Four Steps A Horticulturist Takes To Hosepipe-Ban-Proof Gardens

Posted on 30/05/2026 by Boris Clair

This month, the UK provisionally broke May temperature records two days in a row. That led some lawns to curl and yellow in distress, though you’re best off waiting for the rain instead of hosing your grass down, even when it looks worse for wear.

And even though no hosepipe bans have been announced in the UK, a peek at Google Trends shows that searches are significantly up from last week. It looks like gardeners are prepping, or at least checking, for sanctions.

But are those fears reasonable, and how can we get our gardens ready now for possible bans later on?

Will we have a hosepipe ban in 2026?

We can’t say for sure yet.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)′ Chief Horticulturist, Guy Barter, said: “Although we had a wet winter which filled reservoirs and aquifers and there is no indication of temporary use restrictions (as hosepipe bans are officially called), supply and demand problems in the intense recent heat have been reported in the press”.

The BBC, for instance, reports we may be on track to see the same drought conditions we saw last year, which led to a ban; that’s not to mention 2026′s predicted super El Niño.

Professor Emeritus of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at University College London, Prof Bill McGuire, previously told HuffPost UK that this extreme weather event could have “a huge impact on global weather, bringing drought, floods and other extreme weather right across the planet”.

Though what that might mean for the UK specifically is harder to tell in the short term.

How can I start to prepare now for possible hosepipe bans?

Barter told us that “Episodes like this [recent heatwave] remind gardeners why it is wise to have water butts for tiding the garden over dry periods. With luck, they will be refilled by summer rainstorms.”

Water butts divert rainfall from places like your gutter into a large barrel, which often has a tap on the bottom, so it’s smart to place it on a stand.

It’s not just that they’re a smarter use of water, either. Plants much prefer rainwater to the stuff from your taps, because it has a pH and mineral content they love.

What if I don’t have room for a water butt?

In that case, try mulching to keep whatever rain has fallen on your soil. Additionally, putting saucers under plants allows rain to collect in helpful puddles underneath pots.

During water shortages, the RHS added, “grey water” from e.g. your shower or washing-up bowl will do the job for a while.

“Waste water from the kitchen, bathroom basins, baths and showers can also be used in summer gardening. Plants seldom resent this and it ekes out mains water supplies,” Barter said.

Smart planting matters, too.

“Gardeners who have planted drought-tolerant borders and gardens have been rewarded by lovely flowers and plants with no need to water. Where watering has been needed, consider planting more drought-tolerant plants in autumn for next year,” the expert said.

“It is a bit late for planting now, but any containers or baskets that need restocking can be planted with angelonia, pelargoniums and salvia, all of which can get by with less water than most plants.”

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

Posted on 10/05/2026 by Boris Clair

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.

All The Signs Your Garden Has A Hedgehog (And What To Do Next)

Posted on 03/04/2026 by Boris Clair

Some experts advise against cutting hedges between March and September, as that’s when birds are busy building their nests and raising their chicks.

But Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com, which is running a Help the Hedgehogs campaign, pointed out that we need to look out for other little critters too.

“The winter season is well and truly over, so, understandably, millions of Brits will be starting to think of garden tasks they can complete now ahead of summer. But it’s not just us that might be outside, hedgehogs may be, too, and they’re not always easy to spot,” he said.

How can I tell if I have hedgehogs in my garden?

“There are signs to watch out for, such as small, black droppings, tiny hand-like footprints in mud, and loud grunting noises, particularly at night. If you notice any of these, you may have one of these small creatures in your garden,” Simms shared.

Hedgehog poop is typically 1-1.5cm long and often has shiny insect remains in it.

Hedgehog Street has a postcode tool that can tell you if people have reported hedgehogs near you, too (hedgehogs can travel further than you think at night).

You should always check these signs before beginning any gardening task, be it mowing, pruning, or planting, Simms added.

And don’t forget to look in any garden drains from time to time, as hedgehogs can fall in these and get stuck.

Hedgehogs are seriously struggling in the UK

Sadly, these measures are necessary as hedgehog numbers have fallen by 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural ones since 2000.

“If you would like to help protect hedgehogs, there are jobs you can do, such as leaving some areas in your garden wild… or even building a hedgehog home,” Simms said.

Collecting nesting materials like logs and leaves, providing clean drinking water, and avoiding the use of slug pellets can all help, DEFRA shared on the government’s site.

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

Posted on 28/03/2026 by Boris Clair

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.

Think Crushed Eggshells Stop Slugs? Science Says You’re Probably Just Feeding Them

Posted on 13/03/2026 by Boris Clair

If you’re a gardener, chances are you have a tense relationship with slugs.

Even though only nine of the 44 species in the UK actually eat your veggies. , and while they’re key to feeding our dwindling bird population, it can be hard to give unwanted visitors grace if they’re making your garden suffer.

Still, there are lots of reasons – like the fact that biodiverse gardens fare better – not to kill them. Some turn to repellants over pesticides, some of which are illegal in the UK anyway.

That can include placing “barriers,” like crushed eggshells, around your plants. But that might not work.

There’s not much evidence to suggest eggshells repel slugs

The idea is simple: when you place crushed eggshells on the ground, the theory goes, it makes an uncomfortable carpet for slugs.

So, they turn away from your budding blooms rather than face the sharp, stabbing sensations of crawling over broken shells.

But McGill University’s (MU) Office for Science and Society, as well as the staff at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) put that theory to the test, and both of them found the same thing.

The MU team placed crushed eggshells around some lettuce (which slugs love), and found it didn’t stop them at all.

And the RHS research, which took place over six weeks, found that plants “protected” by crushed eggshells didn’t fare any better than those with the smashed-up shells.

Side note – in the RHS investigation, no “barrier” methods, including copper tape, pine bark mulch, sharp horticultural grit, and wool pellets, worked.

So, how should I keep slugs away from my garden?

Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, the RHS’ senior wildlife specialist, Helen Bostock, said: “A vibrant garden ecosystem is one that requires [fewer] inputs from gardeners,” including sprays, because “natural predators” will help yo manage slugs, aphids, snails, and more.

So, trying to attract more birds to your garden can be a great first step.

And when you water your garden matters, too.

In one study, researchers found that watering your garden in the morning, rather than later on, is “as good as metaldehyde pellets” for keeping slugs away (metaldehyde pellets were banned in the UK in 2022).

Ferric phosphate pellets are still allowed, but, the RHS said, “slug pellets (even organic ones) have been shown to have negative effects on wildlife in the garden”.

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

Posted on 12/03/2026 by Boris Clair

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.

3 Easy Plants To Get You Started With Gardening This Spring

Posted on 11/02/2026 by Boris Clair

With this endless dreary winter dragging on, you could be forgiven for looking forward to brighter, warmer days in the garden as spring and summer are just around the corner (no, really).

Plus, if you’ve been meaning to get into gardening, there’s no better time than the present to plan ahead and look forwarding to planting seeds under a bright, warm sun.

It’s coming, we promise.

However,if you are feeling a little intimidated by the idea of gardening, it can be hard to know where to start. With this in mind, we’ve chosen 5 starter plants for those taking the green-fingered leap this year.

Three beginner-friendly plants

Lavender

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): “Lavender is best planted in April or May as the soil naturally warms up and when many fresh plants become available in garden centres.

“Lavender should never be planted in winter when young plants are vulnerable to rotting in cold, wet soils.”

They give the following planting advice:

Lavender is easy to plant and takes just a few minutes. If your soil is heavy, plant on a 20-30cm (8in-1ft) mound, ridge or in a raised bed where the roots will not sit in wet soil.

Plant the lavender as soon as possible after buying
Space plants about 90cm (3ft) apart if growing in groups
If planting a hedge, space plants 30cm (1ft) apart or 45cm (18in) for larger cultivars
After planting, water regularly, especially in dry weather, for the first season

Then, let it flourish in your garden. You can prune it if you’d like to or just leave it for birds to feed on. It should grow back every year.

Pheasant’s tail grass

This stunning ornamental grass can add a visually-striking touch to your garden with very little upkeep required.

BBC Gardener’s World says: “This evergreen perennial grass provides year-round colour and structure with bold, low clumps of light-reflecting leaves. Its slender foliage emerges green, but matures to yellow, orange and red over time, reaching a peak in intensity in winter.”

Choose a sunny but lightly shaded spot to plant your tall grass and put the grasses around 45-60cm apart.

Catmint

If you are a big fan of seeing cats roam around your garden, you may want to keep inviting them back with a Catmint plant for them to chew on and rub their heads against.

Plant this in spring, in a shaded spot and ensure that if you’re potting the plant, that the soil a high-quality mix and there is plenty of drainage in the spot.

As for ongoing care, The Old Farmer’s Alamanac says: “Watering is only needed during the first growing season or in prolonged dry spells. Catmints are drought-tolerant once established.”

MUCH needed in this country!

Happy planting!

UK Gardeners Urged To Keep These 5 Weeds Alive In Autumn

Posted on 12/09/2025 by Boris Clair

Autumn is a great month for gardeners for many reasons. Not only are your fruits and veggies at their bountiful best, but according to experts, ’tis the season to do less.

Leaving unraked leaves on your lawn, for instance, can provide a comfortable place for struggling wildlife, while keeping ivy unpruned can provide a rare late-blooming food source for birds and pollinators.

And according to Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, autumn is a good time to ignore certain animal-friendly weeds too.

“Weeds don’t always have to be bad news – some of them can actually be very valuable for your local wildlife,” he said.

“You don’t have to let your garden become overrun, but if you’ve got space, leaving a patch of weeds to grow can make a huge difference to the biodiversity in your garden,” Bonnet added – weeds such as:

1) Dandelions

Sure, these are usually associated with early spring nectar. But per the gardening expert, “Their fluffy seed heads are a valuable food source for birds such as goldfinches and sparrows”.

That’s why leaving a few to go to seed can be so valuable for struggling wildlife.

2) Nettles

Though they might sting us, they provide food for butterfly species like the red admiral and tortoiseshell.

“When temperatures start to drop, nettle patches also provide shelter for insects preparing to overwinter,” Bonnett added.

3) Thistles

Despite its reputation as a weed, the Wildlife Trusts points out that the seeds of the thistle offer food to birds like goldfinches, even after their flowers stop providing nectar for butterflies like the small copper.

Bonnett agrees: “As their flowering season comes to an end and their seed heads are ripening, they offer a feast for flocks of goldfinches and other birds.”

4) Dock

Not only can these provide welcome relief for any accidental stings (seeing as nettles have their place in your winter garden), but they deliver both food and shelter too.

“Dock’s large, broad leaves create sheltered microhabitats and their leaves are a vital food source for the larvae of insects like the green dock beetle,” Bonnett said.

“In late summer and early autumn, its seeds provide a reliable food source for seed-eating birds.”

5) Broadleaf plantain

You might notice this growing in the cracks of pavements and on your borders.

“Its broad leaves provide food for small mammals like rabbits, as well as insects such as bees, hoverflies and certain caterpillars,” Bonnett said.

“The dense rosettes also offer shelter for insects and other small creatures, making it a valuable plant for biodiversity.”

UK Gardeners Urged To Pee In Watering Cans For 2 Surprising Benefits

Posted on 07/07/2025 by Boris Clair

The UK’s recent heatwave has ended (for now), meaning watering and mowing rules have gone back to normal for gardeners.

Still, a bowl of water left in your garden remains useful for animals like hedgehogs, and though this week is safer than last for trimming your grass, you might want to keep your cut shreds on the lawn.

And according to author and former garden manager for various Royal Horticultural Society and National Trust sites, Simon Akeroyd, apparently, we should be peeing in our watering cans too.

“Sorry if this horrifies you,” a recent Instagram Reel of his read, “But the key to successfully growing plants is natural fertiliser.”

Why pay for specially-made products, the gardener argued, when “you have free access to the best natural stuff out there” – pee?

How could pee possibly help plants grow?

Calling your very own liquid gold the “best plant food” out there, Akeroyd shared that wee is “high in the three main plant nutrients needed for healthy plant growth – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

“It’s particularly high in nitrogen,” he continued.

Nitrogen is key to plant health as it provides the building blocks of their DNA (though too much isn’t great for them either – nitrogen created by sewage can throw off the ecosystems of waterways, leading to too much algae).

That may be why Akeroyd recommends diluting your free plant feed “at a rate of about ten parts water to one part wee.”

Once placed in a watering can, t can be used to treat plants “once a week,” he added.

The expert isn’t alone – a 2017 paper published in Environmental Science and Technology reads, “Human urine contains significant amounts of N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus); therefore, it has been successfully used as fertiliser in different crops.”

“Humans have been collecting urine and using it for fertiliser for a long, long time, but then in the west that really stopped with the invention of [the] sewage system,” Dr Krista Wigginton, who researched the topic, told The Guardian.

“We are just trying now to figure out with this infrastructure system that we have, how do we pull back and think differently about what goes into this sewage system and capture some of those valuable products before [they] get mixed and diluted with everything else?”

Does pee get rid of foxes?

Some people report that male human pee, and especially the first one of the day, can repel foxes by interrupting their scent markers.

“Once the fox’s scent has been masked, they will feel more vulnerable and leave your garden altogether. This is a free, effective, if not a bit strange way to get rid of foxes without killing them,” Shield Pest Control wrote.

As Black Foxes UK said, there’s no empirical evidence to prove this definitely works yet.

But hey – if you’re using it to feed your plants anyway, it might be a welcome side-effect.

UK Gardeners Urged To Put Garlic In Plant Water ‘Til October

Posted on 10/06/2025 by Boris Clair

Though slugs are rarely welcome in a gardener’s backyard, the Royal Horticultural Society have not classified them as “pests” for years now.

That’s partly because less than a quarter of the species in the UK actually eat your plants, while all of the maligned molluscs provide a food source for the UK’s shrinking bird population.

For these reasons, British gardeners have been discouraged from using pellets to deter the critters.

Other methods, like placing a halved orange or melon skin in your garden or conducting torchlit searches at night, can remove them from vulnerable saplings without killing all of them off indiscriminately.

And, as BBC Gardeners’ World writes, a bulb of garlic can help too.

Garlic water can repel slugs

According to the publication, “A home-made garlic spray can be effective in deterring slugs and snails from your plants” if applied regularly.

Allicin, a compound in garlic, both helps to repel and, sometimes, kill slugs and snails, botanist James Wong wrote for The Guardian.

For that reason, he says, you should only apply it to the most vulnerable plants (young seedlings and tender-stemmed plants count).

To make the garlic water concentrate, Gardeners’ World writes, boil one bulb of garlic per litre of water (they did two bulbs and two litres) until they’re soft.

James Wong, meanwhile, recommends blending a bulb of garlic with 1L of water, letting the liquid sit for ten minutes before straining “for the chemical reaction that creates allicin to complete.”

James uses his blitzed, rather than cooked, garlic water as-is, but Gardeners’ World dilutes two tablespoons of their boiled concentrate per 5L of water.

Whichever method you choose, you can spray it on affected plants “just as night begins to fall.”

How much should I apply, and how often?

For targeted slug and snail management, you should apply it “liberally.”

Gardeners’ World says you should spray or water with it once a week or after rain.

Specialist growers Sienna Hosta agree: they say we should water our plants with the stuff once weekly from February ’til October, when slugs are more active.

We should reapply it more often after heavy rainfall.