawn mower]{href='https://www.moderngardensmagazine.co.uk/maintenance/lawn-mowers/best-petrol-lawn-mowers-uk/' }, they are noisy and emit fumes. But if you are doing professional grounds maintenance or have a large outside space to manage, they are the most robust and practical option. :a[Hyundai leaf blowers and garden vacuums]{href='https://hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk/garden-machinery/leaf-blowers-vacuums/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'} are top-notch for intensive outdoor cleaning.

## What features should I look for when buying a petrol leaf blower? {#h-what-features-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-petrol-leaf-blower}

Petrol leaf blowers are equipped with **powerful engines**, measured in cubic centimetres (cc) or horsepower (hp). The higher the engine power, the more air volume and airspeed the blower can produce. Also, more powerful engines are larger in size.

**Air volume** is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/hr) or litres per second (l/s). It represents the volume of air the leaf blower can move. Higher ratings equate to more powerful blowing capabilities, which are effective in moving larger piles of leaves or debris.

**Airspeed** is measured in miles per hour (or occasionally metres per second). It indicates how fast the air exits the blower's nozzle. Higher airspeeds are effective for blowing leaves and debris over longer distances.

Many petrol leaf blowers have **variable speed controls**, allowing users to adjust the airflow and airspeed according to the task at hand. This feature provides versatility and precision when clearing different types of debris or working in various weather conditions.

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