14 Aug

Essential Gardening Tasks for Every Season

What does your garden look like through the year? Vibrant and thriving, or a bit hit and miss?

Gardening doesn’t stop just because the weather changes. Each season brings fresh challenges and new opportunities and knowing what to do, and when, makes all the difference. Picture planting vibrant summer blooms under a clear blue sky, cutting back golden leaves in autumn, or prepping frosty beds for spring growth. These aren’t just chores; they’re part of a cycle that keeps your outdoor space alive and thriving.

In this guide covering the essential gardening tasks for every season, we at MB Wilkes have gathered expert, easy-to-follow seasonal gardening tips for UK gardeners. Whether it’s pruning, planting, soil care or pest control, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Spring: Set the Stage for Success

Spring is when everything starts to wake up again. It’s the time to literally lay the groundwork for what’s to come. So, let’s begin our deep dive into seasonal gardening tips with a look at what you need to do when spring rolls around.

Sow and Plant

Early spring is perfect for sowing seeds indoors and planting hardy annuals. By May and June, you can start transferring bedding plants like Alstroemeria, Sweet William, and Canterbury Bells outdoors. If you’ve been growing under cover, this is the time to move them to borders or containers.

Prep and Protect

Unpredictable spring weather calls for a little extra care and attention. Delicate young plants are especially vulnerable during chilly nights and sudden cold snaps, so it’s worth having some horticultural fleece on hand.

It’s a simple yet highly effective way to shield plants from late frosts, especially in early May. As temperatures rise and the risk of frost fades, usually by early to mid-June, you can safely remove the fleece and let your plants enjoy the sunshine.

Feed Your Soil

The next of our essential gardening tasks for every season includes feeding the soil. Your plants are going to be hungry. Mix in some compost or organic fertiliser early in the season to give your garden a head start. Remember that a well-fed garden is a vibrant garden.

Summer: Maintain and Make the Most of It

Summer is when your garden really comes into its own, but it still needs your attention. From summer gardening tips to pest protection and lawn care, here’s what to focus on.

Keep It Blooming

This is prime time for sowing late-flowering annuals like Nasturtiums, Clarkias and Calendulas. You’ll get beautiful blooms into late summer, just don’t forget to add water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost to keep everything hydrated and nourished.

You can also plant Dahlia bulbs in May but be sure to protect them from slugs. And if you haven’t already, give those window boxes a tidy-up and refresh your topsoil.

General Upkeep

  • Water Regularly, Especially During Hot Spells
  • Mow The Lawn Frequently – Sharp Blades Give Cleaner Cuts
  • Deadhead Spent Flowers and Remove Dead Foliage to Keep Things Looking Neat

Pest and Pollination Watch

The last of our summer gardening tips is to keep on top of pests and ensure pollination. Cover strawberries and soft fruit bushes with netting to protect them from birds. Carrots and cabbages also need covering to avoid carrot fly and caterpillar damage.

Got tomatoes in the greenhouse? Keep it well-ventilated and tap the flowers gently to improve pollination. Don’t forget to uncover strawberries kept under glass so insects can do their thing.

Autumn: Prepare and Protect

As temperatures drop, your garden will need a bit of TLC to keep it healthy through winter and set it up for spring. Our autumn gardening tips will help you get started.

Add Decorative Touches

As blooms fade, evergreen plants help maintain a lush look. For even more visual interest, try decorative garden stones like black slate or Cotswold Cobbles, as these are a brilliant way to add texture and style to bare spots in your garden.

Remember that, here at MB Wilkes, we supply the best range of aggregates Dorset has to offer – perfect for borders, paths and decorative features.

Soil Revival

After a busy growing season, your soil will need replenishing. Mix in mulch, compost or manure to restore nutrients, and use a garden fork to work it in and avoid compacting the ground.

Here’s where to focus:

  • Beds and Borders with Exhausted Summer Plants
  • Areas Where You Plan to Plant Again in Spring

Autumn Gardening Tasks: Quick Checklist

Winter is the time when everything can fall apart, and all your hard work can be undone; the preparations you make in autumn can make all the difference. With that in mind, here’s a short rundown of the seasonal gardening tips for autumn:

  • Clear Fallen Leaves Weekly Using a Lawn Mower or Leaf Blower
  • Bring Tender Plants Indoors Before the First Frost
  • Turn Your Compost Heap to Speed Up Decomposition
  • Clean Garden Tools to Prevent Rust and Disease Carryover

Once you’ve done everything possible to protect your plants, garden, tools, and garden furniture, all there’s left to do is wait for winter to roll around.

Winter: Rest and Rebuild

Winter is quieter but still important, and this is your chance to plan, repair and improve. The seasonal gardening tips don’t stop at autumn, so here’s a few winter gardening tips to ensure your garden makes it through to spring.

Protect What’s Still Growing

Hardy plants can remain outside through winter with little fuss, but more sensitive varieties need a bit of extra care. Bring tender plants indoors or wrap them in horticultural fleece to shield them from frost and freezing winds.

It’s also a smart move to raise pots off the ground using pot feet or bricks; this improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogging, which can be just as damaging as frost. A few small steps now can save your plants later.

Tools and Maintenance

One of the simplest yet most effective winter gardening tips is to clean and oil your tools. This not only extends their lifespan but ensures they're ready to go when spring rolls around.

Take time now to sharpen mower blades, tighten loose screws, and inspect garden structures for signs of wear or damage. Small fixes now prevent bigger problems later.


Why Choose Us?

At MB Wilkes, we’ve been a family-owned sand and gravel quarry for over 60 years. From decorative aggregates and topsoil to landscaping supplies and waste services, we offer premium products at competitive prices.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of landscaping materials, delivering excellent customer service every time. Whether you’re refreshing a small bed or renovating your whole garden, our team is here to help.

Get Your Garden Season-Ready with Expert Tips and Quality Supplies

Need advice or looking to order garden materials? You can place your order through our website. And if you have questions, call us today on 01258 857465 or reach out through our simple contact form on the website. We're always happy to help with product info, delivery options, or general gardening queries.

More general

6 Aug
MB Wilkes Hosts Annual Golf Day at Iford Golf Centre
MB Wilkes proudly welcomed clients and industry partners to its Annual Golf Day, held on 17th July 2025 at Iford Golf Centre. Now a highlight in the company’s social calendar, the event brought together teams from construction, engineering, and civil works for a spirited day of networking and friendly competition. The day kicked off with a hearty breakfast bap and coffee on arrival, followed by warm‑up practice on the driving range. Participants then took to the course for 18 holes of golf, with teams competing for honours. After play, a prize ceremony celebrated top performers, followed by a relaxed BBQ and drinks reception to finish the day on a high note. Participating teams: Team 1 – Viking Projects Team 2 – Morris Construction Team 3 – MKM Construction & GSJP Civil Engineering Team 4 – Quantum Civil Engineering +1 Team 5 – Quantum Civil Engineering Team 6 – Gould Groundworks & Sparks Commercial Services Team 7 – MB Wilkes & Raymond Brown Tournament highlights and winners: Individual Champion: Jason Thomas (Quantum Civil Engineering) Team Winners: Team 5 (Quantum Civil Engineering) Longest Drive: Ryan Bath (Viking Projects) Nearest the Pin: Jake Simpson (GSJP Civil Engineering) Wooden Spoon (for last place): Roger Morris (Morris Construction)   Carl Penney, Business Development Manager at MB Wilkes, commented on the event: “Our Annual Golf Day is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to reinforce the strong relationships we have with our clients and peers, and to enjoy a day where business and camaraderie go hand in hand.” He added: “Congratulations to all teams and individuals who took part. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.” MB Wilkes extends sincere thanks to all attendees, partners, and the Iford Golf Centre team for helping make this year’s event a great success.   As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of decorative aggregates, garden stones, construction materials and soils, MB Wilkes operates from its own quarry in Dorset, proudly serving customers across the South and beyond. As a family-run business, the company is committed to supporting the local community through regular events and local sponsorships that reflect its values of loyalty, service, and trust. Shop at MB Wilkes, to browse their wide range of landscaping and building materials.
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24 Jun
Topsoil vs compost: Which to use and when
Ever found yourself staring at a bag of compost, wondering if it’s actually what your garden needs? Or asked, what’s the difference between topsoil and compost, and why does it matter? If so, you’re not alone. Choosing the right material can be surprisingly tricky, especially if you're starting from scratch or trying to breathe new life into tired soil. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to make the right call. At MB Wilkes, we’ve been helping customers create healthy, happy gardens for over 60 years with our full range of amenity and landscaping products. In this guide, we will give you the clarity you need as we address the subject of topsoil vs compost. What Is Topsoil? Topsoil is the very top layer of earth, usually the first 5 to 12 inches, and it plays a crucial role in any planting project. Rich in a natural mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter, this layer is where most plant roots live and where biological activity thrives. Whether you're laying a new lawn, building flower beds, or filling in low spots, topsoil gives your plants a solid foundation. It helps retain moisture and provides support so roots can grow deep and strong. Calculating topsoil requirements for your project ensures you buy the right amount, while avoiding waste and keeping things budget friendly. It’s the starting point for almost any outdoor transformation, and one that’s important if you want a garden that looks gorgeous and is teeming with life. What Is Compost? Compost is decomposed organic matter, lovingly known by gardeners as “black gold.” It’s created from ingredients like vegetable scraps, leaves, and twigs, and the result is a dark, crumbly material rich in nutrients. What makes compost so valuable is its ability to improve the structure and fertility of your soil. It boosts microbial life, enhances water retention, and gives plants the nutrient-rich environment they need to thrive. Compost isn’t a standalone solution either; it works best when combined with other soils. But if you're looking to enhance plant performance and keep your garden soil healthy, compost is a must, especially when used in conjunction with topsoil for maximum benefits. Topsoil vs Compost: What Are the Differences? So, when it comes to topsoil vs compost, what actually sets them apart? While they might look similar at first glance, their roles in the garden are quite different. Topsoil forms the structural base as the layer that supports plant roots, holds moisture, and creates the foundation for growth. Compost, on the other hand, is all about nutrition. Made from decomposed organic matter, compost is rich in nutrients and works to enhance soil health over time. If your garden soil lacks structure or needs levelling, topsoil is the right choice. If your plants are struggling due to poor nutrient levels, compost can give them the boost they need. But you shouldn’t stop there as, in many cases, using both together provides the best results. Knowing the difference between topsoil and compost helps you select the right material for each stage of your gardening project, whether you’re planting a lawn, filling beds, or preparing a veg patch. Can You Mix Topsoil and Compost? Absolutely! And it’s often the best approach. Mixing topsoil and compost gives you a balanced growing medium, especially for gardens that need both structure and nutrition. Here are some key benefits and ideas: Boosts Nutrient Availability Without Losing Soil Structure Improves Drainage While Retaining Essential Moisture Encourages Root Development and Microbial Activity Ideal For Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs A typical blend is 70% topsoil to 30% compost, though this can vary depending on your specific plants. This combination is especially useful for raised beds, vegetable gardens, and flower borders. How Much Topsoil Do You Need? Working out how much topsoil to purchase is simpler to work out than you might think. Read our guide where we explain the steps you can take to identify how much topsoil you need for your project. And if you’re not quite sure? Give us a call on 01258 857465, as we’re happy to guide you through it and recommend the right quantity Where to Buy Quality Topsoil and Compost At MB Wilkes, we’ve been supplying top-quality landscaping products for over six decades. Whether you’re ordering in bulk or need a smaller load, we’ve got you covered with high-quality soil products, delivered either loose or in bulk bags. We offer flexible delivery times and are proud to combine competitive pricing with personal service. And thanks to our excellent contacts within the industry, our product list of continuously growing, so we’re sure to be able to meet your requirements. Give Your Garden the MB Wilkes Advantage If you’re serious about upgrading your garden with the right materials, we’re here to help. As a family-owned business with more than 60 years of experience, we’re proud to offer excellent customer service and premium products that deliver results. From compost to topsoil — and everything in between — MB Wilkes has the materials and the know-how to bring your vision to life. Give us a call on 01258 857465 or reach out via our contact form. Let’s get your garden growing.
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3 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local West Moors festival
Westival is an annual event that is aimed at bringing the local community together, held in the centre of West Moors on Fryer Field from 12pm - 4pm. For MB Wilkes, sponsoring Westival is a great way to give something back to the community. We're looking forward to a fun day out; plus, we'll be bringing some fun activities for families to get involved with! Activities at Westival Throughout the afternoon there will be loads of things for family to do at Westival, with live music, entertainment, games, ferret racing and fairground rides – to name a few. MB Wilkes will be sponsoring the shade gazebos situated near the music truck – the perfect location for us to be a central part of the action! We'll also be bringing two large MB Wilkes lorries along to the event, giving little ones a chance to sit in the cab. Plus, children will also be able to take away their very own hi-vis vest, complete with branded MB Wilkes logo! Each year the event is a real hit, and we can't wait for another excellent afternoon of activities and fun. Entry to Westival is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information about what to expect on the day!   M B Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form.
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Most Recent Stories

18 Aug
5 Types of Aggregate and Their Uses
Aggregate is one of those materials most people have used without thinking too hard about what it actually is. Whether it's gravel on a driveway, sand in a concrete mix, or chippings around a planted border, it's the backbone of more projects than most people realise. The problem is that aggregate covers a lot of ground, and picking the wrong type can mean poor drainage, a mix that doesn't set, or a finish that looks wrong. At MB Wilkes, we've been supplying aggregates from our Dorset quarry for over 60 years. In this blog, we showcase five of the most used types, so you can decide which one is right for your project. And you can explore many more options on our website. Five Aggregates Worth Knowing About Each of the aggregates below has its own set of properties and best-fit applications, so here's a practical breakdown to help you choose the right material for your project. Slate Slate is one of the most versatile aggregates we stock, equally at home as a decorative mulch around planted borders and as a practical drainage material. Its angular shape allows water to pass through freely, which makes it a sensible choice anywhere you need both good drainage and a clean, attractive finish. We supply slate in three colours and two sizes, so there's a combination to suit most projects: Black Slate 20mm and 40mm Blue Slate 20mm and 40mm Plum Slate 40mm Sand Technically classified as a fine aggregate, sand behaves differently to coarser materials but is no less essential to a well-executed project. It is commonly used as a bedding material for paving and block paving, as well as in concrete mixes and render. Sharp sand and building sand serve different purposes, so the right type will depend on your application. If you're not sure which grade suits your project, our team can point you in the right direction. Limestone Limestone is a versatile aggregate used in a variety of construction and landscaping applications. It is commonly used as a sub-base material for driveways and pathways, as well as in drainage projects. Its durability and availability in different grades make it a practical choice for both residential and commercial projects. Granite Chippings Granite chippings are one of the toughest aggregates available, making them a strong choice for driveways and areas that take regular heavy traffic. The material compacts well and holds its shape under load, which means it tends to stay put rather than migrating to the edges over time. Granite also comes in a variety of shades, from grey to pink, so the practical benefits don't have to come at the expense of appearance. All In Ballast All In Ballast is a mixed aggregate containing a blend of sand and gravel in varying particle sizes. It is most commonly used in concrete mixes, where the combination of fine and coarse material helps produce a strong, workable mix. It also works well as a general fill and is a cost-effective option for groundwork and construction projects where a precise, single-grade aggregate isn't required. Why Choose MB Wilkes for Your Aggregates? We've been supplying sand, gravel and aggregates from our quarry in Dorset for over 60 years. That means the materials we sell are ones we know inside out, not products we've simply added to a catalogue. As a family-run business, we take our reputation seriously, and that shows in the quality of what we supply and the service that comes with it. We offer competitive prices, supply to trade and domestic customers across Poole, Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area, and we're happy to talk through your project before you order. Get in Touch To find out more about the range of products we offer, from building materials and decorative stones to shingle and gravel and driveway materials, get in touch with our team today on 01258 857465 or fill our online contact form. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/5-types-of-aggregate-and-its-uses#/" }, "headline": "5 Types of Aggregate and Their Uses", "description": "Aggregate is one of those materials most people have used without thinking too hard about what it actually is. Whether it's gravel on a driveway, sand in a concrete mix, or chippings around a planted border, it's the backbone of more projects than most people realise.", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/5b2b193b-fff0-4566-a2b4-c289b138dc2c_w650_h400.jpg?1787069702", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2026-08-18", "dateModified": "2026-08-18" }
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4 Jun
MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival
Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music. It is held on the Recreation Ground at the centre of Lytchett Matravers on Saturday 20th June from 2pm – 10pm For MB Wilkes, sponsoring the festival is a great way to give something back to the community and enjoying a fun day out. What’s on at the Festival Line-Up: 2.00pm - 2.30pm– Host's Welcome Performance 2:30pm – 2.45pm Aqualights Pom & Twirl 2:45pm – 3.00pm – Host Interval Performance 3.00pm – 4.00pm – Children’s Entertainment with Amy 4.00pm – 5.30pm – Lytchett’s Got Talent 5:30pm – 6.00pm – Performance from new talent - Maddi Hardwick 6.00pm – Raffle 6:15pm – 7:45pm – Danny T Acoustic 8.00pm – 10.00pm – Skamagedon Dance Band The festival has always been a great community day. Entry is free and you can take a look at the event page for more information or Facebook page about what to expect on the day! Bring your family, bring your friends, and don’t miss it — it’s set to be a summer highlight for the whole community! MB Wilkes – Local, Family-Run Business At MB Wilkes, we love being a part of the local community, and as a family-run quarry we're always looking for ways to get involved in events across Dorset. Our business centres around supplying aggregates and building materials throughout the county, supplying gravel, sand, stones and topsoil across different industries. To hire our services, or find out more about what we do, give us a call on 01258 857465 or send us a message via our contact form. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/mb-wilkes-sponsor-local-lytchett-matravers-festival#/" }, "headline": "MB Wilkes sponsor local Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival", "description": "Lytchett Matravers Summer Festival is an annual event that aims to bring the local community together around fun, food and music.", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/8c3f7bac-d3de-4eb1-bb7e-ee70c08d918f_w650_h400.png?1780561139", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/#/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2025-06-17", "dateModified": "2026-06-04" }
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29 May
MB Wilkes sponsors this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival
We're proud to announce that once again, MB Wilkes are sponsors of the main arena at this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival! Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, for a day of fun and thrills at Corfe Mullen Carnival! First held in 1967, the Corfe Mullen Carnival is an excitement-packed day out with something for all the family to enjoy. We’re proud to announce that MB Wilkes are the Main Arena sponsors at this year's event! Mark your calendars for Saturday June 13th 2025, as the carnival extravaganza takes centre stage in Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground. The festivities kick off with a lively street procession from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Once you arrive at the event grounds, prepare to be captivated by an array of stands, competitions, and live performances starting at 1 pm. You especially won't want to miss the spectacular dog show. But there's more to the Corfe Mullen Carnival than just a day of fun. This year proceeds are helping local beneficiaries, the 2nd Corfe Mullen Scout Group and Corfe Mullen United Juniors Football Club. We hope everyone has an amazing time at the Carnival this year. Looking forward to seeing you all there! { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/blog/article/mb-wilkes-sponsors-this-year-s-corfe-mullen-carnival#/" }, "headline": "MB Wilkes sponsors this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival", "description": "We’re proud to announce that once again, MB Wilkes are sponsors of the main arena at this year's Corfe Mullen Carnival!", "image": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/files/thumbs/bce62730-8514-48fe-b461-16c07409b573_w650_h400.jpg?1747138647", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MB Wilkes", "url": "https://www.mbwilkes.com/#/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "" } }, "datePublished": "2025-05-13", "dateModified": "2026-05-29" }
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Family-Owned BusinessFamily-run business supplying quality aggregates for over 60 years.
Family-Owned Business
Family-run business supplying quality aggregates for over 60 years.
Trusted Team of Experts Our expert team of trusted experts is ready to help with all your needs.
Trusted Team of Experts
Our expert team of trusted experts is ready to help with all your needs.
Fully Equipped Fleet We provide fast local delivery with tipper trucks and grab lorries.
Fully Equipped Fleet
We provide fast local delivery with tipper trucks and grab lorries.
Superb Range of Aggregates Small load aggregate collections available directly from our quarry.
Superb Range of Aggregates
Small load aggregate collections available directly from our quarry.

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