Latest news with #Gardeners'World
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to tackle common weed problem 'before it's too late'
Gardeners are being urged to complete this one gardening job in August to prevent bigger tasks in the upcoming seasons - and it will only take a few minutes from your day Weeds can quickly take over your garden space during the summer, which is why gardeners must tackle them immediately. The sooner, the better. August is a crucial month for gardening, as it marks the last month of summer and the arrival of a much colder autumn season. Transitioning from hot temperatures to colder ones can affect gardens as much as it affects humans. Gardeners' World has made it much easier for gardening experts and aficionados by releasing a monthly checklist. Just a heads up, it's a long list. The site wrote: "Clear weeds from cracks in paving and driveways before they get established.' UK households urged to spray washing up liquid across their gardens "Remove problem lawn weeds, digging them out," they also added. Although this can be completed throughout the year whenever needed, what a perfect excuse to do two jobs in one go. One thing that's for sure is that weeds are an inescapable aspect of the British outdoors. Some of the most common ones are the dandelions, daisies and spiky milk thistles. Although not all plants are at risk, some weeds can cause damage to your hard-worked outdoor areas. One of the problems posed by weeds is that they grow in dense patches, sucking all the nutrients from the soil, leaving other plants, such as grass, with barely anything to hold on to. Weeds also tend to grow between pavements and driveways, which can cause damage to the structure. Therefore, removing them from the garden should be done to prevent them from seeding and expanding elsewhere. Also, to ensure that your patios remain as tidy and organised as possible. On the other hand, weeds can also be beneficial for our gardens, but they have to be managed strategically depending on the season. For example, different weeds can improve soil health and provide nutrients and habitat for wildlife. Some of the benefits listed by weeds are their high levels of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen, which are essential for plant health, as explained by Gardening Know How. With the summer temperatures, brighter and longer days, now is the best time to complete these tasks. Indeed, it might require some time from your busy schedules to complete, but there's no better feeling than a beautiful garden during the summer. As we enter the final stages of summer in the UK, now is the time to get to it and complete some gardening tasks to enjoy our patios and even host a barbecue party, am I right? Happy gardening!
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Alan Titchmarsh shares top five drought-resistant plants every UK garden needs
As the British summer becomes increasingly hotter and drier each year, some green-fingered enthusiasts are considering transitioning to gardens that can withstand the changing climate. Following a third blistering heatwave in Britain, with forecasts of yet another spell of intense heat on the horizon, it's becoming clear that scorching summers are here to stay, prompting gardeners to prepare for drier conditions. With hosepipe bans looming in Yorkshire until winter, and other UK regions likely to follow, now is the time to contemplate creating a drought-tolerant garden. Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh, known for his work on Gardeners' World and Ground Force, has taken to his YouTube channel to recommend several plants that can flourish despite stringent hosepipe restrictions: "I'm always looking for drought-resistant plants that can cope with less water," he remarks. The Sun Rose The delicate blooms of Cistus Pulverulentus Sunset, which Alan describes as looking like "they've been made from tissue paper," belie its hardy nature. "Cystus is a shrub which is semi evergreen," Alan says, "It's fairly low. It tends to make low mounds and in that respect, it's really useful, particularly in small gardens." Those delicate flowers come along in late spring and early summer, and while each one will only last a short time, it will soon be followed by another one. The Rock Rose Helianthemum "scrambles over rocks in a rock garden," Alan says, or it can provide an excellent decorative edge to borders. It's another low-growing plant, he adds: "It never grows much more than about nine inches to a foot high. And it can be studded with flowers of either white, yellow, pink or orange." The variation Alan picked, which is called "The Bride," features flowers that are white with a yellow centre, like miniature fried eggs. The Rock Rose thrives in really dry, arid, rocky conditions: "You don't need to grow it in a rock garden," Alan says "Just make sure that with all these plants, as well as enjoying sunshine, the soil is well drained." Stonecrop Sedum is a hardy long-lived perennial that, with a little care, will flower reliably for many summers to come. Alan picked out the Sedum Sunsparkler Plum Dazzled as his personal favourite. Despite thriving in warm, dry conditions, Sedum is known as "the ice plant," and Alan explains the remarkable reason why. "When you feel the leaves, even on a warm day, they're cold to the touch," he says, adding that they're a great asset in a sensory garden for children. They're also a good choice for late summer interest, Alan adds: "If you've got a garden that is always at its best in June and then it sort of fizzles out come the end of summer. The sedums are fab, flowering right the way through July, August, September on towards the frost." Sea Holly Alan says that Eryngium are really effective plants for a warm, hot, dry, sunny border. "They have really thick roots," he says, "and those thick roots are capable of drilling down and finding moisture where they need them." Unlike the previous entries in Alan's list, they can grow quite tall, meaning that Eryngium can be placed towards the back of a display. They're also an excellent choice, dried, to provide an indoor floral display during the winter. Lily of the Nile Agapanthus takes the number one spot in Alan's list. It's a much more forgiving plant than it used to be, he says: "They used to be quite tender. Hardier ones have been bred now. And the label on this plant claims it will go down to minus 12° C, provided that drainage at the roots is good." While you can find white varieties, Alan prefers the classic vivid blue of Ever Sapphire, which he says is set off particularly well when placed in a classic terracotta pot. It will thrive in well-drained soil that receives full sun, and as an additional bonus, Agapanthus is quite resistant to most garden pests.
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to keep hold of avocado stones for crucial reason
Avocados are a staple in many people's diets and it turns out that you can actually grow your own plants from the stone. Here's everything you need to know about growing avocados at home Avocados have become a breakfast staple, especially among health-conscious foodies and Instagram aficionados, earning the title ' Millennial favourite'. Many people frequently enjoy them slathered on toast or included in Buddha bowls. But there's a catch – avocados don't come cheap, largely due to their import costs. Originating from Central America, these rough-skinned green fruits thrive in tropical climates, a far cry from Britain's comparatively cooler weather and damp conditions. However, avocado enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief because you can actually grow these fruits right in your own home. Plus, they double up as stylish houseplants with their shiny leaves and slender stems, adding a dash of elegance to any space. Next time you're scooping out an avocado, think twice before binning the pit. Green-fingered experts suggest that this seed could sprout into your very own avocado tree. But it's not all plain sailing; it requires a bit of TLC. As Gardener's World notes: "If you like a challenge and have plenty of patience, you can grow an avocado from seed using supermarket-bought avocado – simply pot the stone in a pot of moist compost and wait for the shoot to appear," reports the Mirror. However, they caution against using just any avocado variety; for instance, the Haas might not be the best candidate for propagation. To successfully germinate avocado seeds, they need the perfect environment – warm, damp, and humid conditions are key. The gardening gurus at Gardeners' World have a nifty trick: pierce the stone with four toothpicks. Dangle it over a cup of water, ensuring the base is submerged. Stick it in a toasty corner and within six weeks, you might spot roots sprouting. They suggest shifting your budding seed to a peat-free compost blend after germination. Bear in mind, the soil shouldn't contain much peat, since avocados thrive in sandy, mineral-rich earth. Alternatively, let your seed soak up sun and warmth on a windowsill until it begins to split, then pot it. Or, bury it pre-sprout in moist soil and leave it to germinate somewhere warm and dim. Gardeners' World recommend: "Check it regularly and make sure it doesn't dry out. When shoots have appeared on your plant, place it in a sunny spot and keep it well watered." After your avocado baby starts to shoot up, upgrade it to a spacious pot. Remember, avocados don't do well in frost, so indoors or a greenhouse is their happy place. To look after your avocado plant, you should water it diligently and provide it with liquid feed every two weeks. However, bear in mind that you might be waiting a decade for homemade guacamole, as they're slow to fruit even under the best care.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to make urgent change to 3 vegetables growing in July
As July is expected to bring more hot temperatures in the coming days, gardeners are being warned over the extra TLC their veggie plants need Gardeners growing three popular vegetables in their gardens have been urged to make some quick-thinking changes as more hot weather moves in. Experts at Gardeners' World have named the top vegetables: tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers. They have advised feeding them with high-potash tomato fertiliser every week to encourage healthy growth and fruiting, especially at a time when extreme heat can overwhelm such plants. July is a crucial month in the garden as it marks the peak of summer, when the weather is at its warmest and peak sunshine hours are at their prime. These three vegetables have one thing in common: they require nutrients to survive and thrive. Therefore, they can get an extra boost of plant food by using the right sources and a little effort. Using a high-potash tomato fertiliser can ensure that these vegetables receive their required nutrients to fully develop. Being high in potassium (potash) helps in water absorption, as well as creates more flavourful blooms, as explained by Plugh's Garden Village. Water absorption is especially important in the summer as the sun can cause droplets to evaporate before the fluid gets to the root, which can in turn cause scorching on leaves. Each plant is 80% water, so the right amount of nutrients is necessary for survival, especially during the warmest months when the sun soaks the moisture retained throughout the day. By following these simple instructions and keeping an eye out for these three vegetables, gardeners will ensure that their produce grows healthily and consistently throughout the summer months until autumn. When is best to water plants in summer? It's also good to note the time to water your plants, avoiding the peak hours when the sun is at its strongest. For best results, water your plants in the early morning or late evening. Doing so will ensure the moisture is well-retained in the soil before it evaporates. By adding high-potash tomato fertiliser to tomato, chillies and cucumbers plants, gardeners can expect delicious produce. If you are in need of more tips and tricks, we've got you covered. The Mirror has set up a WhatsApp group where all gardener gurus can receive the latest news. All you have to do is click on the link and 'Join Chat'. To leave the group, press 'Exit' group. If you're interested, you can read our Privacy Notice for more information.
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Famous Hampshire-based celebrities including Colin Firth
There are also quite a few people born here who have gone on to great success in their careers. From esteemed actors to broadcasters, chefs, and more, Hampshire has never shied away from its celebrity connections. With that in mind, here are nine celebrities who have some link to Hampshire, whether they have lived or have grown up in the county. 9 celebrities with connections to Hampshire Alan Titchmarsh Alan Titchmarsh has a home near Alton in Hampshire (Image: James Manning/PA Wire) The gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh is a well-known face on British TV thanks to his work on Gardeners' World, Love Your Garden and his self-titled chat show. The 76-year-old moved to Hampshire with his wife Alison back in 2002, living in a Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse near Alton. Colin Firth Colin Firth was born in the village of Grayshott in Hampshire in 1960, with both his parents being lecturers at King Alfred's College (now the University of Winchester). Colin Firth was born in the village of Grayshott (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire) He attended school in Winchester and Eastleigh before joining the National Youth Theatre in London. Firth is now one of Britain's most prominent actors, having featured in films such as the Bridget Jones series, two Mamma Mia films, the Kingsman series, The King's Speech and much more. Amanda Holden Amanda Holden grew up in the town of Bishop's Waltham and has since gone on to have prominent roles in UK media. Amanda Holden grew up in Bishop's Waltham (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) Many will know her for being a judge on Britain's Got Talent, alongside her work on Heart Radio with Jamie Theakston. James Martin The chef and TV presenter James Martin, who is known for his work on Saturday Kitchen among other shows, used to have a home in the Hampshire village of Stoke Charity. Although he has since sold the high-end converted dairy, he is still said to live near the same area. Chris Packham The TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham was born in Southampton and is known for fronting the BBC nature series Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch. The 64-year-old has a home in the New Forest where he enjoys walking his dogs in the surrounding woodland. Dame Esther Rantzen Dame Esther Rantzen is a journalist and presenter who fronted the BBC television series That's Life! for 21 years, from 1973 until 1994. She is also known for her charitable work, having set up Childline in 1986 and The Silver Line in 2012. The 84-year-old now has a home in the New Forest, which she enjoys sharing with her grandchildren. Craig David The singer Craig David was born and grew up in Southampton, living on the Holyrood estate. His ninth studio album is set to release in August 2025, and the 44-year-old has been behind hits including '7 Days', 'Fill Me In' and 'Insomnia'. Scott Mills Another famous person with links to Southampton is the radio DJ and presenter Scott Mills. He is best known for presenting the Scott Mills show on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2022. Recommended reading: Nowadays, he hosts BBC Radio 2's flagship breakfast show, which he has done since January 2025. Elizabeth Hurley The actress and model Elizabeth Hurley was born in Basingstoke and grew up in the Hampshire town. She is known for her roles in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Bedazzled and Passenger 57.
