Latest news with #ChimneySheep
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Strawberries will be slug free if one surprising natural item is placed around plant
Strawberry plants are most at risk of being attacked by slugs in June when they are at their peak so it is important that gardeners know how to safely protect their harvest from pests. Strawberries are close to being fully ripe and ready to harvest in June but gardeners have been issued a warning that their whole crop will spoil if they do not watch out for slugs. The month of June is when strawberry plants are at their most vulnerable as hungry slugs go crazy for the natural sugars in ripening berries and can chomp through an entire patch overnight. This is the last thing any keen gardener wants to see after all their hard work but it is highly recommended not to spray harsh chemical repellents to eliminate the pests near any crops you want to eat. Instead, Sally Phillips, the creator of Chimney Sheep, has revealed a natural yet very powerful way to keep slugs away - using sheep wool. Sally said: 'Wool is also a fantastic natural deterrent if slugs and snails are munching on your strawberry plant. Our felt shillies are perfect to deter the cheeky molluscs as they hate the feeling of the scratchy wool felt on their bodies." It may sound strange but sheep wool contains lanolin, which is a waxy substance that quickly dries out slugs and damages them, making these critters wary of crawling over it, the Express reports. Sheep wool also contains natural oils and salt that are built from sheep sweat, which also harms slugs. In addition to this, the wool has a roughly prickly texture that slugs find extremely annoying to touch. This is a simple and eco-friendly way to create a barrier between the strawberrys and the slugs but also helps plants to stay healthy in the summer heat. Sheep wool is very absorbent and will allow water to slowly seep into the soil which will keep the strawberries hydrated for much longer. This material also helps the soil keep a cooler temperatures so the strawberry plants are sheltered from stress in the hot climate, which can lead to a higher fruit harvest. How to use sheep wool to keep slugs away from strawberries To start, shred the wool into much smaller pieces and scatter it around the base of the strawberry plant. Sheep wool can block water from getting to the roots due to its thick texture which can easily mat and clump together. Therefore, it's important to ensure it is spread in a thin layer to stop it from smothering the soil. Do not let sheep wool touch the stems or leaves. Sheep wool can retain a lot of moisture, which can be a great benefit for plants out in summer. However, too much water can cause any touching foliage to rot. Once you have added the sheep wool, give it a deep watering to help it mix into the soil and begin to break down. The wool naturally forms a barrier to protect the strawberries from any slugs foraging in your garden. You can also combine sheep wool with other natural deterrents such as crushed eggshells and coffee grounds to keep these slimy critters away from your fruit.
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Get bigger strawberries by burying one surprising natural item in the soil
Strawberries require more nitrogen in the spring than most other garden plants. Failure to do this will result in thin and weak stems which will not be strong enough to produce fruit Strawberries are in need of a bit more love in springtime, seeking out more nitrogen than many other plants in the garden - but there's a straightforward solution to help them flourish. Nitrogen is key as it fuels foliage growth, which becomes particularly crucial in April with the stems just beginning to sprout. Should strawberries find themselves short on nitrogen, you'll notice their stems turning weak and flimsy, unable to support the promise of plump, luscious fruit. But not to worry, Sally Phillips, the gardening expert and brainchild behind Chimney Sheep, has come forward with a natural, budget-friendly tip for perking up your berries. She suggests: "A great way of giving your strawberry plant a boost is by adding nitrogen to the soil in the form of sheep's wool or wool pellets. "Nitrogen occurs naturally in sheep's wool and will be released into the soil as the wool composts down, ensuring your strawberry plant grows big and strong!". It might sound odd, but shredded sheep wool is teeming with nitrogen that decomposes gradually, providing your strawberries with a sustained feed throughout the season, reports the Express. The benefit of nitrogen goes beyond merely bolstering stem girth; it also fosters the growth of larger leaves, translating to enhanced energy for the plant and subsequently bulkier fruits. What's more, sheep wool acts like a sponge to retain moisture, meaning that encircling your strawberry plants with it will aid in keeping the soil perfectly damp and reduce evaporation, ensuring your berries remain quenched even when temperatures soar. The wool also contains lanolin, a natural oil known to deter slugs and snails as these pests struggle to crawl on the waxy substance due to it drying out their bodies. How to use sheep wool in your garden You can find wool pellets in most gardening centres and online stores. However, local farmers may also sell excess wool during this time of year, which is the shearing season. To utilise sheep wool, shred the wool into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to break down and prevents it from clumping together. Next, simply scatter two to three inches of wool in a thin, even layer around the soil of your strawberries. Be careful not to use too much wool as it is very dense. Overuse could block water or sunlight from reaching the soil. Work the wool slightly into the topsoil to mix it in, give your strawberry plants a good watering, and you'll see your strawberry plants flourish with plump berries come summer.
