Keep houseplants hydrated for 10 days in the hot weather with the self-watering hack – all you need is string & a bucket
This simple trick uses a piece of string to draw water from a bucket straight into your plant's soil, keeping it hydrated without daily watering.
Perfect for those scorching summer days or if you're heading off on holiday, the hack ensures your greenery stays healthy and happy with minimal effort.
No fancy gadgets or expensive systems needed - just a bucket, some string, and a bit of clever DIY know-how.
Method
This clever trick connects your plant to its very own water supply using nothing more than a piece of cotton string.
The idea is simple - the string acts like a straw, drawing water from a nearby bucket or vase straight into the soil.
The bigger your water container, the longer your plants will be looked after.
Best of all, you can hook up several plants at once.
First, cut one cotton rope for each plant - it's the most absorbent and works best.
Measure so there's plenty of slack for one end to sit in the water and the other to go a few inches into the soil.
Next, thread it in by pushing one end of the rope well into the soil - use a pencil if it's tricky - then cover it back up.
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Place the other end into your bucket or vase of water - making sure it's submerged with a little extra slack.
Lastly, top up your water container and give each plant a drink to get things moving.
From then on, the wicking system will keep your plants happily hydrated while you put your feet up - or jet off on holiday.
Reviews
Garden fans have been raving about the hack, calling it 'genius'.
Jet setters say they're no longer worried about going away for over a week because their plants stay watered while they're off.
Others praise how simple and effective it is for keeping multiple plants healthy at once.
Taking to Reddit, one user wrote: "Omg! This is genius. We are also leaving for a 10 day trip in October and I am worried as to how I'm going to water them."
Another wrote: "We did this as a last resort and would've preferred to have someone come water but were glad it worked!"
A third added: "I have a 10 day work related travel, and I don't want to kill my plants... Might have to go with this one!"
How to look after your plants in a heatwave, according to a plant doctor
KELLY Dyer, the Plant Doctor at Patch Plants is warning plant lovers about the adverse affects of unseasonably strong direct sunlight, and how to best look after both your indoor and outdoor plants during a heatwave.
Indoor plants:
Don't mist your plants as water will evaporate and could scorch them
Don't use aircon as it dries the air out
Don't let plants touch glass as they could get scorched
Monitor moisture levels to see if you need to increase watering
Outdoor plants:
Water your outside plants in the morning and evenings when it's cooler
When you water your outside plants, water the soil, not the leaves
If you have outdoor plants on a veranda, patio or balcony, you can keep them cooler and increase the humidity by wetting the hard surfaces
Pests are on the move so regularly apply natural bug control spray to indoor and outdoor plants
GARDEN HACKS
You might not think of adding a mirror to your garden, but they can work wonders in making the space look bigger.
Using mirrors strategically in your garden can add visual interest, create the illusion of more space, and enhance the overall ambience.
They're also great if your garden doesn't receive a large amount of sunlight, as the reflections will help brighten up the space.
Mirrors can be pricey, so if you're sticking to a smaller budget, try upcycling existing mirrors in your home that no longer serve a purpose or second-hand shops are a great place to start.
With the growing popularity of grassless gardens and the popular trend of decorating outdoor spaces more like the indoors, a coffee table becomes an essential furniture piece for your garden, too.
All you need is two wood pallets, wood glue, caster wheels, and a few coats of paint.
Marigolds and pansies are both excellent choices for those who want to create instant bursts of colour without the wait – ideal for a brand-new garden.
Raised wooden vegetable or herb gardens are an easy way to grow homegrown produce, and of course, earn garden bragging rights.
Incorporating trees, hedges or climbing plants can be a perfect way to create visual barriers and a sense of privacy.
If speed is a priority, bamboo is fast-growing option, and for those willing to play the long game, a clematis can also make for a beautiful privacy screen over time.
Looking to add a structural element? Trellis is a fantastic choice and can cost just £15 - £20 per panel.
A sure-fire way to boost your property's value is to improve your garden security.
Ensuring you have robust fencing, strategically planted borders and gates with strong locks and bolts are all basic measures to undertake.
Motion-activated lights are a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution, and are best placed near access points such as back doors or gates.
Opting for gravel paths can also make it more challenging for an intruder to approach quietly at a budget-friendly cost of just £10-£30 per square meter.
Gardening mistakes that could get you fined
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. "
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add.
'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
"Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.'
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros.
However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
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