A gardening expert, known online as Black Lotus Gardening, caused a stir with his revelation that many people are mowing their lawns incorrectly. His advice is simple: mow the lawn twice, once on a high setting and then again on the desired setting. This method is faster and results in a healthier lawn.
Renowned gardening expert Monty Don emphasizes the importance of daily deadheading and pruning roses in June to prolong their flowering period. By removing spent blooms, gardeners stimulate the growth of new side shoots that bear flower buds, thereby extending the blooming season. Additionally, deadheading prevents the plant from developing seeds, which improves the chances of repeat flowering, as the plant can allocate its resources to producing more blooms instead of seeds.
Gardeners rejoice! Unleash the power of a simple kitchen staple to keep those mischievous foxes away from your beloved plants. Chilli powder, renowned for its potent aroma, proves to be an effective natural repellent, sending the scent-sensitive creatures packing.
Weeds are a common problem for gardeners, but there is a simple and effective way to remove them from patios. A homemade solution made with vinegar, salt, and washing up liquid can kill weeds within an hour. Simply spray the solution directly onto the weeds, ensuring they are thoroughly drenched. The vinegar and salt will dry out and destroy the weeds, while the washing up liquid will help the solution penetrate the leaf pores. This method is effective because both vinegar and salt are rich in acetic acid, which dries out and destroys plants. Washing up liquid acts as a surfactant, ensuring the solution penetrates the leaf pores instead of just sitting on top. However, it is important to be careful when using this mixture, as it does not differentiate between weeds and other plants.
Pruning hydrangeas yearly is crucial for maintaining their beauty and optimal growth. According to award-winning designer Lee Burkhill, pruning stimulates new shoots and enhances flower displays, directing energy to fewer blooms for larger, more vibrant results. The best pruning time depends on the hydrangea type: those blooming on old wood should be pruned in late summer, while those blooming on new wood should be pruned in late winter to early spring.
A Reddit user has shared their gardening dilemma, seeking advice on how to tackle the overwhelming presence of weeds covering their pathway and gravel road. The user’s post includes a series of images showcasing the extent of the weed infestation.
With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to spruce up your garden and get it ready for the summer months. Here are some tips from an expert gardener to help you get started:
– **Start with a spring clean-up:** Clear away any fallen branches, matted down leaves, and leftover debris from winter.
– **Keep the vegetables thriving:** Direct sow vegetables like beans, peas, carrots, and lettuce for a delicious harvest. For summer veg like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines, read the packet instructions first to determine spacing requirements.
– **Fertilize your plants:** Choose the right fertilizer for your specific plants and flower beds to ensure they have the nutrients they need to thrive.
– **Water and weed control:** Water deeply one to two times a week, soaking the soil thoroughly at the base of plants to promote deeper root development. Regularly remove weeds by hand-pulling or using natural weed control methods like vinegar or boiling water.
According to plant expert Nicole Jacques, cutting your store-bought flowers underwater instead of in the air can prolong their life for up to two weeks. This is because when you cut a flower stem in the open air, the exposed cut can draw air up instead of water. The air can then form a blockage within the stem’s xylem, which prevents the flower from siphoning water properly and causes it to wilt. By cutting the flowers underwater, you reduce the risk of air pockets and allow the flowers to absorb water right away.
A gardener has left neighbors baffled after attaching an obituary to his deceased lawnmower. The note, which was discovered on a front lawn alongside the appliance, read: “Died quietly while performing its duty today. May 22, 2024, at 1721 hours.” The peculiar tribute has sparked a flurry of theories from Reddit users about the cause of death, with some suggesting that the mower was clogged by high grass, while others believe it may have been due to an electrical issue or incorrect use of an extension cord.
Boiling water is one of the best ways to kill weeds on paths and driveways. It almost instantaneously destroys weeds by killing the plant’s root tissue. This method should not be used on lawns or flower beds as the water could destroy grass and plants gardeners want to keep.
