Barbecue season is upon us and you’re more than likely already getting waft of charred burger from the neighbour’s garden. Maybe you’ve popped out and bought an American-style smoker or perhaps you feel adventurous enough to build a ‘Jamie’ outdoor oven, whichever it is getting the garden ready is a must.
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Mow and tidy
Mow the lawn to a height of 25-30mm this is a good height for a busy, family lawn. Make sure all the grass cuttings are cleared to save grass being trodden into the house by children or guests. Use a blower to clear away the grass or any other debris from the patio and lawn.
We recommend the Stihl SHE71 Electric Blower / Vacuum £112.50, a Gardener’s World Best Buy, shreds and collects.
Find the right spot
The barbecue should be situated with an easy run to the kitchen
but far enough away that the smell doesn’t infiltrate the house too much. A shady
spot would be ideal, so that any food doesn’t dry out or start to go off in the
sun plus you’ll be standing there for a while so best to avoid overheating. Keep
it as far away from sheds, fences and plants as you can.
As we are prone to unpredictable weather in the UK, building
a wooden BBQ shelter or investing in a gazebo would be a practical option. Always
remembering that there should be plenty of height and space around the BBQ to
avoid fire or scorching and allow for ventilation.
Prepare the area
If you do not have a patio area to accommodate the barbecue, breese blocks, bricks or decking can be laid to create a sturdy base.
If you haven’t already got a level surface we recommend The Handy Compactor Plate £299.99, perfect for preparing ground for patios, decking and driveways, also handy for flattening out lawns.
Finishing touches
Adding extra outdoor lighting will help you make the most of the darker hours. If the evenings are feeling a bit nippy then a chiminea or gas heater will take the chill off. A good seating area can bring family and friends together, it doesn’t have to be formal, a low-level table can feel more casual and keep the kids happy, bring out the coffee table from the lounge and use cushions for seating.
Safety
Always make sure there is a bucket of water and sand nearby.
If you’re using charcoal only use recommended fuel and lighters, never use petrol or paraffin. When you’re finished cooking always wait until the coals are cold before disposing of the charcoal or moving the barbecue.
If you are using gas, make sure the tap is off before changing the gas cylinder. When you are finished cooking turn the BBQ off to ensure any gas in the pipe is used up.
Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area.
For more safety tips click here
Eat, be merry and enjoy the barbecue season!
