Latest news with #LucieBradley
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
From treating fungal infections to removing root rot: 7 smart ways to use Hydrogen Peroxide for healthier plants
From improving soil quality and removing root rot to repelling unwanted garden pests and boosting seed germination, hydrogen peroxide offers several amazing benefits in the garden. Although commonly known as a mild antiseptic, it can work wonders for your plants. According to gardening experts Tammy Sons (TN Nursery) and Lucie Bradley (Easy Garden Irrigation) share surprising ways to use hydrogen peroxide for healthier indoor and outdoor plants. 7 ways to use hydrogen peroxide Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Management Data Science Healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Others Project Management healthcare Digital Marketing Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Finance others Product Management Data Analytics Technology CXO Degree Cybersecurity MCA Data Science PGDM Leadership MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK General Management Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta CERT-IIMC APSPM India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK GMPBE India Starts on undefined Get Details Treat Fungal Infections There are two fungal infections, namely powdery mildew and downy mildew, that can be treated using hydrogen peroxide. "I have used hydrogen peroxide as a mist on leaves when I first see signs of powdery mildew," Sons said. "It is by no means a sure thing, but it is a low-cost, easy, and generally safe trick to have in your bag of tricks." To treat plants with downy or powdery mildew, mix three parts water with one part 3% hydrogen peroxide. 'Place this mixture in a spray bottle and use it to spray affected plants, including the underside of leaves,' says Lucie Bradley. She suggests doing this in the early morning so that the solution can dry before the afternoon heat. This treatment needs to be repeated every couple of days until the infection has gone. Live Events When using hydrogen peroxide with plants, Bradley stated that it is important to ensure that it is sufficiently diluted. Otherwise, it could damage or kill your plants. Always use a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution that is diluted with water. Remove Root Rot Potted plants can get root rot if they are watered too much or don't have good drainage, but hydrogen peroxide can help. Bradley said that the reason hydrogen peroxide can help is that when it decomposes, it releases oxygen and water. The extra oxygen gives roots better aeration. To treat root rot, take the plant out of its pot, loosen the soil around the roots, and cut off any infected roots using clean scissors. Next, spray the roots well with a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts), then put the plant in fresh soil. Prepare Soil Even if your potted plants don't have root rot, treating their roots with hydrogen peroxide during transplanting can be helpful. Sons says she adds a couple of tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide per quart of water when moving outdoor plants into pots or transplanting a potted plant into a new container. "I like to use it particularly with young, delicate roots,' she said. 'This gives them a little extra oxygen as they deal with transplant shock," she added. But she also warned that this solution should not be overused; otherwise, it can damage plant roots, especially those of younger plants. Eliminate Aphids Spray a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to help control and eliminate aphids. "Mix a solution of 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 4 parts water," Bradley said. "Then add to a spray bottle and liberally spray the infested plant, ensuring you cover the aphids with the solution." For the best results, insects should receive direct contact with the solution. The hydrogen peroxide will damage the aphids' exoskeleton. Eradicate Fungus Gnats The hydrogen peroxide can also be used to get rid of adult gnats, as well as their larvae and eggs. "To kill the eggs or larvae in your plant's soil, first let the soil dry out," says Bradley. Then, drench the soil using a 4:1 solution of water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. 'You can repeat this process once a week until the infestation has gone,' she says. For the best results, aim for direct contact with the adult fungus gnats to kill the invading pests. Encourage Seeds to Germinate Gardeners often soak seeds before planting to soften the seed coat and help the seeds germinate better. "But you can also do this using a solution of 1 part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 8 parts water," says Bradley. The seeds are required to be soaked in this solution for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse in water. Then soak in water for an additional 10 to 11 hours before sowing. "This works best with larger seeds, which would usually take weeks to germinate," she says. Sterilize Soil When the soil is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, it kills any bacteria and fungi. According to Bradley, there are two ways to do this. "For small amounts of soil—for example, houseplants—use a container where you have placed drainage holes in the base," she says. Then add the soil to the container and drench it with a 1:1 solution of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix the soil to ensure the solution is thoroughly combined. Once the soil is dry, you can use it for potting plants. For larger amounts of soil, spread a thin, 1/4-inch layer of soil over a plastic sheet. Then, spray with a solution of 1/2 a cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 gallon of water.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
I'm a gardening expert – here's the two rules you must follow to get a Wimbledon-worthy lawn this summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GARDENING expert has revealed her top tips to get a Wimbledon-worthy lawn this summer. Parts of Scotland are set to be hotter than Tenerife this week too, so it's the perfect chance to do some essential garden maintenance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Two simple tips can make your lawn Wimbledon-worthy this summer Credit: Getty Glasgow will be basking in the glorious sunshine with the mercury to hit highs of 28C in the city, while Edinburgh is also set to see highs of 28C on Saturday, with temperatures of 23C in Aberdeen. The Met Office long range forecast from July 11 to July 20 states: "Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period. "The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas. "With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions. "Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast." To make the most of the weather, Lucie Bradley has teamed up with David Wilson Homes to reveal how Brits can achieve a Wimbledon-worthy centre court finish at home for summer. And she says there are two simple rules you should be following. First up, Lucie said it's important to keep on top of watering throughout the summer months as rainfall typically becomes less frequent and reliable. She said: "Rather than using a hosepipe, which wastes large amounts of water, household water, known as grey water, can be collected and used instead. "Examples of this include bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water, and leftover bathtub water, providing these are all free from harsh chemicals or pollutants. Watch the moment home owner walks over their new-build's lawn and shows how landscaping turned it into a water bed "Another great way to sustainably water a lawn is by using a water butt to collect and store rainwater that can be used within the garden at no cost." The gardening pro also revealed that the best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate. "Make sure your lawn is dry before nightfall however, as leaving your lawn damp overnight will make it more susceptible to disease", she adds. The second top hack that can help your lawn thrive during the warmer months is mulching, according to Lucie. She says that leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing, known as mulch, can keep your lawn hydrated. She adds: "Not only does this help recycle the nutrients back into the soil, but it also helps the soil to better retain its moisture by slowing down dryness caused by evaporation." Aside from these two simple tips, how often you cut your grass can also make a difference to its condition. Lucie says: "From June, you should now increase mowing frequency to once a week as this is the peak period of grass growth. "To get those signature lines, alternate which direction you mow the lawn in long, straight lines. "This changes the angle at which the light reflects off the grass blade, giving the impression that the grass is a different colour."
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
Mowing hack gardeners swear by keeps grass lush & green in hot weather – it stops weeds growing & means less watering
WITH a possible hosepipe ban on the horizon, gardeners will be concerned for their grass. Luckily, gardening expert Lucie Bradley has some practical, sustainable tips to share including something to consider when you next mow your lawn. 2 1. Reuse grey water Did you know the average amount of water used to water a garden in the UK is approximately 135 litres? Of course, this can depend on the size of a garden, watering method (hosepipe, watering can, sprinkler) and how often. And a hosepipe can use up to 1,000 litres per hour. When a Temporary Usage Ban, or hosepipe ban is put in place by a water company, customers are not allowed to use hoses for watering flowers, washing cars, or for water fights. So instead of a hosepipe wastes large amounts of water to water your lawn and keep it lush and green, Lucie recommends using household water. Household water is also known as grey water, and can be collected and used instead. Examples of this include bathroom sink and shower water, kitchen sink water, and leftover bathtub water, providing these are all free from harsh chemicals or pollutants. You can also use the water from boiling vegetables - just make sure it has completely cooled down before dousing your plants in it, otherwise you'll scorch them! Another great way to sustainably water a lawn is by using a water butt to collect and store rainwater that can be used within the garden at no cost. Alan Titchmarsh's 'easiest' tip will fix bald patches on your lawn in two minutes flat this spring & no it's not seeding 2. Water early in the day The best time of day to water a lawn is during the early morning between 6am and 10am as this is typically the coolest time of day, so the water will not evaporate. Make sure your lawn is dry before nightfall however, as leaving your lawn damp overnight will make it more susceptible to disease. 3. Mulch with clippings Another great way to help keep a lawn hydrated throughout the hotter summer months is to leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing – known as mulch. Not only does this help recycle the nutrients back into the soil, but it also helps the soil to better retain its moisture by slowing down dryness caused by evaporation. Anyone concerned as to how long the clippings stay sitting on the lawn, they decompose and break down quite quickly. That's because when grass is cut with a mulching mower or regular mower with a sharp blade, the clippings are usually small enough to filter down into the grass and decompose, typically within a few weeks. This process also acts as a natural fertiliser. The clippings can also stop weeds from growing as they block the sunlight and prevent weed seeds from germinating. This practice, also known as "grasscycling," is an effective and environmentally friendly method for managing weeds. June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference. When to mow your lawn in summer When it comes to mowing your lawn, Lucie, who teamed up with David Wilson Homes to share her tips said mowing frequency should be increased to "once a week as this is the peak period of grass growth". She added: "However, in a drought or heatwave, you should never cut your grass. "During these periods, grass plants are under a lot of stress and may not recover from mowing. "Instead, wait until the temperatures cool down and at least 24 hours after rainfall or watering." 2
