Planning a garden project this spring? Here’s what to buy now

Charlotte Jewell
11 minutes ago
2 min read

When the weather turns, everyone suddenly remembers they’ve got a garden to sort.

That first spell of warm-ish weather in February or March brings a rush of calls and collection vans - and if you’re not ahead of it, you’ll be waiting on materials just when you’re ready to get stuck in.

Here’s what’s worth ordering early to avoid the spring scramble.

A fluffy dog sits beside stacked lumber marked "A1" outdoors. Sunlight casts shadows on the ground. Trees visible in the background.

1. Sleepers (especially white oak)

Raised beds. Retaining walls. Garden edging. Benches. Steps. Sleeper projects kick off early in the year - and sleepers always move fast.

At Youngs, we keep:

White Oak Sleepers (Quercus Alba) – very durable, long-lasting
Softwood UC4-treated sleepers – more cost-effective but not as tough

Oak tends to go first, especially in spring when customers want to build once and forget about it.

Stack of wooden planks on a textured concrete surface, casting shadows in sunlight. Planks show natural grain and knots, creating a rustic vibe.

2. Fencing timber & panel kits

Spring storms often leave fencing in need of a refresh—or replacement altogether. We keep:

Notched posts made in-house
Featheredge boards
Gravel boards and fencing rails (UC4 treated)
Complete 2.4m panel kits – includes post, 3 rails, gravel board and featheredge

Need something custom height or quantity? Let us know early and we’ll help sort it.

3. Scaffold boards for planters

One of our most asked-about items come spring. Scaffold boards are great for rustic raised beds and planters, and more budget-friendly than sleepers.

We stock:

3.9m banded scaffold boards
Solid enough for outdoor builds
Also handy for benches and cladding

Wooden deck overlooking a sunny, green backyard with tall trees and a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful, natural setting.

4. Decking timber

Decking tends to kick off a little later in spring, but if you want specific lengths or are planning a big job, it’s worth sorting now.

Ask us about:

Treated softwood decking boards
Joists and framing timber (C16/C24, treated)
NewTechWood and Millboard composite decking (available to order)

Not sure what size or spacing you need? Just ask - we’ll help you work it out.

5. Aggregates & ground prep materials

A lot of spring jobs need a good base - and these are the materials that get snapped up fast once the dry spells start.

We keep:

Smooth, multicolored pebbles cover the ground, creating a textured, natural mosaic of grays, blues, and browns in sunlight.

MOT Type 1
Sharp sand
Ballast
Shingle (10mm & 20mm)
Weed membrane and landscape bark

Bulk bags available, or smaller loads if you’re just doing a few beds or paths.

Need it delivered?

We deliver locally from all branches - Folkestone, Biddenden and Dymchurch - or you can call ahead and collect. Just let us know what you’re planning, and we’ll help get you what you need, when you need it.

✅ Stock up early

✅ Avoid the last-minute rush

✅ Build while everyone else is still queuing at the gate