Latest news with #GardeningOnABudget
The Sun
9 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Gardeners MUST carry out essential task if they want to get thick, bushy & super green lawns that last all summer
MANY people want thick, luscious lawns in their garden, but it can be tricky to achieve with hot weather and weeds springing up. One green-fingered whizz has shared an essential task you should do to get great results that last all summer. 4 4 A fellow gardener had made a plea for help after using Westland Triple Care on their grass, which they claim left it looking 'patchy.' Taking to the Facebook group Gardening on a Budget Official, they shared: 'What on earth! 'The grass was a little patchy and had some moss. 'I used this last week after spending two days using an aerator. 'The state of the grass now..... 'It wasn't like this before using this box of destruction! 'This is my first post on here and some help or advice would be appreciated. What should I do now.' Thankfully the gardening fan had some words of advice to save the day - and said that Westland Triple Care, which is £10 on Amazon, did actually work for her. They explained that it is aerating that 'does that' to lawns, but you need to 'water at least half an hour a day after using the seeds' to revive it. She explained the same thing had happened to her, and said: 'Mine was aerated. I was gutted, cried for a week. 'I waited till it was warmer as done in March, then I seeded, used two large boxes as did back and front. The four easy steps to get your tired lawn lush for summer & you don't need to worry about pigeons ruining it either 'I put the sprinkler on every morning at 7 o clock and every evening at 9 o clock. 'Once you get all the dead stuff up, sprinkle more, see and wait. 'Mine took 6 weeks of true dedication. 'I watered whether it rained or not as lawns are dry as a bone two inch down. 'All is not lost, good luck.' The upset gardener thanked her for her help and said he would 'water, water, water' his grass. The Westland Triple Care lawn feed is said to 'nourish your grass but also tackle weeds and moss head-on.' It is said to create 'a strong and healthy lawn', with greening visible within seven days - if used between the months of February and October.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Gardeners are racing to Home Bargains for ‘fast-growing' plant that's better than a Flamingo tree for adding privacy
YOU don't have to build a massive fence to add privacy to your garden this summer. A "fast-growing" Home Bargains buy can help to transform your outdoor space. 3 3 Gardening experts recommend utilising plants to elevate your privacy. Fast-growing plants can help to create natural boundaries in your space. Whether you're placing them in your flower beds or pots, these additions can transform your garden. And now, you can take this step without breaking the budget with a savvy deal. A gardening enthusiast shared the find on the Facebook page Gardening on a Budget. "Home Bargains, they have just got them in," she wrote alongside a photo of a Pink Marble Photinia Fraserai. The Home Bargains shopper revealed the potted plants cost £25 each. "Think I'm going to go back tomorrow and buy one," she added. The Facebook user explained that she's "always wanted" one of the "fast-growing" plants. Other gardening fans compared the buy to Flamingo trees in the comments section. Shayna's DIY Privacy Fence: Simple and Effective Many also pointed out how big the plant is expected to grow over the years. "Hope you have a large space for it as they grow enormous unless you constantly trim it," wrote one commenter. "I bought the red robin version last year for £25. It's grown so much. Was definitely great value," said another person. "I bought one from there last year and it's doing amazingly well. It's a good price too. I have mine in a tub," shared a third reader. Another Home Bargains shopper shared her experience with the plant. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. "I've bought loads of them from Home Bargains, I'm planning to keep them in the topiary shape," she said. "I've got the Red Robin and the Pink Marble, they look gorgeous when the sun catches them." Another customer agreed that the plant is "well worth the money". "Please bear in mind if you don't keep them in a pot they can grow to over 30 foot tall," advised one commenter. "Photinia look stunning as standards. As long as you continue to prune them or they will revert to a bush," agreed another person.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
My grass was ruined from leatherjackets bugs – a 10p kitchen hack got rid of them overnight & now my lawn is green again
A NIGHTMARE pest is wreaking havoc on gardens across the UK and could be ruining your lawn. But a simple 10p kitchen hack can get rid of the pesky critters overnight and get your lawn looking lush again. 2 2 Leatherjackets are the larvae of the crane fly (daddy long-legs) and live just beneath the surface of the lawn before emerging as adult flies. They're legless grubs with tough, leathery skin and can grow up to 3cm in length. And experts say that infestations are rife this year. Although harmless to humans and pets, these pests can quickly turn your green grass into sparse, brown patches. This is because they damage the roots of your grass, causing it to die on the surface. New build homes and gardens are being hit hard in particular due to the leatherjackets' love of new turf. But the Gardening on a Budget Official Facebook group has provided a genius and budget-friendly solution. Commenting on a user's worse for wear garden, expert Suzanne recommended throwing slices of bread on the lawn. She said: "Throw several whole slices of bread on the lawn. "Then the starlings will come down and feast on the leatherjackets (works for me!)." 5 lawn mowing tips to get good grass this summer All effective pesticides to treat such pests have been banned in the UK since 2016. But there are other methods to tackle the leatherjackets and restore your lawn, according to Matthew Martin from nematode producer Nemasys. Martin told the Express: "To encourage them off the lawn, you can saturate the grass with black sacks or tarpaulin overnight. "In the morning, the grubs will have risen to the surface and will be easy to see." Once at the surface, you can discard of the pests yourself or leave them to the birds. Martin also recommended using nematodes, naturally occurring, microscopic worms that can target and kill the leatherjackets. According to Martin, they arrive as "dried granules" which can be mixed with water, such as in a watering can, before being applied to your lawn. He recommends applying them first thing in the morning or at night to "avoid weakening the nematodes with harsh direct sunlight". Ben Agnew, a grass expert at Lawnsmith, advises that "prevention is easier than the cure" but that nematodes are a good way of combating the grubs. He said: "Nematodes get rid of leatherjackets by infiltrating their outer casing and subsequently killing them. "Leatherjackets can cause considerable damage, and even after treatment, it can be challenging to restore your lawn to its former state. "It can take your garden some time to return to its former glory." But he says the best course of action is to remove the dead patches of grass from your lawn and re-seed the area. Applying fertiliser across your lawn can help maintain its overall health. Lawns with poor drainage are more likely to suffer from a leatherjacket infestation, so addressing this problem is also key.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers race to Aldi to grab the perfect buy to elevate your garden and you'll get change from a tenner
ALDI fans are racing to stores to pick up a must-have buy to elevate the garden. With summer just around the corner, we're all trying to make the most of our gardens and this bargain buy is the perfect addition. 3 3 One eager shopper shared the buy coming to stores later this week on social media. Taking to Gardening On A Budget, Yvonne Courtney, shared the buy with the group's 450k members. She said: "For those of you who are asking about solar fountains, Aldi will be having them next week!" The image showed a solar fountain to create a water feature in the garden. The budget-friendly item can be bought either curved or angular, depending on the type of pot you want to put it in. Each of the solar fountains come with seven spray patterns. The best part is that it will cost nothing to run as it runs off the sun and costs just £6.99 to buy. The garden decor comes into stores this Sunday, so if you want it for yourself, head to your local Aldi early. Also up for grabs on Sunday in the German retailer is a stunning mosaic bird bath for £17.99, as well as a pack of four solar path disc lights for £9.99. For green-fingered folk, Aldi is also selling a heap of gardening essentials. Mrs Hinch raves about £2 Home Bargains buy that 'adds charm to your garden' & a £10 product that's 'cheaper than Amazon' Gardening gloves can be picked up for £1.99 as well as pruning shears for £3.99. Those who saw Yvonne's post were eager to get the garden buys for themselves. One person wrote: "I want one or two." Another commented: 'This would look cute." 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. "Keep your eyes peeled," penned a third to a friend. Meanwhile a fourth said: "I need a couple, mine broke." "They have the pot in stores now,' claimed a fifth.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
The £1.50 hack that removes green algae off fences without scrubbing or washing – just spray and leave
GARDENING fanatics certainly take pride in their gorgeous green spaces, and with good reason. But some are finding their gardens are being ruined by mouldy and weather-beaten fences - but there is a cheap and easy solution to this dilemma. 2 2 Removing mould can be a huge chore, but don't worry there's a super effective way to get it looking as good as new. Jennie Trowbridge posting in the Gardening On A Budget Official Facebook group said: "I can't remember where I saw this tip originally so apologies if it's already been shared here. "Cheap as chips mould and mildew spray to get rid of green algae on fences. "This fence has bugged me since we moved in. I painted it but within a few weeks it was green again. "Someone suggested the mould and mildew spray and I was sceptical so thought I'd try just a few slats to see if it made any difference. "Did it last week and promptly forgot all about been to check and its amazing! "Much cheaper than any fence treatment I've seen and/or hiring a jet washer!" Members of the group were quick to respond to the tip and one said: "It's really good much better than more expensive ones .I use it all the time." Another added: "I did this last year, works well! I used it on the concrete plinths at the bottom of my fences , came up like new!" "This stuff is amazing x," said another fan. Garden shed glow-up 101 While another fan added: "My jet wash broke and like you I have reoccurring moss etc on patio, fence pots etc. "I found this in my garage, OMGOODNESS what a game changer. No more back breaking for me. "This literally removes it practically overnight. Fabulous, I've just bought and extra 3 while its so cheap." Astonish Mould and Mildew Blaster Spray is available for £1.49 at The Range and Savers and for £1.50 at Iceland. How to get algae off fences ABS Fencing shared a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to cleaning green algae off your fence. Don't use household mould or mildew remover sprays as these are generally intended for use on hard surfaces indoor. Don't use bleach in the garden, it kills a lot more than the mould. Don't try sanding back the top surface of the wood, as algae will just regrow back. Don't bother with power hosing – that only opens up the timber grain and allows more water inside, making the problem worse down the line. Do use white vinegar mixed with hot water in a spray bottle and work it in with a brush, leave for 30 mins or more, then hose down. Do repaint when dry with good quality fence paint. It is described as a practical cleaner that will rid your home of mould and mildew, making your home safer and cleaner. It's also said that the spray visibly removes mould in 2 minutes and prevents spore regrowth so that your surfaces stay clean and mould and mildew are kept at bay. However, other posters came up with alternative suggestions and one member said: "Bleach and water does the same thing!!" "I've seen ppl use Pool Chlorine tablets in a spay bottle," said another. "That algae would come off with some hot water and a scrub. Or there are more eco friendly products that would do the same job." While another explained: "Better of jet washing then using an oil stain like decking on it the green shouldn't come back." "White vinegar kills mould so that could be an option. X." added another group member. Amazon also has a £14 privacy buy summer. Another privacy fence is also available from Amazon, for just £5. B&Q has an affordable privacy fence currently on sale, and you can put it up yourself.
