Where to kit your garden out for less

The weather's warming up, and all the signs are that we could be in for a lovely summer.

But as you look out at your barren back garden, you may wonder how much you're going to be able to enjoy it. A patch of muddy grass and a bare patio aren't going to tempt either you or your guests outside.

So how can you kit your garden out for summer without breaking the bank? We look at where to find the bargains this spring.

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Aldi
There's not a lot that impresses more than a hot tub - but at hundreds or even thousands of pounds a pop, it's out of the price range for most of us. Not if you shop at Aldi, though, which later this week will start selling one for just £299.99. It comes complete with 120 jets, a heater and a lockable insulating cover for security. Other offers included in its Summer Entertaining range include patio heaters, barbecues and a garden arch for just £19.99.

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Tesco
Tesco Direct currently has dozens of garden items on clearance, including a huge charcoal barbecue down from £350 to £195. A firepit table is reduced from £99.99. to £75.98 - and a set of barbecue tools to go with them is down from £17.50 to £9.99.

Robert Dyas
Robert Dyas currently has special offers on a number of garden items, including a wooden bench reduced from £134.99 to just £84. It also has one-third off a range of barbecues.


Argos
Argos has some great deals on garden furniture, with small table and chair sets from just £32.99. And there's currently £55 off its Malibu three-seater swing chair, now down to just £129.99.

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Groupon
Groupon is offering big savings on a variety of outdoor products. Check out a hexagonal gazebo for £59.99, down from a usual price of £149.99; or a parasol with built-in LED lighting for £74.99, compared with a regular price of £179.99.

Charity shops
You may associate charity shops with musty old clothes, but many offer furniture too - including garden furniture, barbecues and everything else you need for a sociable summer. Try the British Heart Foundation, or the Sue Ryder online store, which currently has offers including a four-piece grey rattan garden furniture set for under £150 or a pair of reclining sun loungers for £50.