23 September 2016

How to Pick Perfect Sinks and Taps


Sinks and Taps are two essential parts of any kitchen, but unfortunately they are most neglected pieces in the kit. It is almost impossible to imagine a kitchen without them. With the advancement in technology, they are now more advanced and good looking, but it does not mean you can pick any sink and tap for your kitchen. You have to think hard and select those pieces that match your kitchen type.


Sinks
Your sink is the most usable part of the kitchen, especially if you entertain lots of guests regularly. For this purpose, a deep rectangular sink is the perfect choice, as it can manage roasting pans and casseroles. On the other hand, if you own a big kitchen, double bowl sinks would be an ideal option. You can use both side by side and save time. For hand-washing or vegetable preparation, we recommend one-and-a-half-bowl sink. Other options include small circular or square prep sinks and sinks that feature accessories.

Modern sinks are accessible in a variety of materials. The choice depends largely on the type of kitchen you have, your budget and preference. Stainless steel sinks are one of the best in the market owing to their germ-free properties. There is a variety of designs and price ranges, so you are sure to get the one under your budget. It is suggested to buy a sink with 18% chromium and 10% nickel mix to make certain it’s strong and rust-proof. If you own a classic or country-style kitchen, Belfast or butler sinks are ideal. They boast porcelain-coated fireclay polish, which makes them defiant to heat and stain. For a flawless look, you can go for Corian and quartz composite materials.


Taps
In the last decade, the tap designs advanced tremendously. Nobody ever wondered such an evolution. The new kids in the block are  filter water taps, boiling water taps, sparkling water taps, pull-out sprays and light emitting diodes displaying water temperature. The latest taps even show water saving and flow control measures.

The most important aspect in selecting a tap is making sure it is compatible with the water pressure in your kitchen. It does not matter if you pick a traditional bridge mixer or a modern monobloc with hi-tech features all of them work on the same principle. You must know that a low-pressure tap usually needs 0.3 bar, a high-pressure tap 1.0 bar and special-style taps 1.5 bar.

In the market, you would find chrome, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass taps. Polished chrome and stainless-steel taps are perfect for modern kitchens, but they reveal finger marks. Look for matt brushed or satin finishes to avoid this issue.

Never go for a cheap tap, it will rip you off in the long run. It is recommended to buy a tap boasting the new ceramic disc technology, a stable scheme that competently controls the surge of water, which is excellent for old rubber washers and do not require frequent fixing. Aerated flow is another excellent eco choice.

Taps featuring spouts that rotate will aid you in providing greatest reach near your sink for cleaning and filling pans. Before set out buying the tap, it is wise to examine the size of your biggest pan to make sure your tap spout rests high enough to put in the pan beneath to load it.

A partnership with Harvey Jones, scheming and creating kitchens from their Cambridgeshire workshop for over thirty-five years.

22 September 2016

What is the best compost for growing vegetables?

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Whether you’re growing tomatoes or turnips, carrots or cucumbers, getting your soil right is vital for growing bumper batches of tasty veg. Because vegetables require a lot of nutrients to grow to their best, few gardeners will have the perfect soil already in their garden. However, with the right products and gardening know-how, they can boost their soil and enjoy tasty home grown goodness.

If you’re just starting your vegetable patch or want to improve your crops this year, Compost Direct is here to help. Read on to find out how to choose the best compost for growing vegetables.

What compost is best for growing vegetables?

As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll need compost that’s packed with vital nutrients for your plants. While standard multi-purpose compost does contain some plant food, for the best results, we recommend choosing a specialist compost for growing vegetables. For example, Veggie Gold Compost contains high levels of organic matter, so is suitable for vegetable patches.

However, the type of compost you require depends on the vegetables you plan on growing and the existing condition of the soil. For example, carrots and cucumbers grow well in alkaline soils, while potatoes and parsley are best grown in acidic soils. Before you get started, check what conditions you’ll need to create before you purchase your compost.

Can I use grow bags?

Grow bags are a great option for those looking to grow their own without the need for a vegetable patch. Perfect for smaller gardens, grow bags contain quality compost with lots of nutrients for less. If you do choose this method, look for a thick, large bag, as this will provide lots of room for your plants’ roots to develop.

Will manure help my crops?

Because it is a natural, nutrient-rich material, manure will act as a compost and benefit your crops — but only if it is well-rotted. If it isn’t well-rotted, it may be too rich for your plants, as the nutrients haven’t been broken down into manageable forms the plants can use. Likewise, it could spread disease to your plants and carry an unpleasant odour.

Well-rotted manure, on the other hand, contains plenty of useful nutrients and has a crumbly, soil-like texture. Often, it’s only necessary to use either manure or compost, so choose the one that’s right for your vegetable patch.

How do I apply the compost or manure to my vegetable patch?

To apply your chosen organic matter to your vegetable patch, you should dig over the soil to a depth of around 37.5cm to 45cm. As you dig, incorporate the manure or compost into the soil.