Latest news with #FionaJenkins
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to get rid of natural item on lawns - it's not moss
Lawns can be incredibly hard to keep green - but one expert has cited a common reason why yours could be dull and drab If you notice your garden looking dull and dry there may be a common culprit – which has nothing to do with moss, weeds or temperature. With the sun finally making an appearance, Brits are finally getting back into their gardens to host barbecues, tend flower patches and lounge outside with a good book. However, the brighter days are also exposing unkempt lawns. Over a long, dark rainy stretch, you may notice a build-up of thatch. Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert from explains: 'Thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings, roots, and organic matter that, over time, will build up between the soil surface and the actively growing grass.' One of the major causes of rapid thatch production is overwatering your grass. This cause shallow root growth, which means grass will grow quickly before dying off, leading to an exponential build-up of dead matter. Fiona continues: 'The more this builds up, the more it starts to act like a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from getting to the soil. This restricts the grass's access to these essential resources, resulting in a thinner and weaker turf with a duller green colour.' Aside from ruining its health and appearance, thatch can also negatively impact the texture of your grass. Thatch has a strange, spongy texture which can feel unpleasant underfoot. This is only amplified by the fact that the dark, enclosed habitat that thatch creates also makes a prime spot for moss. Moss also has a spongy texture and thrives in dim, damp conditions. Even worse, the dense material makes the perfect hiding place for pests. These can include anything from spiders to mites to the dreaded chafer grubs – which are known to chew up grass roots, weakening your grass even further. So, how do you get rid of it? Luckily, dethatching is a relatively simple process that doesn't require any complicated or expensive tools. Fiona advises simply going over your lawn with the garden rake. Not only will it help dig out the dead grass, it will also help promote 'a healthier, thicker, and greener' garden. Other tips for preventing a build up of thatch include not overwatering your soil. You should also make sure your soil is well aerated, which you can achieve by poking through it with a garden fork. Equally, it's important not to overfertilise your soil. Similar to overwatering, this can cause your grass to grow too rapidly, leading to a pile-up of dead matter.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Gardening expert's key advice for making sure your lawn is green and lush all summer
A thick, lush lawn can sometimes seem out of reach, but there are ways to make your grass look greener than ever - and it will work not only this summer but for seasons to come Achieving a lush, green lawn can be quite the challenge, but it's not impossible, especially with some expert guidance. Figuring out what your grass requires to thrive can be complex, and sometimes hopes for a thick and beautiful lawn seem just a dream. However, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins from has shared her insights on how to get your grass looking more vibrant than ever before. She assures that with the right approach, you can enjoy a greener lawn not only this summer but in future seasons as well. Fiona advises: "A lush green lawn is something that all gardeners aspire to, particularly during the summer months when we will likely be spending more time outside. There is no quick shortcut to achieving this, but with a little time and effort your grass can become thicker and greener than ever." She shared her essential tips for cultivating that perfect lawn with Devon Live. Here's what she recommends: Feed your lawn Selecting a high-quality fertiliser is crucial for maintaining a healthy, green lawn throughout the year. Fiona cautions that you should only feed your lawn during its growth periods, which means applying fertiliser once in spring and again in autumn. She explains: "A quality spring fertiliser, if applied correctly, should encourage grass to grow thicker and greener. These specialised fertilisers are high in nitrate, which is key in stimulating the chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis. "Autumn fertilisers are designed to encourage the growth of grass roots and boost the overall health and resistance of your lawn. They may not show the same noticeable results as spring fertilisers in terms of growth and colour but are important for helping your grass to stay strong against cold and frosty conditions." Keep on top of mowing Fiona suggests regular lawn maintenance, saying: "We are currently in the midst of 'No Mow May', an initiative that encourages people to refrain from mowing their lawns during May to support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. On the whole, however, regular mowing is an important step in making your grass greener and thicker." She further explains the benefits of consistent mowing saying: "Regular mowing encourages grass to grow through a process known as the 'stimulation effect'. The principle works much the same as how we are advised to get our hair trimmed regularly to enable it to grow faster! "When you mow your lawn consistently to a good height you are removing the top portion of the grass blades, which prompts it to produce new shoots and leaves to compensate, resulting in a denser turf. It also has the additional benefit of removing any weeds which may be stealing sunlight, nutrients, and water from your grass." Don't mow too short The advice also includes a caution not to trim the grass too short. While regular mowing is crucial, it's just as vital not to cut our lawns too short. Fiona explains, "If you cut too much off your grass, you are putting excessive stress on the plants and inhibiting their ability to photosynthesise effectively by reducing the surface area of the leaves, making them weaker and more vulnerable. "Grass that has been cut too short also lacks the energy reserves necessary for developing a robust root system and will become thinner and less able to compete with weeds. For these reasons, in order to maintain lawn health and vitality, you should avoid cutting any more than one-third of the grass blade length with each mow." Sharpen mower blades Fiona points out the link between the condition of your mower blades and your lawn's health. She explains: "Dull blades can affect lawn quality by tearing the grass rather than making clean cuts. This leads to jagged, uneven edges on the leaves, which stresses them and leaves them looking brown and struggling to grow as they try desperately to repair the damage." To ensure your grass remains in top condition, Fiona advises, "If you want to keep your grass looking lush you should aim to sharpen the blades on your lawn mower at least once per growing season. Using a dedicated blade sharpening tool is highly recommended as this will offer the most effective results with the least amount of effort, as well as coming with all of the necessary safety features." Overseed sparser areas If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear with thinner patches or bald spots cropping up, you might need to consider overseeding these areas with quality grass seeds. Fiona advises: "Adding new seeds to your lawn's current grass will provide more coverage and give it a thicker, denser appearance." Lawn aeration Fiona says regular lawn care is essential, stating: "To achieve thicker, greener, and healthier grass you should be aiming to aerate your lawn every autumn. The process of aeration involves poking lots of small holes into the soil beneath your lawn. "This can be done with a manual aerator or garden fork or, if you have a larger garden, you may wish to invest in an electric aerator which can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Over time your lawn's soil will become compacted due to factors such as foot traffic, heavy machinery, and natural settling, which will in turn restrict root growth and impede the penetration of water, air, and nutrients. Aerating your lawn relieves soil compaction, thus enhancing root development and allowing the grass to access nutrients more effectively." Tackle weeds and moss Additionally, it is important to combat common weeds and moss head-on. These unwelcome guests, including dandelions, daisies, and buttercups, along with moss, are commonplace on British lawns. They detract not only from the hue but also compete with your grass, hobbling its growth and sapping essential sustenance. The expert advises: " Whilst it may be a time-consuming process, pulling out weeds by hand is usually the safest method to avoid damaging your grass – just make sure that you pull them out from the root to prevent regrowth. Many autumn lawn feeds come with a built-in moss killer, and moss can then be raked away gently around 2 weeks after application." Maintain vigilance against thatch Fiona explains that thatch is a layer of dead grass clippings, roots, and organic matter that, over time, will build up between the soil surface and the actively growing grass. She said: "The more this builds up, the more it starts to act like a barrier, preventing water, air, and nutrients from getting to the soil. This restricts the grass's access to these essential resources, resulting in a thinner and weaker turf with a duller green colour. "Thankfully, dethatching is a very simple process that doesn't require any specialist tools! Simply going over your lawn with a sturdy garden rake should do the trick perfectly and promote a healthier, thicker, and greener lawn." Avoid excess shade where possible "You have probably already noticed that grass on shady lawns grows poorly in comparison to that on lawns that get access to full sun," says Fiona. "Grass needs sunlight to grow thick and healthy, so reducing garden objects that could block it out will leave your lawn thankful. "Of course, certain factors are out of our control, but the simplest steps like cutting back a large bush or tree could help your grass to receive those valuable extra couple of hours of sunlight a day!" Keep lawns watered In the UK, we're blessed with a fair amount of rain that usually reduces the need for regular watering of our lawns. However, Fiona advises that during any warmer spells, it's important to keep your lawn hydrated. She says: "If your grass is left looking yellow and sparse due to lack of water and too much hot sunlight, it is a good idea to water it once a day during this period – just be mindful of any current restrictions, such as hose pipe bans!"
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The 8 hidden garden problems in that could be pointing to a MUCH bigger issue & it's bad news if yours has a weird smell
PATCHY lawns and annoying pests are just two of the problems you might encounter in your garden. But did you know there's a whole host of hidden ones that could be pointing to a much bigger issue in yours? 3 3 According to a gardening expert, one of the biggest signs is a weird smell in your green space - which could be an indicator of decay in your flowerbeds. "A strange smell in your garden can easily be overlooked but is a huge red flag as foul odours may indicate root rot or bacterial infections in your plants," Fiona Jenkins at explained. If you get a whiff of anything unusual in the garden, you should examine your plants for "any signs of disease or decay". "Addressing the root cause is crucial to preventing the problem from worsening, and your gardening habits may need adjusting," Fiona explained. Remove any decayed material, and use "appropriate treatments to stop the spread of infection". "Sometimes, plants may give off a natural scent, but you can never be too careful, and it is important to ensure that it is not indicative of a problem," Fiona concluded. Another sign of a hidden problem in your garden to look out for is yellowing leaves, as it's "an indicator of improper watering or nutrient deficiencies". "Overwatering can suffocate roots while underwatering dehydrates them, both leading to yellow leaves," Fiona said. "A lack of essential nutrients can also lie at the heart of the discolouration issue." To address the problem, have a look at your watering schedule - it might be that it "needs some simple tweaks". B&M launches their children's outdoor range which is perfect for summer - there's a £2 bargain that'll easily keep the kids entertained "If this doesn't solve the problem, it may be worth conducting a soil test to see what nutrients your plants are missing and invest in a good quality fertiliser to restore them to full health," she advised. A similar issue is pointed out by discoloured flowers, which can show that they are "in distress". "Environmental factors such as extreme heat or cold can cause discolouration, as can nutrient imbalances," Fiona said. "Start by evaluating the conditions – it may be as simple as adjusting sunlight exposure or providing more shade to the area. "A soil test will reveal any nutrient deficiencies, which can then be addressed with the right fertilisers to restore vitality." Japanese Knotweed, mould and mildew and annoying pests such as caterpillars and fruit flies can point to a bigger garden problem, as well as plants' stunted growth. The 8 hidden problems that could be pointing to a bigger issue in your garden GARDENING expert Fiona Jenkins at shares the early warning signs to look out in your garden for before the minor issues turn into major ones and prevent yours from thriving. This can indicate a root problem, which you can test for by "gently checking" the root. "Healthy roots should be white and firm," Fiona noted. "If rot is present, reduce your watering schedule and improve soil drainage as well as regularly inspecting for pests that may be targeting the roots. "By maintaining root health, you are ensuring that your plants have a strong foundation to support their growth." And lastly - one of the most obvious problems few gardens avoid - weeds. "Like many other garden plants, weeds thrive in the warm summer weather and could be taking away essential sunlight, water and nutrients from your beautiful summer flowers," Fiona said. "Applying a deep layer of mulch to your soil during the spring months can suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and conserving soil moisture. "If you do see any weeds start to sprout, remove them promptly by hand, pulling them out or using garden tools to ensure that they do not regrow." 3
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- General
- Business Mayor
Expert reveals best ways to save water while keeping gardens green and lush this summer
Expert reveals best ways to save water while keeping gardens green and lush (Image: Getty) Growing a lush, thriving garden isn't just about mastering the basics. Many green-fingered enthusiasts encounter problems like exhausted soil, pests, or limited space. However, with a few savvy tips and tricks, you can easily overcome these hurdles and transform your garden into the verdant haven of your dreams. Here are some top tips from gardening guru Fiona Jenkins at that can enhance your garden's health and productivity – and the best Amazon products to shop for that are sure to take your garden set up to a whole new level. READ MORE: Molly-Mae calls this seriously hydrating £28 body lotion 'one of the best I've ever used' READ MORE: 'Sturdy and lightweight' Galaxy Tablet with 'long battery life' gets major £70 price cut Wasting water is detrimental to your garden and the environment. Fiona points out that sophisticated watering techniques can conserve water, ensure plants receive exactly what they need without wastage and overwatering, and maintain healthy roots. Drip systems gradually supply water directly to the roots of grass, trees, and plants. Setting up timers means you don't have to water manually, and these systems use significantly less water than traditional hoses. Check out this MIXC Irrigation System on Amazon (£19.99), which boasts a flow rate of 6.7-7 L/Hour and a maximum spray diameter of 0.3m. This irrigation system can save up to 70% of water compared to manual watering, and it comes equipped with two water outlet modes (columnar and misty), which make it easy to adjust the water flow to your plants' needs, waving goodbye to the woes of overwatering. This MIXC Irrigation System Greenhouse Watering Systems costs £19.99 on Amazon (Image: Amazon) This drip irrigation kit can be used for a variety of outdoor areas, including agriculture, lawns, gardens, greenhouses, and conservatories. It provides a cool and refreshing environment for your plants, helping them thrive without the hassle of manual watering. Plus, it comes with an automatic timer, so you don't have to worry about your plants' needs throughout the day. Or, if you're looking for a larger set-up, B&Q offers this 60-piece set for £38. Fiona also notes that you can use greywater to sustain your plants, a more environmentally friendly option. Greywater is water used in baths, sinks, or washing machines. If you filter it thoroughly, you can repurpose it for plants. Be sure to steer clear of water with harsh chemicals or soaps that could damage plants or soil life, and always check local regulations before using greywater. Another investment worth making involves the modern tools on the market, which make gardening simpler. For instance, using sensors and apps can help you better comprehend your garden's needs. Sensors can inform you precisely when your plants require water or fertiliser, preventing waste and keeping plants healthy. They can also provide real-time data on soil conditions. This Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor is now £35.29 down from £56.99 on Amazon (Image: Amazon) Specific apps and software can also assist you in planning planting schedules, setting reminders, and tracking growth. They're a fantastic way to enhance your gardening knowledge and keep everything in order. For those who don't mind splashing some cash, Amazon offers a great solar-powered sensor system with its own handy app that lets you keep up to date on your garden's stats. Check out the Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor for £35. Or you can pick one up from The Range for its full price of £56.99.
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Expert reveals best ways to save water while keeping gardens green and lush
If you're looking for ways to keep your garden lush and green through the spring and summer months, we've got an expert's insight into the best tips and tricks to use this season Growing a lush, thriving garden isn't just about mastering the basics. Many green-fingered enthusiasts encounter problems like exhausted soil, pests, or limited space. However, with a few savvy tips and tricks, you can easily overcome these hurdles and transform your garden into the verdant haven of your dreams. Here are some top tips from gardening guru Fiona Jenkins at that can enhance your garden's health and productivity - and the best Amazon products to shop for that are sure to take your garden set up to a whole new level. Wasting water is detrimental to your garden and the environment. Fiona points out that sophisticated watering techniques can conserve water, ensure plants receive exactly what they need without wastage and overwatering, and maintain healthy roots. Drip systems gradually supply water directly to the roots of grass, trees, and plants. Setting up timers means you don't have to water manually, and these systems use significantly less water than traditional hoses. Check out this MIXC Irrigation System on Amazon (£19.99), which boasts a flow rate of 6.7-7 L/Hour and a maximum spray diameter of 0.3m. This irrigation system can save up to 70% of water compared to manual watering, and it comes equipped with two water outlet modes (columnar and misty), which make it easy to adjust the water flow to your plants' needs, waving goodbye to the woes of overwatering. This drip irrigation kit can be used for a variety of outdoor areas, including agriculture, lawns, gardens, greenhouses, and conservatories. It provides a cool and refreshing environment for your plants, helping them thrive without the hassle of manual watering. Plus, it comes with an automatic timer, so you don't have to worry about your plants' needs throughout the day. Or, if you're looking for a larger set-up, B&Q offers this 60-piece set for £38. Fiona also notes that you can use greywater to sustain your plants, a more environmentally friendly option. Greywater is water used in baths, sinks, or washing machines. If you filter it thoroughly, you can repurpose it for plants. Be sure to steer clear of water with harsh chemicals or soaps that could damage plants or soil life, and always check local regulations before using greywater. Another investment worth making involves the modern tools on the market, which make gardening simpler. For instance, using sensors and apps can help you better comprehend your garden's needs. Sensors can inform you precisely when your plants require water or fertiliser, preventing waste and keeping plants healthy. They can also provide real-time data on soil conditions. Specific apps and software can also assist you in planning planting schedules, setting reminders, and tracking growth. They're a fantastic way to enhance your gardening knowledge and keep everything in order. For those who don't mind splashing some cash, Amazon offers a great solar-powered sensor system with its own handy app that lets you keep up to date on your garden's stats. Check out the Gardena Soil Moisture Sensor for £35. Or you can pick one up from The Range for its full price of £56.99.
