Latest news with #AlanTitchmarsh
Daily Mirror
20 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
'This grass seed repaired my lawn in a couple of weeks'
The winter and a big project had left my lawn in a poor state, so I was in need of some grass seed to help it recover. I decided to give the Pronto Seed Premium Grass Seed a try, and I was delighted with the results I'm a keen gardener, not quite up to Alan Titchmarsh's standards, but I take pride in keeping my outdoor space looking its best. So, I was devastated when winter left my lawn in a sorry state. After a project that involved digging up half the garden and shifting topsoil, it was in dire need of repair. The cost of turf was eye-watering, so I opted for grass seed instead. I was thrilled with the results and how quickly my lawn returned to normal. With so many options available, it was hard to know where to start. I chose the Pronto Seed Premium Grass Seed, a 1.4kg box priced at £14.49 on Amazon. Described as "fast acting and hardwearing", it sounded perfect for the job. With Amazon Prime's speedy delivery, it arrived the next day, and I got to work sowing it, reports Wales Online. Having rejuvenated my lawn before, I knew the drill. I used a fork to loosen the compacted soil, mixed the seed with compost, and kept it watered with a hosepipe during a dry spell. To my delight, after just over a week, the seed started to sprout. Once the seeds began to sprout, progress was rapid. Within days, the impact was noticeable, and after just over two weeks, the grass was nearly back to normal. The product's claimed 7-14 day timeframe held true in my experience, and its promise of "lush, green coverage in no time" was also fulfilled. However, I did notice a drawback in the shadier areas of my garden. The presence of a large acer tree, while visually stunning, means that certain spots receive limited sunlight. In these areas, the seed didn't grow as well, and although it did sprout, the grass was noticeably thinner. If your garden has similar shaded areas, it's worth taking this into consideration. Alternatively, you could opt for shade-tolerant grass seed, such as Gro-Sure Shady Lawn Seed, which is available at Wickes for £9. This specialized seed is designed to thrive in drier, shadier conditions and features a blue coating that deters birds and nourishes the seed. The packaging also includes a convenient built-in seed applicator. If you're a pet owner looking for the perfect grass seed, the Pegdev Pet Friendly Grass Seed (£17.20) from B&Q might just be your answer. It's designed to leave "fewer bare patches" and is touted as "low maintenance", with an impressive ability to bounce back from "rapid recovery from pet damage". Customers have been sharing their experiences with the Pronto seed, with one saying: "I used this Pronto Seed to overseed some patchy areas in my garden, and the results were impressive. Within a week, I noticed new grass sprouting, and by two weeks, the lawn looked much fuller and healthier." However, not everyone was completely satisfied, as another customer gave it three stars and remarked: "I had high hopes for this grass seed, but the results were just OK. The germination rate was decent, but it took longer than expected for the grass to fill in." On the flip side, another buyer was over the moon, stating: "I recently purchased Pronto Seed Grass Seed to rejuvenate my lawn, and I am thrilled with the results! After carefully preparing my garden and ensuring the right conditions for growth, I can confidently say that this product has exceeded my expectations in delivering a lush, green lawn."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh says 'it's a good idea' in 3-step formula for perfect planters
Alan Titchmarsh has shared his tips for creating the perfect garden planters, and the good news is that you don't need to be an expert to follow his advice No matter if they're setting the scene in a stately rural plot or giving greenery a leg-up on a compact city terrace, containers are a garden's best friend. Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh swears by one golden rule for pot perfection and that is to craft a mini garden in each vessel. On his YouTube channel, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, he revealed that he sorts plants into three groups; thrillers, fillers, and spillers, aiming for a mix of all three in every large pot. Thrillers steal the show – these are the lofty, eye-catching flowers that stand tall, drawing attention as the centrepiece. For fillers, Alan opts for plants with staying power, chosen for their lush leaves: "It's always a good idea to have some foliage in your container as well as flowers," he advises. "Foliage lasts much longer than flowers." And for the finishing touch, Alan's "spillers" – such as ground ivy – tumble over the pot's rim, softening its silhouette with a natural flourish. Alan's Cottage Garden Planter Alan crafted his cottage garden pot around a tasteful, neutral versailles style wooden planter. He underscores the importance of lining wooden planters with polythene to shield them from moist soil and prevent decay. The gardening expert has also dazzled enthusiasts with his latest creation, a 'Dottie Mix' foxglove centrepiece, meticulously positioned to show off its finest angle. He's complemented the foxglove with Hosta Albomarginata, Acabius Butterfly Blue, and two shades of Osteospermum; Rose Bicolour and Senorita Double Lovely Pink. The final flourish is a dainty ivy named Hedera Little Diamond, which serves as Alan's chosen spiller. Alan's Contemporary Pot For those seeking a modern flair for their garden, Alan has designed a contemporary look nestled in a chic grey composite pot, Agapanthus 'Armourette' takes centre stage, flanked by Geranium Pratense Storm Cloud, French Lavender, and the striking Heuchera Black Pearl. Alan enthuses over the Black Pearl's ability to mimic stained glass when caught in the right light, its deep crimson leaves echoing the geranium's red accents for a truly captivating display. The Annuals trough Switching gears, Alan's annual trough offers a vibrant alternative: "If you want a container that's really punchy, and hits you between the eyes – in a nice sort of way – annuals are the plants to use," he recommends, showcasing an array of annuals in a charming wooden trough. His showstopper was a vibrant pink Geranium – Pelargonium – taking centre stage in his "very unsubtle but very bright and very cheerful wooden trough." Complementing the geranium were a lively Calibrachoa Million Bell and a fragrant Nemesia Wisley Vanilla, adding a delightful aroma and pop of colour to the arrangement. Alan stressed the importance of proper watering when it comes to planters, cautioning: "Remember when it comes to watering they're going to need quite a lot." He explained that the high density of plants in a small area of compost necessitates regular watering, as rainfall is often ineffective. "There's a lot of plants in a relatively small area of compost here. Rainfall won't do much good because the whole collection of foliage acts like an umbrella and the rain will run off," he shared. As a result, Alan emphasised that it's up to the individual to ensure the plants receive adequate water, especially during the summer months. "So it's you in charge of watering. And during the summer they'll need watering at least once a day," he added.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh's 'simple' and 'magic' hack to kill weeds in an instant
Alan Titchmarsh has shared his 'magic' hack to kill weeds in the garden without using chemicals, which is perfect if you want to avoid backbreaking weeding in the summer heat Summer's arrival means many are eager to lounge in their gardens, not wrestle with weeds. Weeds can be a real blight on paths, and it's crucial to tackle them swiftly as they draw pests into gardens and vie with plants for essentials like sunlight, water and nutrients. Fortunately, gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has disclosed a straightforward method to dispatch weeds without resorting to harsh chemicals or futile efforts. On the Gardeners' World Magazine podcast, Alan divulged that the most effective natural way to annihilate weeds and hit them at the root is by dousing them with boiling water straight from the kettle. Alan advised: "On gravel paths, a bit of boiling water works a bit of magic." Simply boil your kettle, then cautiously transport the sealed kettle to the patio weeds, and pour the scalding water directly onto the weeds to target them accurately. The intense heat will immediately wilt the weed leaves, preventing them from photosynthesising and proliferating in your garden, reports the Express. However, eradicating these stubborn plants might require two or three attempts, as the boiling water technique gradually destroys the weed and its root, ensuring it won't sprout anew. After just a few hours of the initial boiling water treatment, weeds will appear withered and damaged, but persist with the hot water assaults to guarantee they're gone for good. The method of using boiling water to kill weeds should only be applied on patios, pathways and driveways as it will target the roots of any plants it comes into contact with, including lawn grass and flowers. To eradicate weeds in your garden, it's best to uproot them. However, according to Alan, this doesn't have to be a strenuous task as he suggests using a Dutch hoe to simplify the process. Alan advised: "It makes it easier to keep down annual weeds simply by skimming a hoe between the rows. The important thing to do is skim, not dig." For smaller weeds that tend to sneak into the nooks and crannies of flowerbeds, Alan recommends using a hand fork or simply yanking them out by hand once you spot them in the garden. The optimal way to handle lawn weeds, according to Alan, is to "just keep mowing", as maintaining a regular lawn care schedule will prevent these pesky plants from sprouting in the first place. Giving Alan's weed-killing advice a go is a swift and simple way to eliminate weeds so you can spend more time savouring your garden this summer.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh says 'if it all finishes tomorrow' as he opens up on tough times
Gardening expert and ITV presenter Alan Titchmarsh, who has been on our screens since 1979, has opened up about his long career and says he has a "lot to be grateful for" Alan Titchmarsh has candidly reflected on his illustrious career and acknowledges he has "a lot to be grateful for". The beloved TV personality, who first graced our screens back in 1979, has a portfolio packed with shows like Ground Force, Gardeners' World, and the Alan Titchmarsh Show. At 76, the Yorkshire-born presenter reminisced about his initial steps in the limelight. He's lent his expertise to BBC Radio 4's You and Yours and The Today Programme as a gardening guru, and, even before fame, he edited gardening books and penned his own. However, Alan, hailing from Ilkley, West Riding, pointed out that "many people don't realise how difficult" life was in 1950s Yorkshire. He admits the need for "realistic aspirations" was a driving force in his early life. With just one O Level to his name upon leaving school, Alan began his journey as an apprentice gardener with Ilkley Council. His passion for plants propelled him through studies at the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture, leading to a coveted position at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. In a frank discussion with Saga magazine, Alan offered this stark take on youthful ambition: "There seemed no point in having any." He humbly added: "So, if it all finishes tomorrow, I will have a lot to be grateful for. I'm of an age now where not many people my age are on the box, but I'm still doing new things and I've still got my hair." Currently embracing digital trends with recent ventures into YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, Alan is keen to "give people their money's worth". With a sense of gratitude, he comments on feeling "blessed" to prolong his tenure in media. Alan recently revealed that he's been cutting down on his workload, confessing that he's stopped working on Fridays and sometimes even Mondays. Discussing his choice to take a step back, he commented: "It's the old cliché, but you can't get it back", alluding to the invaluable time spent with loved ones. "My oldest grandchild has just hit 13 and you think, 'Oh crumbs! I've got a teenager as a grandchild now'." Together with his wife Ali, to whom he's been married for over half a century, they share two daughters, Polly and Camilla, and are proud grandparents to four. Despite not anticipating such a packed agenda at his age, Alan still relishes the work that keeps coming his way. The cherished television gardener is set to grace our screens again this week with Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh. Scheduled for 9.30am on ITV One, the show will feature guests Anita Dobson, Tom Allen, and Amol Rajan. Garden expert Camilla Bassett-Smith will give us a glimpse into her summer diary, while there's also a segment for wildlife enthusiasts to catch up with the brown bears at Jimmy's Farm. Andy Clarke will be on hand to talk about the top tipples and snacks.
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- General
- North Wales Live
'This fast-growing grass seed repaired my lawn in a couple of weeks'
I'm a keen gardener. Definitely not Alan Titchmarsh levels, but I like to keep my outdoor slice of paradise looking in good nick. So I was dismayed to discover the absolute havoc winter wreaked on my lawn. Add in a project that involved me digging up half the garden and having to shift a load of topsoil, and it was in a bit of a state. After taking a look at the price of turf and gulping, I turned to grass seed, only to be delighted with the results - and how quickly the lawn is looking back to normal. Combing through the reviews of the tidal wave of options, it's really difficult to know where to start. I settled on the Pronto Seed Premium Grass Seed, which comes in a 1.4kg box and is priced at £14.49 on Amazon. Said to be "fast acting and hardwearing" it sounded good to me, so I decided to give it a whirl. With the usual Amazon Prime speediness, it arrived the next day and I set to work sowing it. This wasn't my first rodeo when it comes to rejuvenating the lawn, so I made sure to use a fork to disturb the compacted soil a bit and mixed the seed with some compost to ensure the best chance of success. Similarly, we'd had a pretty dry spell with next to no rain, so I made sure to keep the seed watered with a hosepipe, and to my delight, after just over a week the seed began shooting up. There was no stopping it once those green shoots started appearing and within a matter of days after that it was really making an impact, with the grass almost back to normal after just over two weeks. The product description claims it works within 7-14 days, something I've found to be true, while it promises "lush, green coverage in no time", a statement that's also stood up in my experience. The only downside I've discovered is how it's grown in some of the shadier parts. There's a beautiful acer tree in my garden that's stunning but also sort of takes over a bit and hogs a lot of the sunlight. As such, it means there are a couple of spots that spend much of the day in the shade. It's noticeable in these areas that the seed hasn't grown as well, and while it has sprouted, the grass definitely isn't as thick here, so it's worth considering if your garden has shady areas. Specific shade-tolerated grass seed is also available, like the Gro-Sure Shady Lawn Seed that's priced at £9 at Wickes. That particular seed is designed to thrive in drier, shady conditions. It also has a clever blue coating that helps to keep birds away and nourishes the seed, while the pack features a handy built in easy to use seed applicator. As I've already mentioned, there's a whole variety of grass seed out there. One product worth flagging if you have a dog is the Pegdev Pet Friendly Grass Seed (£17.20) at B&Q. Promising "fewer bare patches", the seed is said to be "low maintenance" and has "rapid recovery from pet damage". Other shoppers also seem to be very happy with the Pronto seed. One said: "I used this Pronto Seed to overseed some patchy areas in my garden, and the results were impressive. Within a week, I noticed new grass sprouting, and by two weeks, the lawn looked much fuller and healthier." Another wasn't quite as impressed, giving three stars: "I had high hopes for this grass seed, but the results were just OK. The germination rate was decent, but it took longer than expected for the grass to fill in." But a different shopper was delighted, adding: "I recently purchased Pronto Seed Grass Seed to rejuvenate my lawn, and I am thrilled with the results! After carefully preparing my garden and ensuring the right conditions for growth, I can confidently say that this product has exceeded my expectations in delivering a lush, green lawn."
