9 d. ago Houseplant hacks: can grow lights help plants during winter?

As the days grow shorter and darkness descends, tropical varieties can struggle. But there’s a clever fix that nature can’t provideThe problemIn the dark days of winter, the whole house is darker, days are shorter, skies are greyer and our tropical houseplants receive far less light than they would in their natural habitat. Leaves fade and growth slows as plants struggle to photosynthesise.The hackGrow lights offer a clever fix, topping up what nature can’t provide. But with prices ranging from £15 to £100, are they really worth it? Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Rory McIlroy’s Australian Open hopes slip on discarded banana skin

World No 2 hits double bogey after playing under peel on second hole Grand slam winner five-under after third round at Royal MelbourneThe luck of the Irish has deserted golfing superstar Rory McIlroy, with Royal Melbourne tossing up a banana peel in the latest obstacle to his second Australian Open title.The world No 2 was hoping to maintain the momentum of three birdies late in his second round when he arrived on course for an early tee time on Saturday, seven shots off the pace. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Rory McIlroy’s Australian Open on a slippery slope after bizarre banana mishap

World No 2 hits double bogey after playing under peelMcIlroy five-under after third round at Royal MelbourneThe luck of the Irish has deserted Rory McIlroy, with the Royal Melbourne tossing up a banana peel in the latest obstacle to his second Australian Open title.The world No 2 was hoping to maintain the momentum of three birdies late in his second round when he arrived on course for an early tee time on Saturday, seven shots off the pace. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago 'Banana Botox' trend sees women smother peel over face in anti

Beauty is very demanding, with many forking out hundreds a month to look 'just so'. However, some women have been smothering banana peels on their face in a bid to 'anti-age' - does it work?

Politics

2 w. ago Houseplant hacks: how can I stop my plants dying when I turn on the central heating?

Ease your houseplants into winter by giving them a seasonal reset and moving them away from radiatorsThe problem As soon as the heating is switched on, houseplants start to struggle. Warm, dry air strips moisture from leaves, dries soil faster, and turns cosy corners into arid microclimates. Many people mistakenly think radiator heat is similar to sunlight – warm and life-giving – but it isn’t. Sunlight provides energy for photosynthesis, while radiator heat is dry, stagnant and relentless, closer to a slow cooker than sunshine.The hack Before turning on the heating, give your plants a seasonal reset. Move them away from radiators or vents (at least half a metre, ideally). Group plants together to create a pocket of humidity, or place a bowl of water nearby to counteract dryness. Top-dress tired soil with fresh compost, trim off any yellowing leaves and wipe dust from the foliage so the plants can breathe. Water lightly, then let them rest in bright, indirect light to adju...

Society

last month Houseplant hacks: can you use banana peel to shine your plants’ leaves?

Rubbing the inside of the peel over leaves will leave a glossy sheen, but is it any more effective than a damp cloth?The problem Dust isn’t just unsightly; it also blocks light from reaching your plant’s leaves, slowing growth and leaving them looking dull. Plant forums are full of DIY polishing tips. One of the most popular? Banana peel.The hack Rub the inside of a banana peel on to your plant’s leaves to clean them and leave a glossy sheen. Some swear by it as a natural – and free – alternative to chemical leaf-shine sprays. Continue reading...

Politics