Latest news with #Lawnsmith
Glasgow Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Is plant fertiliser bad for dogs? Vet explains the dangers
With the weather improving, Brits will no doubt spend more time in their garden. One of the major products used by keen gardeners across the UK may be plant fertiliser. However, dog owners planning to use fertiliser should be aware of the risks it poses to their dogs. Is plant fertiliser bad for dogs? Vet explains the dangers While plant fertiliser may be fine on its own, many contain weed killer or other ingredients that can pose issues. Dr Samantha Butler-Davies is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home. She has warned pet owners that many common garden fertilisers can contain substances that can be "highly toxic to pets, particularly dogs". Dr Butler Davies continued: 'Ingredients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and sometimes even pesticides or herbicides are found in these products and while they're beneficial for plant health, they can be very dangerous if ingested by animals. 'Dogs are naturally curious and may sniff, lick or even eat fertiliser granules or residues from treated grass and soil. "This can lead to a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, tremors and in severe cases, seizures. "Some organic or 'natural' fertilisers, especially those containing bone meal, can be particularly tempting to pets but still pose a serious risk." Dr Butler-Davies advised pet owners to keep animals indoors while fertiliser is being applied and to wait 24 to 48 hours before allowing them back near treated areas. However, this can vary depending on the product, so check the manufacturer's recommendations. "Fertilisers and garden chemicals should also be stored securely and out of reach of inquisitive paws", she added. What should I do if my dog eats plant fertiliser? Dr Butler-Davies urged Brits to "act quickly" if they suspect their pet has eaten or come into contact with fertiliser. She said: "Contact your local vet immediately and if you can, bring the product packaging with you so your vet can assess the ingredients and treat accordingly.' Are there pet-friendly fertilisers to use? Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith suggested opting for "granular or pelleted products". He said: "These settle well down into the turf once applied, are generally not very noticeable, and are unlikely to be hoovered up by your pet if it decides to try snacking on some greenery." Pet owners could opt for plain fertiliser with no weed killer or fertiliser with iron, although the second could stain paws. Recommended reading: Lawnsmith also recommends avoiding liquid feed or feed that needs to be watered in. Other natural alternatives would also work well in strengthening the growth of your plants. These include seaweed, manure and compost, which are safer for pets than shop-bought fertilisers.
Western Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Western Telegraph
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
Despite the warmer, sunnier days arriving in the UK recently, some areas have been experiencing chilly evenings. With temperatures dropping to as low as 2C in some areas overnight this week, lawn experts are reminding gardeners who have overseeded their grass that warmth is needed for the seed to germinate. Gardeners urged not to 'panic' as lower temperatures could slow grass seed growth Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith, said: 'The weather has been quite deceiving. While we've basked in the daytime sunshine this month, the evenings have been significantly colder. Some areas of the UK have even seen frost returning. 'Grass seed needs a minimum temperature of 10C to be able to grow with the optimal temperature being more like 12 - 15C. And the chillier nights mean gardeners will see a much slower response from their grass seed. 'This is nothing to panic about, patience is key when it comes to growing grass from seed. And these lower temperatures just mean the germination process will be slower.' Despite not seeing results yet, Lawnsmith's expert insists gardeners aren't necessarily doing something wrong. Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to check soil depth for grass seeds Ben explained: 'Anyone starting a new lawn or filling in patches might be feeling frustrated with the lack of progress in their lawns. Especially if they've spent time and energy taking care of seedlings. 'And thankfully, there is nothing extra that they need to do except keep going with their usual lawn treatment. Keep the seedbed moist, but not pooling water. 'Make sure seeds are at the correct depth to stay protected from the elements and maintain good seed-to-soil contact. 'I recommend sowing your seeds at a depth of approximately three £1 coins stacked on top of each other. This will provide a comforting environment for the seedlings to germinate and grow. 'The worst thing you can do is panic and throw more grass seed down, as this could cause a situation where you lay too much seed and there is competition, leading to poor growth.' Recommended reading: Try to keep footfall to a minimum to reduce the disruption to your developing lawn. Different seeds have different germination speeds so growers should pay attention to the information provided by the seed manufacturer. 'It can depend on the type of seed used, but typically germination can take five to 15 days,' Ben said. He added: 'Grass seeds like ryegrass or fescue often germinate quickly compared to other varieties like Bermuda that can take longer and require higher soil temperatures.'
South Wales Guardian
22-04-2025
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
Despite the warmer, sunnier days arriving in the UK recently, some areas have been experiencing chilly evenings. With temperatures dropping to as low as 2C in some areas overnight this week, lawn experts are reminding gardeners who have overseeded their grass that warmth is needed for the seed to germinate. Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith, said: 'The weather has been quite deceiving. While we've basked in the daytime sunshine this month, the evenings have been significantly colder. Some areas of the UK have even seen frost returning. 'Grass seed needs a minimum temperature of 10C to be able to grow with the optimal temperature being more like 12 - 15C. And the chillier nights mean gardeners will see a much slower response from their grass seed. 'This is nothing to panic about, patience is key when it comes to growing grass from seed. And these lower temperatures just mean the germination process will be slower.' Despite not seeing results yet, Lawnsmith's expert insists gardeners aren't necessarily doing something wrong. Ben explained: 'Anyone starting a new lawn or filling in patches might be feeling frustrated with the lack of progress in their lawns. Especially if they've spent time and energy taking care of seedlings. 'And thankfully, there is nothing extra that they need to do except keep going with their usual lawn treatment. Keep the seedbed moist, but not pooling water. 'Make sure seeds are at the correct depth to stay protected from the elements and maintain good seed-to-soil contact. 'I recommend sowing your seeds at a depth of approximately three £1 coins stacked on top of each other. This will provide a comforting environment for the seedlings to germinate and grow. 'The worst thing you can do is panic and throw more grass seed down, as this could cause a situation where you lay too much seed and there is competition, leading to poor growth.' Recommended reading: How often should you cut your grass in spring? Expert shares advice Expecting lots of rain? Garden expert shares tips to avoid a water-logged lawn 5 practical items your garden needs for its spring spruce up Try to keep footfall to a minimum to reduce the disruption to your developing lawn. Different seeds have different germination speeds so growers should pay attention to the information provided by the seed manufacturer. 'It can depend on the type of seed used, but typically germination can take five to 15 days,' Ben said. He added: 'Grass seeds like ryegrass or fescue often germinate quickly compared to other varieties like Bermuda that can take longer and require higher soil temperatures.'
North Wales Chronicle
21-04-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
Despite the warmer, sunnier days arriving in the UK recently, some areas have been experiencing chilly evenings. With temperatures dropping to as low as 2C in some areas overnight this week, lawn experts are reminding gardeners who have overseeded their grass that warmth is needed for the seed to germinate. Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith, said: 'The weather has been quite deceiving. While we've basked in the daytime sunshine this month, the evenings have been significantly colder. Some areas of the UK have even seen frost returning. 'Grass seed needs a minimum temperature of 10C to be able to grow with the optimal temperature being more like 12 - 15C. And the chillier nights mean gardeners will see a much slower response from their grass seed. 'This is nothing to panic about, patience is key when it comes to growing grass from seed. And these lower temperatures just mean the germination process will be slower.' Despite not seeing results yet, Lawnsmith's expert insists gardeners aren't necessarily doing something wrong. Ben explained: 'Anyone starting a new lawn or filling in patches might be feeling frustrated with the lack of progress in their lawns. Especially if they've spent time and energy taking care of seedlings. 'And thankfully, there is nothing extra that they need to do except keep going with their usual lawn treatment. Keep the seedbed moist, but not pooling water. 'Make sure seeds are at the correct depth to stay protected from the elements and maintain good seed-to-soil contact. 'I recommend sowing your seeds at a depth of approximately three £1 coins stacked on top of each other. This will provide a comforting environment for the seedlings to germinate and grow. 'The worst thing you can do is panic and throw more grass seed down, as this could cause a situation where you lay too much seed and there is competition, leading to poor growth.' Recommended reading: How often should you cut your grass in spring? Expert shares advice Expecting lots of rain? Garden expert shares tips to avoid a water-logged lawn 5 practical items your garden needs for its spring spruce up Try to keep footfall to a minimum to reduce the disruption to your developing lawn. Different seeds have different germination speeds so growers should pay attention to the information provided by the seed manufacturer. 'It can depend on the type of seed used, but typically germination can take five to 15 days,' Ben said. He added: 'Grass seeds like ryegrass or fescue often germinate quickly compared to other varieties like Bermuda that can take longer and require higher soil temperatures.'
The Herald Scotland
21-04-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
With temperatures dropping to as low as 2C in some areas overnight this week, lawn experts are reminding gardeners who have overseeded their grass that warmth is needed for the seed to germinate. Gardeners urged not to 'panic' as lower temperatures could slow grass seed growth Ben Agnew, grass expert at Lawnsmith, said: 'The weather has been quite deceiving. While we've basked in the daytime sunshine this month, the evenings have been significantly colder. Some areas of the UK have even seen frost returning. 'Grass seed needs a minimum temperature of 10C to be able to grow with the optimal temperature being more like 12 - 15C. And the chillier nights mean gardeners will see a much slower response from their grass seed. 'This is nothing to panic about, patience is key when it comes to growing grass from seed. And these lower temperatures just mean the germination process will be slower.' Despite not seeing results yet, Lawnsmith's expert insists gardeners aren't necessarily doing something wrong. Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to check soil depth for grass seeds Ben explained: 'Anyone starting a new lawn or filling in patches might be feeling frustrated with the lack of progress in their lawns. Especially if they've spent time and energy taking care of seedlings. 'And thankfully, there is nothing extra that they need to do except keep going with their usual lawn treatment. Keep the seedbed moist, but not pooling water. 'Make sure seeds are at the correct depth to stay protected from the elements and maintain good seed-to-soil contact. 'I recommend sowing your seeds at a depth of approximately three £1 coins stacked on top of each other. This will provide a comforting environment for the seedlings to germinate and grow. 'The worst thing you can do is panic and throw more grass seed down, as this could cause a situation where you lay too much seed and there is competition, leading to poor growth.' Recommended reading: Try to keep footfall to a minimum to reduce the disruption to your developing lawn. Different seeds have different germination speeds so growers should pay attention to the information provided by the seed manufacturer. 'It can depend on the type of seed used, but typically germination can take five to 15 days,' Ben said. He added: 'Grass seeds like ryegrass or fescue often germinate quickly compared to other varieties like Bermuda that can take longer and require higher soil temperatures.'
