Latest news with #GardeningUK
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Gardeners are snapping up fruit trees for £2 & it'll give you months of homegrown raspberries & blackberries
GREEN-fingered fans are going wild for penny-pinching plants that are as tasty as they are pretty. Customers are taking advantage of the purse-friendly fruit trees on offer from a huge retail store. 1 Supermarket giant Morrison's are selling three Flourish & Joy fruit plants for just £6 - making them £2 a pop. Customers can choose from thorn-free blackberries, Buckingham variety Tayberries and Allgold autumn raspberries. Fans on the Gardening UK - Hints, tips & advice Facebook page have rated the popular plantations. One user commented: "Good bargains, happy gardening." A second recommended: "Blackberries are nice although take a bit of space and can be slow to ripen. "Raspberries are sweeter and have heavier crops." A third budding gardener added: "I've always fancied getting some of them, but it's like squirrel city in my back garden." If you're looking to buy a fruit bush or two, then consider where it is going to grow. Raspberries thrive in locations that provide a combination of sunshine, well-drained soil, and some degree of shelter. While they can tolerate partial shade, they produce the most abundant and sweetest fruits in full sun, preferably at least six hours of sunlight a day. Award-winning face of Sainsbury's and Morrisons ads dies aged 77 as family share emotional tribute Blackberries thrive in a location with full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. They also benefit from being trained up a support structure like a trellis or fence. With the sunshine season almost upon us, the fruity additions are fantastic affordable options for gardens and outdoor spaces this summer. But as the sun comes out, so do common garden pests. Green and black flies, commonly known as aphids in the gardening world, can be found on both indoor and outdoor plants. If ants are causing problems in your garden or finding their way into your home, some of the best natural deterrents involve strong citrus scents. You can use garlic to keep green flies off your plants and cupboard staples to get rid of garden ants. Lemon is a particularly effective method; you can mix lemon juice with water and spray it around ant trails to keep them away. While snails and slugs are common in gardens across the UK, they can cause significant damage to garden plants. Coffee grounds and eggshells could help keep slugs away from plants. If your problems are more rodent-based, natural ways to deter rats from your garden include citronella oil and onions.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Gardeners are snapping up fruit trees for £2 & it'll give you months of homegrown raspberries & blackberries
GREEN-fingered fans are going wild for penny-pinching plants that are as tasty as they are pretty. Customers are taking advantage of the purse-friendly fruit trees on offer from a huge retail store. Advertisement 1 Savvy shoppers are stocking up on the fruit plants Credit: Facebook/Gardening UK - Hints, tips & advice Supermarket giant Morrison's are selling three Flourish & Joy fruit plants for just £6 - making them £2 a pop. Customers can choose from thorn-free blackberries, Buckingham variety Tayberries and Allgold autumn raspberries. Fans on the Gardening UK - Hints, tips & advice Facebook page have rated the popular plantations. One user commented: "Good bargains, happy gardening." Advertisement Read more A second recommended: "Blackberries are nice although take a bit of space and can be slow to ripen. "Raspberries are sweeter and have heavier crops." A third budding gardener added: "I've always fancied getting some of them, but it's like squirrel city in my back garden." If you're looking to buy a fruit bush or two, then consider where it is going to grow. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Tested Raspberries thrive in locations that provide a combination of sunshine, well-drained soil, and some degree of shelter. While they can tolerate partial shade, they produce the most abundant and sweetest fruits in full sun, preferably at least six hours of sunlight a day. Award-winning face of Sainsbury's and Morrisons ads dies aged 77 as family share emotional tribute Blackberries thrive in a location with full sun or partial shade, in well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. They also benefit from being trained up a support structure like a trellis or fence. Advertisement With the sunshine season almost upon us, the fruity additions are fantastic affordable options for gardens and outdoor spaces this summer . Tayberries FAQs What is a Tayberry? Tayberries are a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry, and they are known for their large, juicy, and sweet-tart flavour. How to grow Tayberries? Tayberries are relatively easy to grow and are hardy, self-fertile plants. They are typically grown on wires or trellises. When are Tayberries ready to eat? Tayberries ripen in late summer, typically from late July to early August, and are delicious fresh or can be used in cooking, baking, and jam-making. But as the sun comes out, so do common garden pests. Green and black flies, commonly known as aphids in the gardening world, can be found on both indoor and outdoor plants. If ants are causing problems in your garden or finding their way into your home, some of the best natural deterrents involve strong citrus scents. Advertisement You can use Lemon is a particularly effective method; you can mix lemon juice with water and spray it around ant trails to keep them away. While snails and slugs are common in gardens across the UK, they can cause significant damage to garden plants. Coffee grounds and eggshells could help keep slugs away from plants. Advertisement If your problems are more rodent-based, natural ways to deter rats from your garden include citronella oil and onions.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners explain 'only way' to get rid of English ivy plants for good
English ivy can be an attractive plant, but it is also one of the UK's worst invasive plants. As a result, gardeners have shared the "only way" to get rid of the plant English ivy, a common sight across the UK, is often appreciated for its aesthetic appeal as it thrives in chilly, shaded spots with moist, fertile soil. Countless gardeners incorporate English ivy into their garden decor due to its charming climbing qualities and vibrant green hues. However, this same plant can swiftly become an invasive nightmare. Its propensity to spread quickly means it can engulf an entire garden, potentially destroying other flora. A frustrated gardener reached out on the Gardening UK Facebook group for advice on how to "kill" the rampant ivy plaguing their fence and boundary walls. David Vallance asked: "What's the best thing to kill ivy, need to get rid of it from fences, boundary walls?" The issue becomes pressing when ivy begins to ascend a fence. It's essential to manage it by routinely trimming any parts that climb or by eradicating the whole plant. Ivy clambering up fences poses a risk as its aerial roots can burrow into the wood, leading to damage, reports the Express. Untamed, these roots expand and penetrate deeper, which may cause the wood to rot or decay where the roots have embedded themselves. While some members of the group proposed natural solutions like boiling water, objections were raised about its ineffectiveness as it "cannot penetrate the roots". Instead, most advised David to sever the ivy's stems at their base and then meticulously excavate the plant. Therese Heap advised: "Cut at the bottom, let the branches die and then pull off (preferably in September or later due to birds nesting). "To actually stop it from coming back, dig dig dig, the roots spread and you'll likely pull up ivy shoots for years, but small shoots are easily managed." Sheila Morgan gave her directions: "Cut it off at the base, pull as much off as you can and the rest will die off. Then you need to dig up the roots. It's the only way to get rid of this plant forever." Vicky Beeson suggested: "Cut it at the base, dig out the root and the ivy on the fence will permanently die pretty quickly and never come back. "Once dead pull it off your fence. It's less likely to damage the fence if you are able to wait and let it die off." Trudy Raven shared her experience: "I would have never got rid of mine without digging up the roots and I've had loads to get rid of. It was a nightmare but now free of it." Finally, Tracey Liddle said: "You gotta chop it at the base, and chop pieces out of the growing part. It will die off eventually but the only way to kill it, then pull off all the bits that die off."
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Woman's superb hack to make peace lilies flower 'faster than you've ever seen'
A peace lily owner has shared a "great" hack that encourages the houseplant to flower "faster than I've ever seen them grow" - and she's even tried it on her orchids Peace lily houseplants are great for those looking to spruce up dim corners of their homes, not only adding a splash of greenery and colour but also purifying the air. Pop it into a plain pot and watch as its shiny leaves and eye-catching blooms become the centre of attention. While peace lilies are robust and tolerant, coaxing out those enviable blooms requires a bit of know-how. A peace lily expert believes they've found the secret to getting these plants to "bloom faster than ever". On the Gardening UK Facebook group, a lady shared that after treating her peace lily with a common kitchen leftover, she saw a bloom appear in record time. Jane Keane excitedly posted: "I couldn't be happier with my peace lily this morning. Since using banana peels on it, the plant has a new lease of life. "New blooms have appeared faster than I've ever seen them grow before. I've even started to use them on my two orchids and it works great." The green-fingered guru also uploaded a 'before' snap of the unflowered peace lily alongside an 'after' shot showcasing a magnificent white bloom emerging from the foliage. The magic behind this trick might lie in the fact that banana skins supply the peace lily with essential nutrients for blooming. Lawn care specialists highlight that potassium is crucial for peace lilies, particularly aiding in flower production, reports the Express. They suggest that without sufficient potassium, a peace lily is "unlikely to produce flowers". The experts point out that peace lily aficionados can solve this issue by feeding their plants with a "potassium-rich fertiliser" or by "adding some banana peels or eggshells" into the soil to boost its richness. Banana peels are recognised for their aid in flourishing not only peace lilies but also several horticulturists maintain they do wonders for orchids too. As Mark Curran from the Heavenly Orchids blog and renowned orchid care specialist states, banana skins are loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium and phosphorus, making them a top-notch organic fertiliser. He advises creating a nutrient-packed banana peel tea by letting fresh banana skins steep in water for a couple of days before mixing it with more water at a ratio of 1:4 and serving up this nourishing concoction. Or, green-thumbed enthusiasts can sun dry sliced-up banana peel for a pair of days, then grind the crispy bits into a fine fertiliser dust that can be applied directly to the plant's base. Beyond these nutrient-dense tips, conditions like bright yet indirect sunlight are crucial for ensuring your peace lily blooms astoundingly. Direct sunshine might be a bit harsh and burn the leaves while insufficient light can suppress flowering - so positioning near a north or east-facing window with mild light is the ticket. If daylight is scarce, ponder over deploying a grow lamp for an extra luminous boost.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
I jet washed my patio but it still looked dirty – luckily gardening gurus shared a 55p hack with ‘no scrubbing involved'
IS your patio covered in stubborn black spots that just won't shift? And have you splashed loads of cash on a posh pressure washer, but have had no success? 3 3 3 Well, with spring officially in full swing and the weather heating up, if you're on a mission to give your patio a glow up, you've come to the right place. One anonymous user was left scratching his head when he jet washed his patio, only for it to still be a total state. As a result, the man took to social media, desperate for advice on how to get his outside space sparkling. Posting on Reddit, on the r/GardeningUK thread, the man, who posts under the username @Jimi-K-101, shared snaps of his grubby patio. Alongside this, he wrote: 'Concrete patio slabs still look like this after thoroughly power washing. 'Would a liquid patio cleaner help, or do I just need a more powerful power washer?' Luckily for this man, numerous gardening enthusiasts quickly flocked to the comments, eager to share their advice on how to transform a grubby patio - and not only is it purse-friendly, but there's no scrubbing involved. One user suggested: 'Try Patio Magic - dilute and spray on when dry and then let the sunlight do the rest - it's about £10 from Wilko / B&Q. It really does work.' A second recommended: 'Use a mixture of vinegar and Borax. It will look brand new and will not hurt any vegetation in the area. Plus? Will repel any bugs or what not naturally.' Whilst someone else advised: 'Maybe scrub down with a stiff brush first.' Gardening pro reveals savvy £12 hack that can transform your patio - it works like magic and will make sure it's always kept tidy Despite numerous very effective tips and tricks, at the same time, many users suggested using bleach to ensure a patio looks super fresh. One person said: 'I used bleach. Get the cheapest Tesco or Aldi stuff. 'Spread it quickly but do not scrub it in. Just pour it over the area. Leave it for an hour or two. 'Wash it off with a hose. Key point is not to scrub it.' Another added: 'Use cheap bleach, undiluted. Leave it on.' A third commented: 'Scrubbed mine with a brush and bleach water solution. Can't say if that's the best way to do things but it worked pretty good.' Following the overwhelming advice to use bleach, the user later explained: 'Thanks for replying. I used bleach in the end…seems to have worked well.' If you fancy giving this trick a try, you'll find bleach from as little as 55p from Tesco. What do the experts say? According to the pros, bleach is a powerful, cheap, and quick way to kill moss, algae, and lichen and many have recognised that it works fast on stubborn stains. However, users should know that bleach can damage plants, erode grout, and harm certain paving materials like limestone. While bleach is known to be particularly effective at lifting stains around the house, it can cause some issues when used excessively on patio tiles Molly Woodward-Moor Bleach also has strong fumes and can be bad for the environment and your health. Not only this, but Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore, exclusively told Fabulous: 'While bleach is known to be particularly effective at lifting stains around the house, it can cause some issues when used excessively on patio tiles. Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs *If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives. 1. Clean your garden Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech's Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks. 2. Weeding Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat. 4. Composting Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely. 'Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage natural stone tiles by slowly stripping the surface which can then permanently mark or weaken your tiles. 'And even through porcelain paving tiles are extremely durable, it's still best to avoid using chemical cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or acids, that can slowly fade tile and grout colour. As a result, you should always test a small area first and wear protective clothing when using it.
