Latest news with #GardeningHintsandTips
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Houseplants will ‘bloom for years' thanks to common item in your food bin – and peace lilies find it ‘so tasty'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you often struggle to keep your houseplants alive (don't worry, we do too), then you've come to the right place. There's nothing worse than someone giving you a houseplant and just days later, it's looking worse for wear. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 If every houseplant you own ends up dying within days, you'll need to listen up Credit: Getty 3 Here's a handy hack to keep peace lilies alive 'for years' - and the secret is in your food bin Credit: Getty 3 It turns out that houseplants find banana peels "so tasty" Credit: Getty But now, luckily for you, we've found a handy hack that will ensure your plants bloom for years. And fear not, you won't have to nip out and splash the cash on pricey fertiliser - in fact, the secret may even be in your food bin. Peace lilies in particular are said to find this trick 'so tasty', so if you want to ensure repeat blooming, this homemade feed is one you won't want to miss. When it comes to caring for peace lilies, it is important to only feed them once a month during the growing season, which is spring and summer. It turns out that overfeeding can be harmful, so it's important to avoid excess fertiliser. And now, gardening enthusiasts have shared a super simple homemade fertiliser - and the key ingredient is banana peels. Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, an anonymous user explained: 'In the summer, I feed my houseplants with a homemade banana soak. 'My peace lily loves it, just thought I'd share it in case anyone is struggling. 'I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years.' The gardening guru then added: 'Once I've eaten a banana or given it to my dog, I'll chop the peel and soak it in some warm water. Gardening hacks to grow fruit from your weekly shop 'After a few days, pour sparingly on your plants, so tasty for them.' The social media post attracted numerous comments from other houseplant enthusiasts, who also praised the effective banana peel trick. 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. One user beamed: 'Heard lots about this, so I gave it a go. I only use it now and again and then a proper feed in between, but it's fantastic.' Whilst a second chimed in: 'All houseplants love this, not just peace lilies, but be careful not to over water.' I've always struggled to get my peace lilies looking good, but bananas make them bloom for years Facebook user According to houseplant enthusiasts, soaking banana peels in water releases nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, which are beneficial for many houseplants, but peace lilies in particular. It is crucial to dilute the banana water with water to make it last longer and ensure it doesn't overwhelm the plant. 8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots. Tricyrtis A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is 'as tough as old boots!'. Penstemon I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They'll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes. Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata' With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it's great asset is that it will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill - dry shade. Eryngium x zabelii 'Big Blue' A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant's interest period. Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers. Cornus sanguinea 'Anny's Winter Orange' A dwarf version of 'Midwinter Fire' the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days. Rosa 'Noisette Carnee' A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, 'noisette' flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November. Sanguisorba hakusanensis 'Lilac Squirrel' I've never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade. Not only this, but banana peels can also be used to fertilise outdoor plants, including tomatoes, bell peppers, roses and hydrangeas. If planting a new plant, you should simply scatter some banana peels beneath the compost, or place them around the top of the soil. Not only will this be beneficial to your plants, but it can also help to deter pests such as slugs, who hate rough surfaces. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Banish gravel weeds using household item that's 'better than vinegar'
Weeds can thrive in areas of the garden with high moisture levels and such little sunlight - but an expert has shared a 'better' alternative to vinegar and salt Weeds possess the pesky knack for flourishing in garden spots where moisture abounds and sunlight is scarce. Gravel areas can accumulate rain, dust, bird droppings, and other detritus, creating a fertile breeding ground for weeds. Windborne seeds, animal fur hitchhikers, or those unwittingly carried on footwear can all lead to weeds sprouting in gravel. Once these seeds find the right conditions moist, warm and humid - they begin to grow and extend their roots. Even with landscape fabric or weed membranes in place, some stubborn weeds manage to pierce through and emerge. Suzie Briggs - after coming across suggestions of using white vinegar and salt to tackle gravel weeds - sought guidance on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group. She queried: "I've seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing. I have a gravel covered drive and can't seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better?". "There are no other plants in the vicinity and it's not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future." Fellow group members responded in the comments, concurring that while these kitchen staples "work well" they suggested she opt for a "better" domestic solution - washing powder, reports the Express. Simone Mister commented: "I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me." Sarah McEvoy shared: "I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water." Vera Hill said: "Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly." Chatting with Ideal Home, Gardenstone's gardening expert Tom Clifford concurred with these tactics, advising: "Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone." He explained: "Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn't harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds." Further illuminating on its benefits, he added: "In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers." When considering the science behind it, washing powder's inclusion of boron spells doom for garden invaders, as this element is toxic to plants, causing them to shrivel and perish upon contact. For those utilising washing powder against unwelcome greenery, simply douse the gravel or patio crevices in the powder, then drench it with boiling water. Once vegetation has turned a tell-tale brown and begins succumbing to defeat, a quick sweep should clear them out. For effective removal, a sturdy broom such as Wick's Deluxe Stiff Bassine Broom, priced at £9.50, or even Homebase's comparable Stiff Bassine Wooden Broom at £9 should do the trick.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Cheap item cats 'won't go near' to stop them pooing in your garden
Cats can be a real nuisance in gardens, but it's important to know the law before using any deterrents. Luckily, gardeners have shared a humane way to keep them at bay Cats can become quite the nuisance in gardens, causing mayhem and destruction amongst the beds and borders. As carnivorous creatures, cats' faeces can harbour parasites that pose a risk to those intending to consume home-grown garden produce. Before opting for any deterrents to address the issue of intrusive felines, it's imperative that gardeners acquaint themselves with pertinent legislation. The right to roam is afforded to cats by law, granting them the freedom to enter neighbouring yards without legal repercussions. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 safeguards our feline friends, meaning inflicting harm with either DIY or commercial repellents could lead to serious legal consequences, potentially culminating in hefty fines or imprisonment. Fortunately, seasoned green thumbs have divulged a benign yet effective deterrent which "won't harm them at all" but will encourage the cats to vacate the premises promptly. One individual, exasperated by the local moggies using his patch as a litter box, appealed for advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group. Steve Mclane queried: "Can anyone recommend a humane way of stopping neighbours cats using my garden as their toilet? Thanks." A host of horticulture enthusiasts touted the efficacy of citrus peels, especially orange rinds, strewn across their garden territories, reports the Express. Julie Crawey offered her tactic: "I seem to have some new resident cats in my garden this year. Remove the cat poo and put orange peels around. They seem to hate it." Mary Vale echoed this sentiment, stating: "Citrus peel scattered around worked for me. They smell it and scurry away." Nona Maffei shared her experience, recalling: "Citrus fruit peel. I remember I bought a big box of oranges at Christmas time and had them stored in the utility area, and our cat whose food bowl and water were in there, wouldn't go near it. "It took us a while to work out why and it was the smell of oranges so I know 100 per cent that it works." Lucy Prime also confirmed the anti-cat trick, saying: "Orange peel. Cats hate citrus and will run away from it." Bargain hunters will be pleased to know a five-pack of oranges is available for only 99p at Asda, breaking down to just 20p per orange. In comparison, Sainsbury's and Tesco sell individual oranges at 30p each. For those looking for alternative methods, some green-fingered enthusiasts suggested Steve should consider a jet spray as a feline deterrent. Mary Turner, alongside a picture of the £28.98 PestBye Jet Spray Battery Operated Motion Activated Cat Scarer and Repellent available on Amazon, advised: "Get this from Amazon. I haven't seen a cat in my garden since just after getting one of these. My neighbour has two cats and they suggested this." Gerald Henderson recommended a similar solution but pointed to eBay instead, commenting with a photo: "Get this off eBay. Stops them pooing without hurting them." The said cat repellent device is up for grabs on eBay too, coming in at the matching price tag of £28.98.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Woman finds 'magic' product to remove moss from her lawn in just two days
A woman who was struggling to rid her lawn of moss has found an easy solution that will help others too. The best part is that the product will turn your grass greener too Moss, much like weeds, is infamous for taking over garden lawns, revelling in damp conditions and flourishing in the shadows. When a lawn feels spongy underfoot, it's often due to leafy green stems or fronds of moss, entwined among the grass blades; a tell-tale sign of its presence. The problem often lies with soggy soil conditions, compacted earth, or general grass malaise – without intervention, moss and its rapidly spreading spores will repeatedly conquer your lawn. Yet, avid gardeners have cracked the code for eliminating this uninvited guest and preventing its pesky return. Fed up with a recurring moss invasion, Mandy Brown-Callis sought advice from fellow green-fingered enthusiasts on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group, pleading: "Hi, any of you lovely people have any tips on how to rid my lawn of Moss?" Her lawn, increasingly claimed by moss, propelled her to plead: "I have the same problem year in and year out. My lawn now seems to be being taken over by the stuff. Most grateful for any hints or tips. Thank you." While solutions like scarifying and aerating cropped up, one member, Lasma Styles, stood by iron sulphate as the remedy of choice, professing: "Iron sulphate is used to green and toughen up grass as well as to kill off moss." Countering commercial moss killers, she swears by its effectiveness proclaiming: "No need to bother with fancy moss killers, this works like magic in two days, and the moss has died." With confidence, she assures that once dead, the moss can be easily removed, leaving behind an enviable, green turf: "Then you can scrape the blackened moss out and enjoy your green greener grass." However, Lasma has warned gardeners to dilute iron sulphate "correctly and not overdo it" as an excess can be detrimental, reports the Express. She further commented: "Apparently iron sulphate cannot be sold legally as herbicide, but really is the simplest and cheapest way to do it." Garden enthusiasts have a selection of iron sulphate brands to choose from, including the Pro-Kleen 2.5 kg Premium Iron Sulphate available on Amazon for £15.95. In the reviews, customers express satisfaction with the results on their lawns after using this product, noting its effectiveness, value for money, and ease of use. They highlight its solubility, stating it dissolves well in water, and commend the fertiliser for being user-friendly and enhancing the greenness of the grass. The only gripe some customers have is that the container's contents weighed in at less than the advertised 2.5kg.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners say common laundry product is 'better' than vinegar for weeds
Weeds can be a real pain when they crop up in your garden - but there's an easy method to get rid of them using a common household product that you probably already have at home Gardeners are buzzing over a simple kitchen staple that's been hailed as a miracle weed killer for gravel paths and driveways. Weeds can be the bane of any gardener's life, especially when they sprout between the stones of a gravel path or driveway. It's a real chore to remove them, and if left unchecked, they can quickly overrun the area. But green-fingered enthusiasts have discovered a "better" solution than white vinegar that zaps weeds "almost instantly", and it's likely you've got this wonder product at home already. The savvy tip was revealed by members of the Gardening Hints and Tips group on Facebook, in response to a query about effective weed control alternatives to white vinegar and salt. The individual posted: "I've seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing." They continued: "I have a gravel-covered drive and can't seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better? There are no other plants in the vicinity and it's not like I would be planting anything on the drive in future." Many group members chimed in with their advice, suggesting that while white vinegar and salt could do the trick, there was indeed a superior option – good old washing powder. Garden gurus and savvy shoppers alike have been sharing their top tips online, raving about the unexpected uses of everyday washing powder, particularly when it comes to tackling pesky weeds in your garden's gravel. One green-fingered enthusiast shared: "I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me." Meanwhile, another gardener revealed: "I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water." A third was quick to highlight the efficacy of the method, claiming: "Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly." If you're already using washing powder for your clothes, you're in luck as this staple is readily at your disposal. However, for those accustomed to pods or liquid detergents, a trip to acquire some powdered form may be necessary. Supermarket shelves will carry the product, typically costing a minimum of £3. But if convenience is key, look no further than Amazon, where you might find a hefty 6.5kg box of Surf totalling £15 or perhaps the most economical option—a 400g box of ACDO Miracle Washing Powder for a mere £1.50 from Poundland. Affirming the trick, garden specialist Tom Clifford from Gardenstone previously advised Ideal Home: "Strong chemical weed killers, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if it's made from delicate stone. Washing powder offers a gentler option that shouldn't harm your patio surface but will effectively kill weeds. In addition, washing powder is a regular household object, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers." Washing powder, which contains boron, is toxic to plants and thus can be used as an effective weed killer. However, caution should be exercised when using it around other plants you wish to keep, as it could inadvertently harm or kill them. To utilise washing powder as a weed killer, simply scatter the powder onto the gravel or patio gaps, followed by pouring boiling water over it.
