Latest news with #GardeningKnowHow
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mould and pests won't ruin strawberry plants if you dust soil with 1 ingredient
Strawberries are grown for their vibrant colour and sweetness, but the plants are vulnerable to a number of problems. Strawberries are amongst the simplest fruits to cultivate, particularly for novice gardeners, but without proper care, they can fall prey to environmental problems – such as grey mould and leather rot – or be devoured by pests. To produce vibrant and ripe strawberries without any complications, gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle their soil with one common ingredient: cinnamon. According to home 'hacks, tips, and tricks' TikTok creator @creative_explained, cinnamon can assist your plants in six different ways. Most crucially, it helps prevent mould and fungi from developing in your soil and eliminates troublesome bugs. Adding cinnamon to your plants takes just a few seconds and will make your strawberries grow succulent, healthy, and flourishing throughout the entire season. How does it work? The home hack creator explained: "Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties that prevent mould and fungi from appearing from the soil. Plus, you know those annoying gnats in the soil, well guess what? Cinnamon gets rid of them too." According to Gardening Know How, "damping-off disease" is a fungal problem that affects young seedlings just as they begin to develop. Dusting with cinnamon can help prevent this by destroying the harmful fungus, reports the Express. Making a cinnamon solution to spray onto affected plants is another efficient method to reduce the symptoms of fungal infestations. "Under laboratory conditions, scientists have shown that the elements in cinnamon powder inhibit the development of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and various species of Phytophthora. "Spraying a mixture of ground cinnamon solution and water onto infected plants can be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of fungal infestations," reported experts at Plantura. What makes cinnamon a pest deterrent? "What makes this method so effective is that the aromatic powder can break the gnats' reproduction cycle. This way, they cannot hatch or reproduce," explained the expert. Strawberry plants often attract other pests such as aphids, fruit flies, leafhoppers, caterpillars, beetles, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Cinnamon also proves effective against ants and slugs, but it's crucial to remember that not all bugs will be deterred by this solution. How to make the cinnamon plant spray Use one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and pour it into a spray bottle Then add five litres of warm water to the bottle Let it sit for a few hours, and then you're done
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to crush up aspirin and feed to plants showing these key signs
Plants to last longer by using the aspirin gardening hack, and it works (Image: Emma Trimble / SWNS) Aspirins might be the unexpected gardening hack for your patios this summer. Gardening experts have revealed the many benefits of crushing these tablets, showing that their usefulness goes beyond headaches, body aches or fever. They contain acetylsalicylic acid, an active ingredient obtained from salicylic acid. Also found in willow bark and other trees. Surprisingly, this key ingredient is quite beneficial for many plants. As explained by Gardening Know How, it can boost the plant's growth, as well as speed up germination and even act as a barrier to any pests and diseases that may come in between. READ MORE: Households with bedding plants urged to act now to stop them dying Aspirin can be a lifesaver for headaches, but it can also benefit a plant's health (Image: Getty Images) It explained: "This tiny amount helps plants cope when they are under insect attack, dry, underfed, or maybe even experiencing a disease issue. The component helps boost the plant's immune system, just like it does for us." The United States Department of Agriculture also revealed that salicylic acid produces an immune response in plants of the nightshade family. It has also been proven to help with plant growth. Crushing aspirin and feeding it to plants can also extend their life span. The site added: 'The cut flowers will die eventually, but usually, you can add some time by the use of aspirin on plants.' When aspirin is diluted in water and sprayed on plants, it substitutes for the salicylic acid that plants naturally produce in response to stress. It then prepares the plant to defend itself from any threats, such as insects and diseases. In shorter words, it's their awakening call. Trials at the University of Rhode Island proved this by treating plants with this solution every three weeks during their growing season. The results showed better and faster growth, as well as more produce coming from those who didn't receive any treatment. Nonetheless, moderation is key when using these tablets, as they can lead to negative effects. Using too much can damage the plants even more, which is why it's best to do this in the early morning to allow plenty of time to soak up the nutrients. READ MORE: Gardeners told to use 'unusual' item to stop dust build-up on peace lilies It's also important to note that not all plants will react positively. As per the website, the appropriate dosage is three aspirin tablets (with 250-500 g), and then mixed with four gallons of water. Aspirin is also easily found in all supermarkets and pharmacies without a prescription. Even better, it's budget-friendly, costing less than a pound for a packet. Whether you're growing vegetables or want to keep a vibrant garden, this aspirin hack will easily become your go-to method. Still, don't forget to use it in moderation and follow the expert's advice.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- 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
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to dissolve 54p tablet in water and feed to certain plants
Gardening can be a massive headache when your plants are struggling - fortunately this easy hack involving one popular tablet will have them growing bigger and healthier If you want your plants to grow bigger and stronger this summer, experts say you can feed them this one common headache tablet. Summer has finally arrived and many of us are stepping back out into our gardens to enjoy them in full bloom. It's also the time of year when many crops begin to ripen and trees bear fruit. However, if you're looking to get the most out of your plants, it's usually best to give them a little boost. A popular way to do this is by adding fertiliser or compost to the soil. However, it can be time consuming to purchase or make your own – which is why gardening experts recommend using Aspirin. Commonly used as a painkiller for issues like headaches, aspirin actually contains properties that can be hugely beneficial to certain plants. This is because it's made from salicylic acid. This is a compound which is actually naturally produced by many plants. The experts from Gardening Know How explain: 'Plants produce minute amounts of salicylic acid on their own when they are stressed.' They continue: 'This tiny amount helps plants cope when they are under insect attack, dry, underfed, or maybe even experiencing a disease issue.' They also add that it helps boost the plant's immune system. Aspirin dissolved in water is touted as remedial for plants that are in need of a boost specifically, such as those that are diseased and in need of urgent attention. Aspirin must be used sparingly In order to give your plants a dose of aspirin, it's recommended to dissolve a tablet in water first. Generally, one tablet should be mixed with 4.5 litres of water, although this may change depending on the plant. Be careful not to overdo it with the aspirin, either. Typically, you should only spray plants with an aspirin solution every few weeks to avoid damaging them Gardening Know How warns that there are potential side effects if aspirin is used improperly. Too much may lead to plants developing brown spots or having a 'burnt' appearance. To avoid this, they advise that it's best to spray the aspirin solution early in the morning. This is because it gives plant leaves the best chance of drying off before evening. They also recommend spraying early to avoid harming any beneficial insects. They write: 'Bees and other pollinators are most active once sun has touched the plants, so a period of time prior to that sun's kiss is the best. You should also wait to see how plants respond to the treatment, aspirin may not be suitable for all flora. However, the nightshade family, which includes aubergine, peppers and tomatoes, can 'benefit greatly'. If you don't have any Aspirin lying around your medicine cupboard, no need to worry. You can pick up a pack of tablets from Boots for a bargain 54p.
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households told to put one £1.20 kitchen item in plant pots before adding soil
This common household kitchen item is the perfect item for your plant pots, by also helping you take care of your plants in a more environmentally-friendly way. Coffee filters are a household staple, but they also have another use for your plants. If you've been noticing soil coming out from your plant pots, there's one item that will solve all of your problems. According to Gardening Know How, coffee grounds work well on plants, but coffee filters can also benefit your plants - and here's how. Lining the bottom of your plant with a coffee filter before adding the new soil will ensure that the soil is well secured by acting as a barrier to let the water drain freely - just like it would with freshly brewed coffee. All plant pots need a drainage hole to get rid of the excess water. The site explained: 'Without some drainage, plant roots will sit in that excess water and rot. But when that extra moisture moves through the hole, it takes with it some of the potting medium.' It also explained that if the plant doesn't have enough soil to hold nutrients and moisture, it will likely suffer, potentially leading to death. Gardeners have been told to repot their plants. However, it has to be done with caution, as it can affect the plant's overall health by causing stress. This is where the coffee filter comes in. Not only does it avoid waste, but it also keeps the soil inside by being a compostable solution. Water is important for the plant's health, but without the right drainage process, the soil washes over time. This leaves a big mess on the floors, which leads to gardeners having to regularly to top it up or even replace it. By using a coffee filter, gardeners will prevent this from happening, by also ensuring that their indoor areas remain clean. Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the UK and millions of coffee filters are being thrown in the bin. Using this hack will give a second purpose to reusing your coffee filters rather than just getting rid of them. It will also help the environment by reducing the amount of food waste. If you're not a coffee drinker, there are other items which are as effective, including: landscape fabric, newspaper, compostable packing material, coconut coir, pine cones, wood chips, peat moss or paper towels. The options are endless!
