Latest news with #Lawnsmith
Leader Live
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Leader Live
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
Despite the warmer, sunnier days arriving in the UK recently, some areas are now experiencing cooler temperatures. 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: '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.' If you've not seen results yet, don't worry, as 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.' 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.' Recommended reading: RSPCA shares how to get rid of rats in your home or garden without harming them Expert shares 90p tea hack that improves your garden's health and deters pests Which neighbour is responsible for paying for garden fence repairs? How to check If you have a dog, it's worth noting that grass seeds can get stuck in their paws and other places. The most common places that grass seeds cause trouble are in the eyes, between the toes and around the ears, but they can find themselves anywhere and work their way under the skin, PDSA warns. Using the right equipment, it might be possible for a vet to pull the grass seed out of where it has got stuck. However, grass seeds that work their way into the skin are harder to find and don't often show up on X-rays. They can also start travelling around, causing inflammation, infection and abscesses.
Powys County Times
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Powys County Times
Garden expert shares £1 coin hack to help grass seeds grow
Have you added some grass seed to your garden this year? A garden expert has shared the importance of patience and a £1 coin hack to help you 'provide a comforting environment' for your seeds. Despite the warmer, sunnier days arriving in the UK recently, some areas are now experiencing cooler temperatures. 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: '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.' If you've not seen results yet, don't worry, as 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.' 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.' Recommended reading: Dog owners warned about the dangers of grass seeds If you have a dog, it's worth noting that grass seeds can get stuck in their paws and other places. The most common places that grass seeds cause trouble are in the eyes, between the toes and around the ears, but they can find themselves anywhere and work their way under the skin, PDSA warns. Using the right equipment, it might be possible for a vet to pull the grass seed out of where it has got stuck. However, grass seeds that work their way into the skin are harder to find and don't often show up on X-rays.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Newbuild owners show before & after of ‘garden nightmare' that went from green & fluffy to muddy pit after pest invasion
A NEWBUILD homeowner has shared a shocking before and after look at her 'garden 'nightmare'. Charley Mary, a mother from the UK, explained that when she and her man moved into their newbuild property, the grass in their garden was perfect. 3 3 But, before long, a horrifying pest invasion turned the luscious lawn into a muddy pit. Posting on social media, the content creator shared a close-up look at her garden 's downfall, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside the short clip of her 'garden nightmare', the savvy mum begged: 'Send help.' At the start of the video, viewers saw Charley's garden shortly after she and her partner moved in. She wrote: 'What it looked like before…so fluffy and green.' But moments later, alongside a crying emoji, Charley added: 'Then the leatherjackets came …and now this is what it looks like.' The stunning grass was practically nowhere to be seen, with her garden merely soil with a few patches of sparse grass. What are leatherjackets? As recently reported by Fabulous, Ben Agnew, a grass expert at Lawnsmith, warned gardening gurus to be on the lookout for signs of leatherjackets - a common pest that destroys grass from the roots up. The gardening pro said: "Although small, these grubs can be a nightmare for your lawn. 'An infestation can undo all the hard work you've put in and leave you with nothing. Nature's Defenses: Organic Solutions to Garden Pest Problems "They thrive by eating the roots of grass and plants, killing their food source as they go. 'As they exist under the surface of your lawn, the first sign of an issue is your lawn dying, leaving yellow patches that then turn brown. 'The damp, wet conditions experienced in the UK during winter create the perfect environment for the eggs to hatch into leatherjackets." Common garden pests Common pests in the garden don't need to be a cause for alarm. If you can identify them, you can work on getting rid of them and preventing them from returning. Aphids (Greenfly, Blackfly) Aphids are extremely common and can impact plant growth. They have tiny soft pear-shaped bodies, and are usually green or black. You may spot them clustered on the stem of soft shoots – look under leaves in particular – or may find a sticky substance on your plants that gives away aphids have been there sucking at the sap. Whitefly These small white-winged insects are related to aphids, at just 1 or 2 mm in length, and look very much like white moths as adults. They can be found on the underside of leaves, preferring younger, fresher leaves. They fly in clusters when you disturb them. Their lifecycle is only three weeks long, which means an infestation can occur very rapidly. Slugs An unmissable, squashy-looking body plus small sensory tentacles on its head. Slugs move along on one muscular foot. They range in scale from surprisingly small to terrifyingly large; limax cinereoniger species can grow comfortably beyond 20 cm in length. Cabbage Moth Caterpillar Cabbage moth caterpillars happily make their way into the heart of the vegetables, The caterpillars are distinguished in shades of yellow or browny green with no hair. Mealy Bug Mealybugs are tiny oval-shaped insects that have a white, powdery wax coating. There are several different species, many of which have what looks like legs coming from their sides and back end. In their earliest stage of life, it's entirely possible to mistake them for fungus and not recognise them as insects at all. Leatherjackets are legless grubs with tough, leathery skin. They are typically grey or brown in colour and can grow up to three cm in length. For those looking to take action to avoid maximum damage, Ben advised: "Prevention is easier than the cure for a leatherjacket infestation. 'Effective treatment comes in the form of microscopic bacterial worms, called nematodes, specifically 'Steinernema feltiae'. "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." Additionally, Ben recommended: " Aerating your lawn can help improve drainage. To do this, simply create holes in the turf to allow it to breathe and encourage water to disperse.' Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. Not only this, but Ben also acknowledged that heavily shaded gardens can also suffer, so removing thick branches of overhanging trees and bushes can help more sunlight reach the turf. Ben also stressed: "Some soils are better than others for drainage. For example, nutrient-dense clay soils can make gardens more prone to flooding. 'If you often see water pooling in your garden, investigate the type of soil so you know how to nurture the lawn correctly." Social media users react Charley's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ charleymaryy, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and racked up 9.9 million views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 482,700 likes, 2,722 comments and 19,000 saves. Social media users were gobsmacked at the garden nightmare and many eagerly flocked to the comments to share their thoughts. Not only this, but other newbuild homeowners also confessed that they too have experienced the same issue with their grass. One person said: 'Reason why I would never buy a new build number 10287399.' Another added: 'We have the same. Heard it's a mixture of clay soil, lack of drainage, not enough topsoil, no vegetation and non stop rain.' Alongside shocked face emojis, a third simply commented: 'Brutal.' Meanwhile, another homeowner shared: 'The EXACT same thing has happened to all the gardens on my estate too.' Not only this, but someone else claimed: 'It seems like every new build has this problem.'
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.'
