63 h. ago Clay, silty or sandy? Testing your soil type is an essential part of becoming a good gardener

Loamy soil is the holy grail, but all types can be improved by adding organic matterI often mention my veg patch’s clay soil in this column, and that’s because soil type affects what we grow and how. Getting to know your soil is an essential part of becoming a great grower of edible plants. Soil type is determined by the size of the soil’s particles which, in turn, determine its characteristics.Sandy soil has the largest particles, which means it is light, easy to work, lets water drain through it freely and warms up quickly in spring. This also means that sandy soil dries out easily, isn’t as water retentive as other types and tends to be low in nutrients as they wash through it. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago One household essential that will keep ants out your garden for good

As the weather gets warmer garden pests such as ants and bugs will start to appear again, but one homeowner has shared a genius way to keep them at bay using a simple bathroom essential.

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1 week ago Gardening expert reveals essential jobs to do in your garden this April

With warmer weather finally here and lots of spring shoots beginning to appear, it can be a busy time for those with green thumbs and Louise, who is based in London, has shared her tips.

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2 w. ago Action plan: CIAR BYRNE'S essential jobs for your garden this week

Tender plants need to be out in the garden by the end of this month once the risk of overnight frosts has passed But they need to be toughened up first, so the transition is not too much of a shock.

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2 w. ago Gardeners urged to add £1 kitchen staple to bird feed to deter rats

Gardeners are told to use a kitchen essential to help deter unwanted wildlife pests coming at bird feeders in the upcoming months of spring and summer - and it doesn't cost a lot of money.

Economics

3 w. ago Gardeners urged to leave £4 kitchen staple dotted around the garden in April

Your everyday kitchen essentials can also be used in the garden to help your garden bloom this spring

Economics

3 w. ago Gardeners urged to put used tea bags onto weeds to kill them immediately

Fancy a cup of tea? Be sure to keep your used tea bags aside, as they're essential for garden maintenance and can even fend off pests who feast on your plants

Events

3 w. ago Save on home and garden essentials with this Wayfair discount code

Prepare your garden for summer with these Wayfair promo codes

Society

3 w. ago Don’t rush to rip out your nettles – here’s three ways to put them to good use

A patch of the stingers is a sure sign of nutrient-rich soil – plus they’re nutritious for you, your plants and insect-eating birdsNettles are rarely considered a welcome sight to gardeners. With their capacity for rampant growth – they spread by rhizome (underground) as well as seed – and the tiny hairs on their stems and leaves that sting any passing bare skin, they are usually uprooted from outside spaces where people are present. Nonetheless, this defensive plant is a common sight throughout the UK and worthy of more than our disdain, given that it boasts a wealth of beneficial properties and that its presence is a sure sign there’s plenty of nitrogen – an essential nutrient for plant growth – present in your garden’s soil.Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are wholly edible, although the most commonly eaten part is the leaf. Spring is the best time to forage and consume nettle leaves as the fresh growth is the most tender and delicious, as well as richly nutritious. Not to b...

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