Latest news with #WaineDelaney
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to spray fruit trees with one household item to keep them pest-free
Gardens are beginning to 'come alive' at this time of year, with salad crops and many other fruits and vegetables coming into their own - but they can also be a magnet for pests As the gardening season hits its stride, green-fingered enthusiasts are starting to reap the rewards of their labour with an abundance of salad crops and veggies. Yet, there's nothing quite as disheartening as starting to harvest your carefully-tended fruit and veg, only to find that it's already been devoured by garden pests. Currently, Google queries for "garden pests" and "get rid of pests in garden" have skyrocketed by over 200% in recent weeks. However, dousing your edible plants in harsh chemicals is a no-go, so BBC Gardeners' World Magazine has come up with some top-notch natural remedies to banish those uninvited munchers. Drench the invaders You can banish aphids from fruit trees, for example, with washing-up liquid. Using an eco-friendly brand such as Ecover or Purdy & Figg diluted in water, just spray your at-risk plants liberally while pinching off any obvious offenders, or even pruning branches that have a large number of aphids on them. Alternatively, to keep aphids at bay, nematodes can be your best allies. There are specific nematode species that target various garden pests. For those pesky aphids, seek out types like Steinernema feltiae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which prey on aphids and other pests lurking in the soil. These minuscule warriors invade the aphids, unleashing bacteria that swiftly dispatch them. Just make sure to follow the packet instructions to a tee, and check that your soil is damp and warm enough for the nematodes you've picked up. A canopy of protection. Netting does more than just stop caterpillars and other egg-laying pests from attacking your leafy veg; it also shields against wind damage and guards against any surprise hailstorms. Plus, it's a smart move to prevent insects from transmitting diseases between your plants. Any roving rabbits or squirrels eyeing up your veg patch for their nut stash will be thwarted by sturdy netting. Escar-GO! A liberal dusting of crushed eggshell can safeguard plants in beds from slimy invaders – slugs and snails detest the sensation of traversing the jagged fragments. Kaolin clay serves as another natural deterrent, especially effective at warding off pests from cucumbers. Just remember to reapply after any summer downpours, as it's prone to being washed away in heavy rain. Fun guys. Waine Delaney, from fungi experts SporeBuddies, suggests that mushrooms might not spring to mind when considering garden protection, but certain types contain compounds that naturally target slugs, snails, and other unwelcome guests - organically and safely, without resorting to chemicals. Many edible varieties, such as shiitake and oyster, are packed with bioactive compounds boasting anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and insect-repelling properties. They also harbour enzymes, phenolics, and bitter-tasting compounds that deter pests like slugs and snails; when sprayed onto plant surfaces and surrounding soil, the residue and unfamiliar scent confound them, signalling that the plant is unpalatable. Making your own. Strain the concoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a jug to eliminate any remaining large bits that could clog the spray. You can also ramp up the concoction's bug-busting power by throwing in additional ingredients like peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic extract (a winner for warding off slugs and snails), or neem oil (great for tackling caterpillars, greenfly, and aphids). Gently decant your blend into a spray bottle, topping up with water if needed. Give it a good shake before each use and spritz directly onto the leaves - don't neglect the underside - stems, and around the base of your plants. Reapply every few days, particularly after rainfall.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
The DIY spray to keep slugs and snails out of your garden using leftover vegetables – it's ready in four easy steps
OUR flip flop summer - with sun one minute and downpours the next - can make it hard to know what to expect. And the conditions also make it a nightmare in other respects - it's perfect for garden pests. 3 3 3 Hot, wet weather creates ideal conditions for slugs and snails who like warmer, wetter periods. But experts say if these slimy creatures are having a field day, munching on your greenery, there are easy and cheap ways to keep them at bay. And one method involves using your leftover mushrooms. Mushrooms might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to protecting your garden from pests, but certain fungi naturally target pests, including slugs, snails and aphids - without the need for harmful chemicals. Expert Waine Delaney at SporeBuddies says you can even make your own mushroom pest repellent to promote a healthier and more resilient garden ecosystem. The fungi aficionado said: "Mushrooms growing in the garden is usually a good sign - it means that your soil is healthy and rich in organic matter - and if you have entomopathogenic mushrooms, it can be even better. "Entomo' meaning insect, and pathogenic' meaning causing disease; this kind of fungi kills insects biologically, rather than poisoning them with a chemical pesticide. The fungus produces microscopic spores that land on the insect, germinate, grow, and consume the insect from within." They are particularly effective against pests such as aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars and beetle larvae Though they are able to control some pests, they do not harm insects that are beneficial – such as bees, butterflies, or ladybirds – and they are completely safe for humans, pets and birds. You can often buy this kind of fungi from garden centres and online, in liquid and powder form. Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that 'transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years But what about the mushrooms you already have in the fridge? Many edible mushrooms, like shiitake and oyster, contain certain bioactive compounds that are antifungal and insect-repelling. They also contain enzymes and bitter tasting compounds that repel pests like slugs and snails. When sprayed onto a plants surface and the surrounding soil, the surface residue and unfamiliar scent confuses them, and signals that the plant is inedible Here Waine explains what mushrooms have the best repellent qualities: Oyster mushrooms – good for slugs, snails, aphids and greenfly He says: "The taste naturally repels snails and slugs. "It contain enzymes and toxins that can digest soft-bodied pests and small insects." Shiitake mushrooms – good for caterpillars, aphids and greenfly Waine explains: "The lentinan and phenolic compounds, that they are rich in, deters insects from feeding on the plants. "They discourage insects from settling due to their antimicrobial properties." MAKE YOUR OWN MUSHROOM PEST REPELLENT HERE is the expert's guide to making the eco-friendly repellent: Place your mushrooms in a blender or food processor with water, and blend until you get a smooth mixture. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a jug to remove any remaining large chunks that could block the spray. You can also increase the pest-repelling by adding things like peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic extract or neem oil. Carefully pour your mixture into a spray bottle and add more water if required. Shake well before each use and spray directly onto the leaves – not forgetting the underside - stems, and around the base of your plants. Reapply every few days, and after rain. Button or white mushrooms – good for greenfly and aphids Waine said: "These are a milder deterrent than oyster and shiitake, but still contain volatile compounds and polysaccharides to keep pests away. "They are best to use as a filler or base in homemade sprays, alongside other mushrooms." King oyster mushrooms – good for slugs and snails The expert says: "The strong scent and fibrous structure repels molluscs like slugs and snails. "They also repel other soft-bodied pests because of nematode-trapping toxins."
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to soak one vegetable in water and pour over plants
As temperatures continue to sizzle across the UK, your plants may be in for an unpleasant sauna. Luckily, an expert explains how one vegetable that can help them stay hydrated Many gardeners have been stressing over their struggling plants as UK temperatures continue to swelter – but luckily this one unlikely ingredient could help. Sadly, many British plants are adapted to cooler temperatures, which means they may have difficulty withstanding heatwaves. If plants don't receive enough water, it can damage their internal processes, leaving them dehydrated, stunted and withered. In extreme cases, they may die off completely. Fortunately, Waine Delaney, a mushroom specialist at Monotub, has suggested that there is a way to combat this, as reported by the Daily Mail. Waine reveals that the secret to protecting plants may lie in mushrooms. He explained that by watering plants with the mushrooms mixed into the liquid, you can potentially help them survive the heat. This is due to a little-known function. Mushrooms are actually known as 'hydration pods' in the garden. This is because they have the ability to behave like sponges by absorbing excess water. As such, water that has been infused with mushrooms seeps more slowly into the soil than ordinary water. It also evaporates much slower during the hottest times of the day. The benefits extend beyond increasing plants' hydration, too. Mushrooms are full of beneficial micro-nutrients which are readily absorbed by plants. Just some important nutrients that these fungi contain include potassium, copper, manganese and calcium, which have a positive impact on plant growth and function, particularly in the heat. It's also a much more cost-effective and gentle method than using shop-bought feed. Shop-bought feed can potentially lead to overfeeding, which can damage your plants. Additionally, mushrooms contain mycelial matter, which encourages the growth of fungi when poured onto flower beds. This also helps the soil to retain more water, which can then be taken up by plants. You can make mushroom water at home with any variety of the fungus. First, you need to chop a handful of mushroom before leaving them to soak in tap water for 12 - 24 hours. It's important to note that the same mushrooms can be used up to two or three times. After that, it's best to throw it in the compost, where it can be turned into fertiliser for plants. Other ways to help your plants in the heat include watering them at strategic times of day. It's best to water plants in the mornings and evenings, as it will evaporate slower from the soils surface.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Gardening expert reveals the very unexpected secret ingredient that could keep your plants thriving during the heatwave
As temperatures have been soaring recently, green-thumbed brits have become increasingly concerned about how the searing heat will be affecting their beloved plants. However, Waine Delaney, a mushroom specialist at Monotub, has suggested not all may may be lost. According to the expert, watering plants with the mushrooms mixed into the liquid could be the key to helping them survive the heat. Mushrooms are particularly useful in the garden as they are natural sponges meaning when they are submerged in water they act as a 'hydration pod'. Mushroom-infused water therefore infuses more slowly into the soil than ordinary water - and also evaporates far slower during the hottest times of the day. As well as keeping plants better hydrated, the infused water also nourishes them with micronutrients which are naturally found in the fungus. Mushrooms are packed with nutrients such as potassium, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are typically used up faster by plants in warmer temperatures. Feeding plants with this infused water is also far less harsh than using typical shop-bought feeds which can increase the risk of overfeeding. Opting for mushroom water over the hose pipe can also have long term positive impacts in the garden. Mushrooms grow from fungi which contain mycelium, a root-like network of fungal threads found within the soil. The infused water contains mycelial matter which, when poured on to flowerbeds, encourages fungal activity. Increasing the presence of this root network in soil means all the plants in that soil can improve their uptake of water, as the soil retains moisture for longer. Mushroom water can be made at home with any variety of the veggie, by simply soaking a chopped handful in tap water for 12-24 hours. Even better, the same mushrooms can be used up to 2-3 times before being composted. Similar to normal watering practices, the best results from using the infused water come when watering plants after the sun has set. Geoff Stonebanks, 71, has a multi-award winning garden in Seaford, East Sussex. He has also stressed the importance of keeping plants hydrated in the summer months. The gardener suggested using the reservoir method paired with watering plants less but for longer periods. He said: 'Try not to frequently water the garden - instead do it less but water for longer periods. 'Short bursts of watering can mean it doesn't have the opportunity to sink into the ground before being evaporated,' he pointed out. 'A heavy douse will ensure plant roots remain moist for longer.' Geoff then gave details on how to best hold and make use of excess water by creating a reservoir with tin foil at the base of plant pots. He said: 'How often do you go to water the pots on the wall and the water just runs straight through them, without giving the moisture chance to soak up into the compost and subsequently the plants? 'By creating an inner saucer, where excess water can flow over the side and through the hole at the base, you ensure some is retained to be able to be absorbed by the plants. 'It works well with all containers, not just wall pots. I've been successfully using the idea for many years.'
