Latest news with #DIYEverywhere
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to sprinkle £1.10 item around plants that attract pests
A seasoning you probably have in your kitchen already is said to be a perfect remedy to plants who attract endless pests, especially during the summer months Some plants are an absolute magnet for nasty pest infestations but no need to despair - experts say this one cheap food item can help banish them. You probably know cayenne pepper for its sweet aroma and fiery kick. The scarlet spice is frequently found in Mexican and South American dishes, so if you're a fan of these cuisines you likely have it lying around in your kitchen. However, it does a lot more than enrich your meals – cayenne pepper is also a great pest deterrent. This comes in especially handy if you happen to be growing plants that are pest-magnets. These include popular flowers like roses and sunflowers, as well as fruits and vegetables. The reason cayenne pepper works is because many animals dislike its distinct smell and stinging taste. DIY Everywhere explains: 'Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which produces a burning sensation that animals find unpleasant.' The best way to use it is to pour a small amount around your plant beds. DIY Everywhere continues: 'Sprinkling cayenne pepper around your plants can deter critters from digging or nibbling." In particular, it can keep rats and foxes at bay – two of the biggest culprits when it comes to ravaging your garden. Worse still, these animals can also spread nasty diseases if kept unchecked. The pepper can also ward off any sneaky dogs and cats from your plants. While they may be friendly, your neighbourhood pets can become a nuisance if they're regularly chowing through your greens. Equally, cayenne pepper can also come in handy if your plants are being plagued by a bug infestation. Aphids, maggots and spider mites are all common garden pests that hate the taste of the spice. This also prevents them from spreading nasty diseases. For example, aphids are known to spread the cucumber mosaic virus, which causes mottled leaves and stunted growth. Of course, while it may seem cruel to feed animals hot powder, it is safe for most animals to consume in small doses. Plus, it's a far safer option than using chemical pesticides. Not only can chemical pesticides wreak havoc on plants and the surrounding ecosystem, they can cause unnecessary harm to the local wildlife by polluting vital food and water sources. Conversely, using cayenne pepper will keep your plants much healthier, as it won't damage surrounding plants. It also won't pollute any surrounding food or water sources. Even if you don't have any lying around at home, you can find cayenne pepper in most supermarkets. You can pick up a jar from Sainsbury's for just £1.10.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to stock up on one ingredient boosting 12 plants
If your looking to give your plants a boost then make sure to get your hands on this one popular ingredient which can result in longer blooms, brighter hues and stronger petals If your plants need an extra boost in this summer's sweltering heat then this one handy kitchen item could just do the trick. As the summer kicks into full gear, most gardeners are looking forward to seeing their plants and flowers in full bloom. There are few things more satisfying than being surrounded by fresh blossoms and the sweet fragrance of floral buds. However, if you want your blooms to be as full as healthy as possible, it can be a good idea to give your plants some extra help. Luckily, you don't have to go out of your way to buy expensive fertiliser, or spend the time making your own compost. Experts have revealed one kitchen item that can help your plants thrive. It turns out that baking soda can do much more than simply make your bread rise. This handy powder can provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly boost for plants. DIY Everywhere explains: 'The effectiveness of baking soda in gardening is rooted in its chemical properties. As a mild alkaline substance, baking soda can help balance the pH levels of soil, making it less acidic.' This makes it particularly effective when it comes to plants that grow in alkaline soils. This includes twelve popular household plants, such as roses, geraniums and hydrangeas. Its benefits are numerous and can increase bloom size and result in more vibrant colours. In the case of hydrangeas, it can even give them a pinker colour. Other benefits include maximising bloom duration, strengthening plant stems and leaves, and even enhancing the fragrance of flowers like roses. Similarly, when it comes to marigolds, baking soda can intensify their natural pest-repelling properties. DIY Everywhere adds that baking soda also contains antifungal properties, which can help fight fungal infections that sometimes appear on plants. This can help boost their growth and overall health. As for how to use baking powder to enhance your plants, they suggest mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with about 3.7 litres of water. When watering, you should focus on the soil around the base so the roots feel the full effects. If you want to use baking soda to treat fungal infections, you can place the solution in a spray bottle and spritz onto the leaves. This process should be repeated every two weeks for the best results. 12 plants that bloom bigger with baking soda Begonias Hydrangeas Zinnias Petunias Geraniums Roses Marigolds Daisies Lilies Chrysanthemums
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal the huge gardening mistake that is stopping your orchids from flowering
Many British gardeners enjoy keeping orchids in their homes thanks to their pleasant scent and ability to flourish in the UK's cooler climate. However, according to gardening experts, there is a mistake many people make which means the plants may never flower. Luckily, this mistake is very easy to rectify, and so frustrated orchid owners can finally enjoy their plant in bloom. It's all to do with how they are watered: when it comes to orchids, they take moisture from mist in the surrounding air - as opposed to taking it from water-soaked soil. As a result of this, it's easy to over water them, which is a common mistake made by orchid owners, according to the experts at DIY Everywhere. 'Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and have adapted to receive moisture from the air rather than from soil,' they said. This means that soil which has a high water count can affect the plants. 'Overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs to flower,' the experts explained. Being unable to absorb all the necessary nutrients means orchids are likely to suffer. And being nutrient starved can result in leaves turning yellow, developing black tips, and even falling off in the worst cases. But the experts at DIY Everywhere have suggested an easy way that plant fans can prevent this from happening. They suggest that after watering, people make sure that soil has thoroughly dried out before watering again. Alternatively, rather than pouring water into the soil, people can mist the plants with water. This is simple to do, by simply using a spray bottle filled with water. Another step keen gardeners can take is opting for the right kind of water for their orchids - the sensitive plants tend to fare better when water with an alkaline pH of between 5.5 to 6.5 is used. To achieve that, boiled or rainwater should be used, rather than water straight from the tap, which can contain too many minerals that are damaging to orchids. These include fluoride and chlorine. According to gardening expert Monty Don, there are a number of other things to bear in mind when trying to cultivate the plants. He has previously said: 'Orchids have something of a reputation for being demanding and even downright tricky, but in fact some are very easy indeed, and most are not too difficult if you get the basics right.' Ideally, the plants should be kept at 15-20°C at night and 20-30°C during the day, he said. They do not fare well if they are too cold, or too hot. He added: 'Orchids need light to trigger flowering, but they can scorch, so never put them on a south-facing windowsill – a west- or east-facing one is ideal, or set back in a bright room. Each flower spike can bear over a dozen flowers and will last for months. 'But once it is spent – and has not produced new flowers for a week or two – cut back the spike to the first node. This will stimulate a fresh side shoot, which will develop flowers.' When the roots spill out, it's time to repot them, he added. Gardeners should gently untangle the roots, before cutting off any shrivelled or damaged sections and shortening the healthy white roots to about 12cm. Should the plant fit in the same pot, it should be returned to it: if it doesn't fit, it should be moved to a slightly larger container. 'Use proper orchid potting compost, which contains very coarse bark chippings,' he added. 'Hold the plant in position and fit the bark chippings around the roots so that the plant is really firm.' When it comes to watering plants, he advised: 'The best way to water orchids is to soak them once a week, ideally with rainwater, then let them drain completely. Don't worry if they seem totally dry in between. However, as with many tropical houseplants, a daily misting is always beneficial.'
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners warned over huge orchid mistake that stops them from flowering
If your orchids are looking a little yellow or lacklustre, you could be making one very common and simple mistake - luckily experts advise there's an incredibly easy fix Orchids are a popular flower in British homes with their range of delicious scents – but there is one simple mistake that many gardeners make. Luckily, gardening experts say there's an easy fix. Many British gardens contain orchids as they're well suited to the climate. They generally prefer cooler evening temperatures and appreciate bright, indirect sunlight. However, a major mistake comes with how people water their orchids. These delicate flowers actually need to be watered in a specific way. A unique characteristic of orchids is that they prefer to receive moisture from mist in the air rather than from water-soaked soil. This means it is very easy to overwater them. DIY Everywhere writes: 'Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by orchid owners. Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and have adapted to receive moisture from the air rather than from soil.' Soil with a high water content can therefore have a damaging effect. They warn: 'Overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing the nutrients it needs to flower.' Once orchids become nutrient deprived, their leaves can start to yellow and form unpleasant black tips. In extreme cases, they can even begin to fall off, leaving you with a sparse, stunted plant. To avoid this, DIY Everywhere suggests allowing the soil, mulch or fertiliser to thoroughly dry out between watering. This helps to ensure the water is draining properly. Another solution is to water them via misting rather than pouring water directly into the soil. You can do this by simply adding water to a cleaned out spray bottle. Equally, be careful over the kind of water you are using for orchids. These sensitive flowers do not take well to tap water and instead prefer either boiled water or rainwater. This is because tap water often doesn't contain the right pH for many orchid species. Most orchids prefer an alkaline pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Tap water may also contain a high concentration of minerals like fluoride and chlorine. In too high a concentration, these can also be damaging to orchids. Other steps you can take to make sure your orchids are growing optimally is make sure they're receiving enough light. You should also shield them from draughts and sudden temperature changes. It's also crucial that orchids have access to sufficient air flow - especially if you're growing them inside. Ensure you place them by a well-ventilated area or near a fan.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
8 plants you can grow with just water and no soil from scratch
Taking care of plants can be time-consuming, but these houseplants only require minimal care and zero mess and still transform a space with their luscious blooms Every gardener knows that taking care of a plant can be a time-consuming task. If you're looking for a mess-free plant that just requires water to survive, these are the best plants to get started with, experts say. Now that the temperatures are rising and the summer is around the corner, plants need the attention for survival. However, some others require even much more care, and not everyone wants to deal with the mess of potting soil. Growing houseplants in water is a good option for those with busy schedules, as they only require water to thrive and survive, looking as good as new for weeks, if not months. Here are eight plants, as shared by DIY Everywhere: Peace Lily Peace Lilies are beautiful because of their white blooms and green leaves. As per their maintenance, just ensure that the plant's roots are covered in water, making sure that the crown is above the waterline. They also thrive the best when the sunlight hits them directly. Lucky Bamboo Associated with good luck and prosperity, Lucky Bamboo's don't need a lot of attention. To grow, just ensure the stalks are in a vase with at least an inch of water. Also, make sure the roots are submerged, changing the water every two weeks and away from the sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Photos Also known as the Devil's Ivy, this plant thrives in water and doesn't need a lot of care. For them to grow, simply cut a healthy vine with some leaves and put it in a vase with water. The water needs to be changed every couple of weeks, rinsing the roots for them to remain healthy. Spider Plant Spider Plants are known to be air purifiers, and are very easy to take care of. To do so, take a 'pup' and put it in a container with water. Just make sure that the base of the plantlet is well submerged and that the leaves are above the waterline, replacing the water every two weeks. Philodendron Philondendon are classic houseplants, and don't need sunlight to survive - just water. Cut the stem, leaving a few leaves and place in a jar with water. However, it's important to replace the water every two weeks and clean the container to avoid algae growth. English Ivy Versatile and elegant, English Ivy only needs a cool environment to thrive at their best. It's important to cut a section of the vine and remove several leaves before placing them on a vase. Change the water every couple of weeks, raising the roots for them to remain healthy and beautiful. Chinese Evergreen Chinese Evergreens are very low maintenance, and are perfect for beginners or those who aren't used to having the responsibility of having to take care of a houseplant. When placing them on a vase, cut the team by ensuring that the base is fully submerged in water. Wandering Jew Known for its vibrant purple and green colours, Wandering Jews also need minimal care. They add a pop of colour in any indoor space, and just need their water to be changed every two weeks.
