Category Archives: Home and Garden

UK Gardeners Warned Never To Do Three Jobs In A Heatwave

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We’re on our third heatwave of the year, and this one’s looking extra-long. That means gardeners might be facing browning grass, drying potted plants, and wilting flowers.

Still, though your first instinct might be to spring into action when you see your plants stressed, some gardening tasks are best left ’til after the hot spell. Watering your grass, for instance, might not be necessary, even if it’s browning – and it could go against your area’s current hosepipe rules.

Here are three activities to put on pause for now:

1) Mowing

Speaking to Gardening Etc., Chris Bonnett of GardeningExpress.co.uk said that it’s important to “avoid mowing the lawn during extreme heat, as the lawn will be trying to recover from the heat or a potential drought”.

Grass that grows in very hot conditions often struggles to form healthy roots, meaning the added stress of mowing might damage it further.

Additionally, even though it might look unhealthy, even scorched grass has its protective place in your backyard.

It works as a sort of canopy for your lawn, protecting it from the extreme, drying heat of the sun.

2) Fertilising

When plants’ leaves curl and brown, you might be tempted to fertilise them, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ page reads.

But a heatwave is probably one of the worst times to do so.

“Your urge may be to whack off the dead parts and give the plant a shot of fertiliser. Hold on!” they said.

“The dead part can protect the living part from further burning. Refrain from fertilizing until temperatures drop below 90 [°F, or 32°C] during the daytime… Fertiliser pushes the plant to grow, stressing the plant even more.”

3) Aerating soil

Aerating soil every two to three years is generally a good idea – it can improve drainage and give roots access to more of those sweet, sweet nutrients.

But experts generally recommend waiting until autumn to do the job.

Luke Newnes, a gardening expert at Hillarys, told Ideal Home: “During a heatwave, your lawn is already working hard just to cope with the stress of high temperatures and dry conditions.

“Creating hundreds of small holes in the soil can increase moisture loss and make it even harder for the grass to recover when it’s already under pressure. Most lawns simply don’t have the energy reserves to bounce back properly in those conditions.”

As if you needed any more reason to hang your gardening gloves up in these punishing temps…

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Save £600 On Shark’s Newest Robot Vacuum On Amazon Prime For The Next 36 Hours

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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

I hate cleaning. I know, that’s not revolutionary or new in any way. But if I’m being honest with myself, it’s simply not going to get done amidst the million other things I have going on at all times. I’m a busy gal!

Recently, I did something life-changing: I accepted that about myself, and got a robot vacuum.

Specifically, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal, which hoovers and mops your entire house without you even having to think. I got it for full price but good news for you: you can get more than 50% off the original price of £1,099 on Amazon right now!

A robot vacuum is something I’ve been contemplating for a long time – I knew I wanted one that could do multiple things (I mean, preferably clean my shower and toilet, too) but I was yet to find the right one.

When Shark released its latest vacuum, I was convinced to finally make the jump.

Using UV detection, it’s able to find the most stubborn stains in your house that not even you can see. It also empties its own rubbish into its base, including dust and dirty mop water, so you don’t have to do anything – finally, exactly what I need.

An honest review of the SharkPowerDetect UV Reveal

First impressions

After managing to somehow lug the vacuum up my stairs by myself (that’s on going to the gym) it was time to face what I think is the worst part of getting any new product: the set up.

Luckily, assembling the parts was fairly easy – I filled the water tank with the included floor cleaner and plugged the base into a wall socket. Then came connecting the Shark Clean app to the vacuum, which was painless thanks to the inclusion of a QR code.

Somewhat surprisingly, the most difficult part was connecting the vacuum to WiFi. I’m Gen Z, so this shouldn’t happen, but it took me about three attempts to successfully make the robot stay connected.

Getting started

Once the robot was talking to me, I knew everything was working as it should. The app instructed me to get the robot to map my house, which it did quickly, marking out where there were chairs, tables, rugs, and sofas.

It also gave me the option to demarcate where each room starts and ends – great, as I have an open floor kitchen and living room – and section off ‘no-go’ zones the robot had missed on its initial scan.

Then came for the first clean. I asked it to vacuum just my living room, which it did with complete ease.

I hate to admit this, but I finally understood why some people get emotionally attached to their robot: watching it twirl around chair legs, figure out where my rugs start and end, and empty itself at its base was like watching a confused (but unusually elegant) dog sniff around my house.

My affection only grew when I realised, around 40 minutes later, that my house was completely spotless. Before investing in a robot vacuum, my biggest concern was whether it would be able to get deep into the corners of my room.

But thanks to the included side brushes, it managed to get into hard-to-reach spots, and spent more time around bases of chairs than I usually would when hoovering myself.

The mop function was also completely unobtrusive, as it dries after itself, so you never have to worry about slipping on its wet trail.

It also takes itself back to the base for an empty whenever its dust tank gets full, and (reassuringly) to clean its mop pad several times during the course of a full-room mop.

Added features

After using the vacuum for the first time, I used the Shark app to set a cleaning schedule.

What’s great is you can ask the robot to only vacuum or mop at a time – because who’s mopping every day unless you have a particularly dirty dog or mucky children – or to spot clean an area you’ve had an unfortunate spillage in.

You can even do this when you’re not home, so you know you’ll always come home to a clean house.

Much to my joy, that means I rarely ever have to think about cleaning, other than when I happen to be in my living room when it’s time for its clean, and every 60 days when you need to empty its base and refill its water.

Final verdict

Rating: 4.5/5

  • It’s easy to use once you’ve set it up
  • Gets into the corners and around chairs
  • Doesn’t leave a wet trail behind it
  • Can detect where the carpet is and spot clean
  • Empties its own dust and cleans its own water pad
  • A little noisy
  • It can’t clean your skirting or areas that are covered (duh)
  • Connectivity to the app can be a little tricky

Overall, I’ve been extremely happy with my new robot friend. Yes, I’ve developed an unhealthy dependence on it (don’t worry, I’m still cleaning the rest of my house) and find it way too charming.

Now, though, I no longer have to worry about doing basic but boring cleaning tasks. Naturally, its format means it doesn’t clean skirting boards or countertops, so Shark, please develop that next.

But it does a great job of checking off all-over vacuuming and mopping. The only drawback is that connectivity to the app can occasionally fall off.

I also think the Shark Clean app could use some work, it’s a pretty basic interface, which does get the job done, but in future I’d like to see more features.

For £489 on Amazon right now, though, I have no complaints. So run, don’t walk, because you only have 36 hours left to snatch up this, frankly, insane deal.

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Gardeners Warned To Watch Out For A Cream-Coloured ‘Dust’

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Not only are we entering peak bee swarming season, but James Higgins, Head of eCommerce at Grass247, said we’re about to be beset by woodworms too.

“Most people associate woodworm with lofts, floorboards, and old indoor furniture, but many don’t realise that wooden features in the garden can also be vulnerable,” he shared.

With recent wet, warm weather “and woodworm season underway, it’s a good time to check timber features around the garden for the early warning signs of damage,” he added.

This can include a dust-like substance called “frass”.

What are woodworms?

They’re the larvae of different species of wood-eating beetles.

Their peak season is usually from March to October.

Woodworms cause the most damage in their larval stage, when they gnaw through the cellulose, hemicellulose and nitrogen present in the wood. That can cause structural damage.

Additionally, the adult beetles tunnel their way out of the wood, leading to further tiny holes.

They usually have a pale body with a black head, but you probably won’t see them if you’ve got them – they hide deep in the wood.

Where are woodworms found?

They typically like older, softer, wetter materials. They can be found in joists, floorboards, lofts, and vintage furniture.

But they can be found in your garden, too.

“Woodworm tends to favour timber with higher moisture levels because it’s easier for larvae to feed and develop within the wood. That means everything from garden furniture and decking to timber sleepers, raised beds, and wooden lawn edging can be worth checking at this time of year,” Higgins shared.

“Damp conditions won’t suddenly create an infestation overnight, but they can make existing problems easier to spot and allow damage to worsen if it’s left untreated.”

What are the signs of woodworm?

One sign you’ve got an infestation is a substance that looks like dust at first glance.

“Fresh woodworm activity often leaves behind a fine, cream-coloured dust known as ‘frass’. It can collect beneath things like furniture legs, decking boards, timber edging, sleeper borders, and around the base of raised beds,” Higgins revealed.

“It looks very similar to sawdust, but if it keeps reappearing after being brushed away, it could indicate active woodworm.”

Other signs of woodworm include:

  • Soft, crumbling, or weakened timber,
  • Dead beetles around windows, sheds, or conservatories,
  • Tiny round holes (1-2mm) appearing in timber.

“Pay particular attention to garden sleepers, timber edging, pergolas, decking, and other wooden landscaping features that are exposed to the elements year-round or sit close to the soil” when looking for softer or crumbling wood, the expert continued.

Remember: beetles usually come out en masse from June to July, meaning you’ll benefit most from a keen bug watch, especially around sheds, conservatories, garages, and windows during those months.

If you think you might have woodworm, drying, ventilating, and treating the wood can help. If you’re not sure, it’s best to reach out to a professional.

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It Turns Out A Spoon Is The Key To Watering Plants Perfectly

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We’ve written before about how using a paintbrush on your tomato plants can help to ensure a fruitful bounty, as you can use the tool to self-pollinate them.

And now, gardener and author Simon Akeroyd has shared that when it comes time to water your soil – especially if it has seedlings or freshly-sown seeds – a spoon could be your secret weapon.

How can a spoon help me to water my plants better?

In an Instagram post, he said that watering soil can help new seeds germinate, but doing so over a large area can be tiring “if you only have a watering can with no attachment”.

Removable heads that attach to the nozzle of your watering can, like “rose” style sprinkler heads, can make the process faster and ensure the even distribution of water.

You can get similar results with various hose attachments, the gardener added.

But, Akeroyd continued, “my tip for a wider distribution of watering is to attach a spoon to the end of your nozzle”.

He does that using cable ties. Others have used tape.

That way, when you tip the can forward, water fans out from the bowl of the spoon rather than streaming in a straight line.

This is especially useful for “broadcast sowing”, Akeroyd continued, stating that “Seeds that you might broadcast sow include mustard, green manures, lawn seed, wildflowers, etc.”

Any other tips?

Yes. Akeroyd said in his clip that if you live in the UK, another way to water pre-seed soil is to simply wait for the rain to come.

Even if you’re using a watering can, this may still be sage advice.

Rainwater is significantly better for your plants than water from the tap, partly because its slightly acidic nature allows it and its nutrients to reach your plants’ roots sooner.

It is a little dirtier, but that’s no bad thing. The Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) said that a bit of grime in your water works “like a light application of fertiliser”.

And if your rainwater falls during a storm, even better. Lighting releases soil-friendly nitrates, and while most forms of nitrogen, which is crucial for soil and plant health, aren’t easily absorbed by greenery, nitrates found in rain are incredibly easy for your flowers to process.

Collect rainwater using a water butt or mulching to retain nature’s greatest gift to gardeners.

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Chalky, Sandy, Clay: The Best Plants For Every Type Of Soil

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It’s one thing running a garden on well-aerated (but never dusty), easily compacted (but not too heavy) soil.

But it’s rare that the stars perfectly align; the UK’s soil, which is increasingly degrading, may run a little too chalky or clay-heavy in your backyard.

Here, we’ll share the types of soil in the UK and the best plants for each of them.

What types of soil are there?

The main types of soil in the UK are:

  • Chalky,
  • Clay,
  • Loamy,
  • Peaty,
  • Sandy,
  • Silty.

The type of soil is determined by its particle size. Clay particles are less than 0.002mm; silt is 0.002-0.05mm; sand is 0.05-2mm, and stones are larger than 2mm.

Most soil is a combination of different soil particles.

Which soil do I have?

To count as a “clay” soil, the earth has to contain 25% or more clay particles. These are fertile, but drain slowly and can be compacted quite easily; they take a long time to warm up, and may “bake” in summer. They get sticky when wet.

Chalky soils tend to be stony as they often lie over a limestone bedrock. They usually drain quite freely and are typically alkaline. If your soil froths when you put it in a jar of vinegar, it’s probably high in chalk.

Sandy soils retain little moisture, which is great for draining after rain but a little tougher to work with during hot weather. They feel gritty to the touch.

Loamy soils are often considered “the perfect soil type” as they contain a mixture of clay, sand, and silt. That makes them easy to work with and able to hold on to water without running waterlogged. They’re usually high in nutrients.

Peaty soils can be acidic and hold a lot of water, though they’re also high in nutrients. They’re not usually found in gardens, though.

And silty soils, while easily compacted, usually drain well and are quite fertile. They typically have medium-sized particles, which help them to retain moisture. They rarely clump and feel a little slippery.

Soil-testing kits can help you work out the nutrient content of your soil.

What are the best plant types for each soil?

Some examples include:

1) Clay soils

  • Roses
  • Hydrangea
  • Hardy geraniums
  • Mahonia
  • Foxglove
  • Tomato
  • Cabbage
  • Squash
  • Green beans
  • Lettuce.

2) Chalky soils

  • Geranium
  • Clematis
  • Lavender
  • Yarrow
  • Rosemary
  • Globe thistle
  • Crab apple trees.

3) Loamy soils

  • Wisteria
  • Geranium
  • Day lily
  • Dogwood
  • Summer bulbs
  • Roses
  • Peony
  • Tomato
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Strawberries.

4) Peaty soils

  • Rhododendrons
  • Azaleas
  • Heather
  • Magnolias
  • Brassicas
  • Radishes
  • Potatoes.

5) Sandy soils

  • Tulips
  • Lavender
  • Buddleja
  • Hardy fuchsia
  • Carrot
  • Courgette
  • Alliums
  • Radishes.

6) Silty soils

  • Willows
  • Ferns
  • Dogwoods
  • Astilbe
  • Cistus
  • Lettuce
  • Chard
  • Green beans.

What if my soil is new and/or very shallow?

Wildflowers do exceptionally well on very new, thin soil, gardener and writer Arthur Parkinson previously told HuffPost UK.

“Perennial wildflowers like ox-eye daisy you can sow onto very poor soils, and they will establish well from being sown in the early autumn. Annual chamomile and cornfield poppies will thrive too if their seed is sown in spring,” he said.

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Planting New Grass? Try ‘Penguin Walking’ For Better Growth

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If your grass is looking a bit bare after the winter chill, you might be thinking of planting new seed now that the soil’s warmed up.

Indeed, according to Chris McIlroy, a lawn expert at The Grass People, “We’re approaching the ideal time to sow new grass seed and get lawns looking their best again”.

The Royal Horticultural Society added that spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for the task; it’s cheaper than buying new turf, and fairly easy.

Especially, McIlroy said, if you “penguin walk”.

What is “penguin walking”?

It’s a shuffling kind of walk you can do before you plant grass seeds to help get rid of any air pockets in the soil.

“New seedlings need mild, moist soil in order to germinate, so waiting until temperatures are consistently around 8-10°C is crucial. Also, check that there is no heavy rain forecast, as this can wash away seeds,” McIlroy said.

Start with a “clean slate”, too: banish moss, dead grass, and weeds before laying new seeds down.

Then, it’s time for the penguin walk.

“You need to tread the ground to get rid of air pockets. Take small steps over the surface to even out the soil, like a penguin shuffle. Do this in rows to make sure all the areas are covered,” the grass expert explained.

“Once the ground is prepared, spread the grass seed evenly across the soil at around 30-35g per square metre for a new lawn, or 15-20g per square metre when overseeding bare patches.”

To get really even coverage, divide the seed in half and walk along your lawn lengthways sprinkling the first section.

Then, spread the second load of seed walking widthways. That’ll form a kind of crosshatch pattern that’ll offer even coverage.

What should I do once the grass seeds have been planted?

“After sowing, lightly rake the area so the seeds sit just beneath the soil surface, then gently firm it down by walking over it or using a roller,” McIlroy added.

“This helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for germination. Finally, water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist while the grass establishes.”

Wait until it’s at least five centimetres tall before you give it its first mow. And when you do, use your mower blade’s highest setting.
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The Best Scents To Use In The Bathroom For A Sensual Experience

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With fans already anticipating that bathtub scene between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek, sensual baths have quietly moved to the forefront of our collective imagination.

Set in a firelit room and framed as a moment of trust and vulnerability, the scene which appears in Julia Quinn’s Offer From a Gentleman and has already been teased in the Bridgerton season 4 part 2 trailer, taps into a growing appetite for intimacy that’s built through atmosphere rather than spectacle.

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With Valentine’s Day landing just days before the episode airs on February 26, it’s no surprise that many are thinking about how to recreate that same mood at home, and if you’re one of them, we have expert guidance on hand.

The most erotic candle scents for a sensual bath experience

Of course, when it comes to a sexy suds-y experience, scent is everything and with this in mind, we spoke with Archie MacDonald, Director of Highland Soap Co. to learn about which scents create the most romantic atmosphere.

He commented: “Fragrance is closely linked to emotion and memory, which is why scent can have such a strong effect on intimacy. It’s something people don’t always consciously think about, but whether you’re choosing a gift or simply trying to elevate an evening with your partner, scent plays a powerful role in shaping how a moment feels and how it’s remembered.”

This makes perfect sense. The power of smell to bring us to a different place, mood, even person is incredible.

The scent expert added: “Rose and patchouli have long been associated with intimacy because of the way they work together on a sensory level. Rose absolute brings a soft, delicate floral note that feels calming and comforting, while patchouli adds an earthy warmth that grounds the scent and gives it depth. The result is a fragrance that feels uplifting and soothing at the same time, creating an atmosphere that’s relaxed and sensual.

“Whether it’s through a scented candle in the home or a soap used as part of a daily routine, incorporating rose and patchouli into everyday moments can help create a sense of closeness and connection without needing anything overly elaborate.”

Brb, need to make my bathroom look and smell romantic AF.