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No more brown leaves: sage advice from a gardening expert

We’ve all been there before. We’re watering our seemingly healthy houseplant when suddenly there it is: a tinge of brown on the plant’s leaf. Yikes. But what do brown tips on leaves mean for your plant, and what can you do to make them go away? Read on to find out. Lack of water or humidity If your plant is sporting crispy, dark, or brown tips on its leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement. Lack of humidity could also be the cause. Tropical plants prefer higher humidity levels than we have in our homes. When we turn on the heat in winter, there’s even less moisture in the air. Group plants together so that as one loses moisture through its leaves, the neighbours benefit. Or place plants on saucers or trays filled with pebbles and water. Set a pot on the pebbles above the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant, where it is needed. Lack of nutrients A lack of key nutrients may be behind the brown tips on leaves of your plant. Burned-looking leaf tips, or old leaves with dark green or reddish-purplish colouring, may indicate a phosphorus deficiency. With a potassium deficiency, you may see yellow or brown along older leaf tips and edges, yellowing between veins, curling leaves, or spotting. For potted plants, add a slow-release type of fertiliser to the soil mix before planting. Every time you water, a little fertiliser is released, providing a steady flow of nutrients. But depending on the growing conditions and number of plants in the container, a midseason boost may be needed. Stay on top of your fertiliser applications by making notes on a calendar. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-tips/why-does-my-plant-have-brown-tips-on-the-leaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Why you should never throw out an old garden hose

Make a snake decoy to scare birds If flocks of birds are making a mess of your pool (or stealing from your backyard veggie garden), try replicating their natural predator to keep them away. Cut a short length of hose, lay it on the grass – poised like a snake – and the birds should steer clear. Stabilise a tree A short length of old garden hose is a good way to tie a young tree to its stake. You’ll find the hose is flexible enough to bend when the tree does, but at the same time, it’s strong enough to keep the tree tied to its stake until it can stand on its own. Also, the hose will not damage the bark of a young tree as it grows. Cover swing set chains To avoid kids getting hurt on a backyard swing, put a length of old hose over each chain. This will prevent little hands from getting pinched on the swing chain. If you have access to one end of the chains, just slip the chain through the hose. Otherwise, slit the hose down the middle and slip it over the swing-set chains. Close the slit hose with a few wraps of duct tape. Protect your handsaws Keep your handsaw sharp and safe by protecting it with a length of garden hose. Just cut a piece of hose to the length you need, slit it along its length and slip it over the teeth. This is also a good technique to protect kitchen knives when you pack them for a camping trip. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/why-you-should-never-throw-out-an-old-garden-hose" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

10 surprising health benefits of gardening

If you’re looking for ways to stay fit and healthy, chances are exercise ranks high on the list. Lifting weights can help maintain and even strengthen muscles while yoga can boost your flexibility and balance. But have you ever thought of gardening? Gardening, no matter your age, is a physical activity that can reap many unexpected health benefits. “When I think of the health benefits of gardening the first most obvious benefit is getting outside and into the fresh air,” says horticultural therapy manager Gwenn Fried. But there are plenty more benefits for the mind, body and soul. Makes you (and your kids) love veggies Were you the kid who fed your peas to the dog under the table? Or faked a stomach ache every time Brussels sprouts were served? Simply growing older may not have changed your feelings about eating your greens, but growing your own vegetables just might. A 2017 review of studies published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that kids who were introduced to gardening ate more fruit and veggies. Helps you control weight Avoiding weight gain – or trying to shed a few kilos – is a popular health goal for many people, and gardening can help you achieve it, according to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Gardeners have a significantly lower body mass index, as well as lower odds of being overweight or obese, than non-gardeners, the researchers found. Provides a great workout that feels like fun Think puttering around in the garden is just something your elderly neighbour does when she’s bored? Think again. Carrying bags of mulch, pushing a wheelbarrow, hoeing rows, picking weeds, planting seeds, toting equipment, shovelling manure, moving pots, pushing a mower, and other gardening tasks provide a whole-body workout, suggests a 2014 review of studies published in the journal American Society for Horticultural Science. Even better, it’s exercise with a purpose. “This goal-oriented activity entices you to stay for a longer time and therefore reap more benefits of the aerobic activity,” says Fried. Nourishes your spirit Call it the ‘gardening glow’ – working with plants provides serious stress relief and positive sensory stimulation, suggests an experiment done by NASA in 2016. That’s right, the scientists responsible for hurtling humans into space have discovered that gardening can keep astronauts sane and happy in the severe environment of outer space. In their research, they found that planting and nurturing seeds, even just in small pots, provided lifted mood and eased stress. And if it helps astronauts, it can definitely help us. Cuts your risk of heart disease Even though not all gardening tasks are a high-intensity cardio sweat fest, they still provide powerful heart health benefits. In fact, gardening can cut the risk of a heart attack or stroke and prolong life by 30 per cent, according to a study published in 2013 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The benefits appear to come from the combination of physical exercise and stress reduction that playing in the dirt provides. “The stress-reducing capacity of gardening starts with reconnecting us with the natural world,” says Fried. “Pruning, weeding and watering all provide a cathartic experience. Something as small as tending a plant on a desk or as encompassing as a vegetable garden allows the user to immerse themselves in a green, growing, healthy environment.” Helps slow climate change When it comes to reversing or stopping global climate change, there’s a lot you can do on an individual level. Recycling, carpooling, using energy-efficient appliances, and electric cars all help. But did you know that you can add your backyard garden to that list? Gardens provide vital green space to reduce greenhouse gases, reduce your need to buy things, allow you to compost food waste, and many other positives for our planet, according to report by the National Wildlife Federation. Boosts your immune system Having dirt under your fingernails may be a sign of poor hygiene, but scientists say it could also be a mark of good health. Thanks to beneficial bacteria found in soil, gardening may improve your immune system, helping you get sick less and fight off infections easier, according to research, including a 2015 study published in Immunotargets and Therapy. Increases hand coordination and strength A powerful grip is important for more than just rock climbing or intimidating people with your handshake. Hand strength, flexibility and coordination are essential for everyday tasks like opening jars, carrying packages and picking up children. And gardening is the perfect way to hone those fine motor skills and muscles. A few minutes of weeding every day may even help offset some of the strain caused by repetitive use like typing or phone swiping. Gives you hope for the future Arguably the most surprising benefit of gardening? It restores your faith in the future. “When you garden, you expect growth and change,” says Fried. How so? “When someone plants a seed and waters it, they have faith that the seed will send roots into the soil to support stems and leaves above,” she says. “When people see that faith come to fruition, it helps carry the same kind of faith and hope into everyday life.” Sharpens your brain More than just good exercise for your body, gardening provides a healthy workout for your brain, suggests a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Researchers measured brain nerve growth factors related to memory in study participants – all seniors – before and after they created a vegetable garden, and found that their levels of brain nerve growth had increased significantly. Arguably “the most surprising benefit of gardening is the capacity for gardeners to become life-long learners,” says Fried. “It’s important to stimulate our brains throughout life. With gardening, there’s always something to learn about new plants and techniques or history and folklore from our past.” Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/10-surprising-health-benefits-of-gardening?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

8 mind-boggling facts about your favourite flowers and plants

We’ve found some fun, quirky and downright mind-boggling facts about our favourite flowers and plants. 1. A sunflower is not just one flower. Each head is composed of hundreds of tiny flowers, called florets, held together on a single seed. This is the case for all plants in the sunflower family, including daises. 2. Apples, pears, peaches, cherries, raspberries, strawberries and more are actually in the rose family, making them cousins to the long-stemmed flower of love. 3. During the 1600s, tulips were so valuable in Holland that their bulbs were worth more than gold. No wonder the Netherlands is known for their tulips! 4. Bamboo is the fasted-growing woody plant in the world. The current Guinness World Record title is held by a certain species of the 45 genera of bamboo, which have been found to grow at up to 91 cm per day or at a rate of 0.00003 km/h. 5. Strawberries are the only fruit that bears its seeds on the outside. It has on average 200 seeds. 6. The oldest known flower was discovered in 2002, in northeast China. The flower, named archaefructus sinensis, bloomed around 125 million years ago and resembles a water lily. 7. The titan arum is the world’s largest flower. The circumference of the flower can be over three metres and a single leaf can grow to the size of a small tree. However, it smells horribly like rotten flesh, earning its nickname of corpse flower. 8. You can change the colour of your hydrangeas by altering the pH level of the soil. Alkaline soil will create pinker blooms, while a more acidic soil will produce blue blooms. Image credit: Instagram Related links: <a href="../lifestyle/gardening/2015/05/gardening-and-soil-ph/">What you need to know about your soil’s pH levels</a> <a href="../lifestyle/gardening/2015/05/over60-community-gardens-part-4/">Take a look inside the beautiful gardens of the Over60 community</a> <a href="../lifestyle/gardening/2015/06/attracting-birds-to-the-garden/">Top tips for attracting birds to the garden</a>

Home & Garden

Five easy ways to use less water at home – and not just in a drought

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/niko-wanders-1234321">Niko Wanders</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/utrecht-university-1354">Utrecht University</a> With so much of the world suffering from drought, you might think your ability to help is minimal. But when you consider the average person in the UK uses around <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">142 litres of water a day</a>, it’s easy to see how small changes to your routine can add up. More than half of the water that is extracted from rivers, streams and aquifers in the UK feeds the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/env15-water-abstraction-tables">public water supply</a>. These abstractions, as they’re called, worsen drought conditions by draining local waterways, depriving vegetation, fish and other aquatic life of the water they need to survive droughts. Filling paddling pools to cool off, taking multiple showers each day to stay clean, watering the garden to revive wilting plants – all these extra activities contribute to a sharp increase in public water use on hot and dry days. And these impacts can endure for months, as freshwater systems need a lot of additional rainfall to recover from droughts. If each person can reduce their water use during a drought, it would significantly benefit the natural world in its recovery. Here are five things you can do, starting today. <h2>1. Shower less</h2> Most of the water you use is <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">in the shower</a>. For every minute you’re under the shower head (depending on how powerful it is), around 10 litres of water drains away. Since most people shower for <a href="https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/trends/revealed-what-brits-are-really-getting-up-to-in-the-bathroom-1/#:%7E:text=Most%20Brits%20(62%25)%20bathe,latest%20UK%20shower%20habits%20survey.">an average of seven minutes</a>, half of your daily water use takes place first thing in the morning. Turning off the shower while shampooing your hair or applying shower gel can help conserve water, as can shortening the length of your shower overall. Be sure not to switch to a bath though – the average soak in the tub uses <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">around 80 litres of water</a>. <h2>2. Use rainwater in the garden</h2> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> During a dry spell, the average gardener can use <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">hundreds of litres</a> of water to keep their plants hydrated. Some people will use a watering can (good), others might leave a sprinkler on all day (bad). Most use drinking water, which is a waste – plants are happy with rain water. Add a water butt that collects the rain which falls on your roof and use it for the garden. To find out how to install one, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jk0lstsu5o">watch this</a>. <h2>3. Use the short flush</h2> Per flush, your toilet uses about <a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">5 litres of water</a>, and up to 10 litres in older models. If available, use the short flush to significantly reduce how much water is wasted. <h2>4. Cut back on car washing</h2> If you need to wash your car, do it the old-fashioned way with a bucket and soap rather than hosing it down. The water contained in a bucket (<a href="https://www.water.org.uk/news-item/vast-majority-of-brits-have-no-idea-how-much-water-they-use-each-day/">roughly 30 litres</a>) is significantly less than the average that flows through a hose (around <a href="https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/siteassets/documents/uwu-0618-web-version.pdf">15 litres per minute</a>). Better yet, avoid washing your car entirely during a drought. <h2>5. Reuse water</h2> If you’re washing vegetables, you could collect the water in a bowl in the sink and later give it to the plants in your house or outside. While you’re waiting for warm water to come out of a tap, use the cold to fill the kettle. Close the tap while you’re lathering your hands with soap or brushing your teeth. Though these are only small savings, they do make a difference over time. Inflatable pools are lovely for cooling down on the hottest days. A cleaning pump can filter the water and recycle it without you needing to use more water to keep the pool clean. <h2>Save water, save money</h2> All these tips can significantly reduce your water use and combat the effects of drought on the environment. They can also save you money. If you’re able to renovate your home, it’s worth installing a system for collecting rain water which, combined with a pump, can flush toilets. In Belgium, for example, it is common practice to have such a system installed (effectively, a large underground water butt) in newly built houses. Most people would struggle to afford these kinds of measures, and so drought-proofing homes and communities should be part of the effort to adapt countries to the extreme weather expected in a rapidly warming world. Image credit: Shutterstock <hr /> <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like? <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/newsletters/imagine-57?utm_source=TCUK&utm_medium=linkback&utm_campaign=Imagine&utm_content=DontHaveTimeTop">Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead.</a> Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/newsletters/imagine-57?utm_source=TCUK&utm_medium=linkback&utm_campaign=Imagine&utm_content=DontHaveTimeBottom">Join the 10,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.</a><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187885/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <hr /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/niko-wanders-1234321">Niko Wanders</a>, Assistant Professor in Hydrological Extremes, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/utrecht-university-1354">Utrecht University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/five-easy-ways-to-use-less-water-at-home-and-not-just-in-a-drought-187885">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

6 best screening hedge plant

<h4>Lillipilly</h4> With its dense screen and fast growing habit, lillipilly can grow up to eight metres tall but should be pruned to thicken the foliage. The Syzygium smithii variety is commonly known as ‘Neighbours Be Gone’. <h4>Juniper</h4> A conifer such as Juniperas spartan is an excellent choice due to its dense evergreen dark blue-green coloured foliage. This column-shaped hardy plant grows to three metres in 10 years and no trimming or pruning is required. <h4>Camellia</h4> Camellias come in two main varieties, japonica and sasanqua. For hedging, the sasanqua is the preferred choice with its faster growing habit, smaller leaves and better sun tolerance. The flowers in autumn are an added bonus. <h4>Photinia</h4> Photinias come in larger and smaller leaf varieties with the smaller leaf types more suitable for hedges up to two metres. With an overall deep green leaf appearance, the new growth comes as striking red foliage. <h4>Murraya</h4> A great alternative to box hedges with a somewhat similar texture but lighter green leaves, murraya is fast growing and easy to care for, with a pretty flush of orange blossom scented flowers in spring and summer. <h4>English Box</h4> Box is the most popular choice for hedging and is the best choice for a more formal look. Its slow growing tendency means it will not provide privacy for several years, but the bonus is it’s easy to maintain. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/gardening-tips/best-screening-hedge-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

16 ways to kill garden weeds

<h2>How to kill garden weeds with ease</h2> Looking for a safe way to keep weeds and grass from growing in the cracks of your paved patios, driveways and footpaths? Here are a few tricks that will keep weeds at bay. <h2>Baking soda</h2> Sprinkle handfuls of baking soda onto the concrete and simply sweep it into the cracks. The added sodium will make it much less hospitable to dandelions and their friends. <h2>Bleach</h2> Pour a bit of undiluted bleach over them. After a day or two, you can simply pull them out and the bleach will keep them from coming back. Just be careful not to get bleach on the grass or plants bordering the path. <h2>Boiling water</h2> Put on the kettle and pour boiling water over cracks where weeds grow. This will kill the stubborn weeds. <h2>Vinegar</h2> Are dandelions a problem? Make them disappear for good by spraying them with full-strength white or apple cider vinegar. Early in the season, give each plant a single spritz of vinegar in its midsection or in the middle of the flower before the plants go to seed. Aim another shot near the stem at ground level so the vinegar can soak down to the roots. Keep an eye on the weather, though; if it rains the next day, you’ll need to give the weeds another spraying. <h2>Borax</h2> Sprinkle borax in the crevices where you’ve seen weeds grow in the past. It will kill them off before they have a chance to take root. When applied around the foundation of your home, it will also keep ants and other six-legged intruders from entering your house. But be very careful when applying borax – it is toxic to plants. <h2>Bottles</h2> When using herbicides to kill weeds in your garden, you have to be careful not to also spray and kill surrounding plants. To isolate the weed you want to kill, cut a 2-litre soft drink bottle in half and place the top half over the weed you want to spray. Then direct your pump’s spraying wand through the regular opening in the top of the bottle and blast away. After the spray settles down, pick up the bottle and move on to your next target. Always wear goggles and gloves when spraying chemicals in the garden. <h2>Corn gluten meal</h2> This non-toxic herbicide kills weed seedlings within just a few days of application. An organic byproduct of the corn milling process, corn gluten meal is made up of 10 per cent nitrogen. It works by inhibiting weed roots from forming, according to <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/corn-gluten-herbicide-careful-timing-2152947">TheSpruce.com</a>. But the timing is important: You have to apply corn gluten meal to soil before weeds emerge. <h2>Landscape fabric</h2> This all-natural method takes longer to decompose than mulch. But don’t buy just any type. “Hold the fabric up to the light and make sure the pores in the fabric are small enough to prevent weeds from growing through the barrier,” recommends the Family Handyman. “Also, a good-quality landscape fabric is one you can’t tear or stretch easily. It should feel stiff, not flimsy and limp. <h2>Carpet scraps</h2> Alternatively, if you have scraps of carpet lying around, us these to suppress weeds in you garden. Place upside down in your garden or along your garden path and cover with bark mulch or straw. Use also around your vegetable garden. <h2>Newspaper</h2> Like carpet, laying down newspaper will block sunlight, prevent oxygen from reaching the soil and smother weeds that are already growing. Put down 10 layers of newspapers on the soil, wet it with water to hold it in place and then cover with mulch. <h2>Salt</h2> Bring a solution of about 1 cup salt in 2 cups water to a boil. Pour directly on the weeds in the cracks of your path to kill them. Another equally effective method is to spread salt directly onto the weeds or unwanted grass that come up between bricks. Wait for rain to rinse it off. <h2>Shower curtains</h2> Those old shower curtains will also come in handy next time you do any landscaping with gravel or bark chips. Just place the shower curtain under the mulching material to prevent annoying weeds from poking through. While weeds can be pests, bugs can be beneficial. <h2>Spray bottles</h2> Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar to get rid of the weeds and grass poking out of the cracks in your concrete, as well as ants and other insects. Be careful not to spray it on your plants though, as the high acidity could kill them. <h2>Vodka</h2> For a quick and easy weed killer, mix 30mL of vodka, a few drops of dishwashing liquid and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the weed leaves until the mixture runs off. Apply it at midday on a sunny day to weeds growing in direct sunlight, because the alcohol breaks down the waxy cuticle covering on leaves, leaving them susceptible to dehydration in sunlight. It won’t work in shade. <h2>Trowel</h2> <div id="page6"> <div id="test"> Looking for an extremely hands-on approach to how to kill weeds? A trowel is an easy way to dig them up, particularly if they’re big weeds. <h2>WD-40</h2> Don’t let pesky prickly weeds ruin your garden. Just spray some WD-40 on them and they’ll wither and die. </div> </div> Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/gardeningtips/16-ways-to-kill-garden-weeds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

How to decorate with indoor plants

If you want to add colour and freshness to your home, why not bring the outdoors in with some strategically placed indoor plants. Not sure where to start? Follow our tips to make the task simple and stylish. <ul> <li>Buy the best pot you can afford – it really does add the wow factor when you see a plant inside in a fabulous pot. In the same way, a great plant will lose its pizzazz if it is housed in a dull or cheap looking pot.</li> <li>Stay in fashion – always choose plants that won’t go out of fashion, even if you change your décor. Your local garden centre is a good source of information on the best plants for your climate.</li> <li>Keep your options open – there’s actually no need to pot your plant into your new pot. Just sit the plant inside and cover the top with stones or coconut fibre. This means you can easily move it around if you find it’s not working in its current home.</li> <li>Liven up your space – choose a plant that is an unusual colour or has an interesting leaf shape. </li> <li>Don’t go overboard – it’s best not to put too many plants in one area. Keep it simple.</li> <li>If in doubt, throw it out – if your plant starts to look a bit tired or sick it’s best to remove it from the indoors and try to revive it outside. You can easily replace it with a new plant for inside – after all it’s still cheaper than a bunch of flowers.</li> </ul> Related links: <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/fragrant-plants-for-home/">5 plants that will keep your home smelling lovely</a> <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/08/coat-hanger-hacks/">Genius things you didn’t know you could do with coat hangers</a> <a href="../lifestyle/at-home/2015/07/bathroom-storage-solutions/">7 creative storage solutions for your bathroom</a> Image credit: Shutterstock

Home Hints & Tips

What To Plant For An Impressive Winter Garden

In some areas of Australia and New Zealand, winter is a season of ample rainfall and cool temperatures that can be enjoyed in the company of numerous garden plants. Although many plants slip into dormancy where winters are mild, there are plenty of evergreen trees, shrubs and perennials, as well as hardy annuals, that will keep the garden vibrantly alive with greenery and flowers through the slow season. The right time to landscape? If you are developing a new landscape, winter may not be slow at all. I n many mild-winter climates, autumn is the preferred planting season for perennials and evergreens, both large and small. When planted in the autumn, these plants will benefit from the cool temperatures and winter rains. By the time the hot weather returns the following summer, they are comfortably settled in with strong, deep roots established in the soil. In addition, autumn is the best time for dividing some perennials, such as daylilies, which can become crowded if they have spent several years in the same spot. When divided at the appropriate time, they will be well rooted and ready to bloom when spring arrives. The tyranny of the lawn The main feature of many gardens is a lush, green lawn. In warm climates, warm-season grasses, such as couch, buffalo and kikuyu, are the favoured grasses. During spring, summer and autumn, these lawns are green expanses that demand regular mowing, watering and lots of fertiliser. As the weather cools, warm-season grasses will wind down and may become dormant. In areas that experience winter frosts, warm-season lawns are liable to turn brown and lifeless with the first frost. While some varieties claim to hold their green colour through winter (including ‘Wintergreen’ couch and ‘Sir Walter’ buffalo), most warm-season grasses languish between dull green and straw colour. Some buffalo lawns may develop a crimson tinge, which can be removed by mowing in late autumn or early winter. If the thought of a brown lawn over winter is unappealing, it can be disguised under a blanket of green by oversowing it in autumn with cool-season grass seed such as rye or tall fescue. In climates with cold to mild winters and mild summers, cool-season grasses are the preferred choice for lawns, provided adequate water is available. These lawns demand lots of summer watering, but become lush and green in winter, and provide a pleasant green contrast to the bare branches of deciduous trees and shrubs. As the winter draws to an end, they are often starred with English daisies. Willing winter bloomers If you have acid soil and partial or filtered shade to accommodate them, camellias can be counted upon to colour up winter in mild climates. Sasanqua camellias lead the show with their first flowers opening in late summer and progressing through autumn into early winter. In late autumn and winter, the japonica camellias feature, with varieties opening progressively until spring. Camellias are a good choice for an evergreen hedge, or can be the central feature of your winter garden. For extra interest, edge with other winter-flowering plants such as pansies and primulas, or early-flowering jonquils and narcissus. In mild-winter climates gardens can be a mass of flowers with careful planning. In sunny spots, deciduous magnolias are stunning as they come into bloom in late winter while their branches are still bare. The display lasts into early spring as the leaves appear. Surround them with Marguerite daisies, African daisies and narcissus for a breath of spring in winter. In some areas of Australia and New Zealand, winter is a season of ample rainfall and cool temperatures that can be enjoyed in the company of numerous garden plants. Although many plants slip into dormancy where winters are mild, there are plenty of evergreen trees, shrubs and perennials, as well as hardy annuals, that will keep the garden vibrantly alive with greenery and flowers through the slow season. Colourful winter annuals In any mild-winter climate, there are lots of cold-hardy annuals waiting to be discovered for wintertime entertainment. Consider planting dusty miller, dianthus, ornamental kale, poppies, pansies and snapdragons. You can find them in garden centres in punnets from autumn onwards. They may not bloom much during the shortest days of winter, but will provide great colour again in early spring. When in doubt about the staying power of not-quite-hardy plants, such as snapdragons, plant them in a sheltered place. A wall or building can absorb heat during the day and radiate warmth to nearby plants at night. Such a sheltered spot also helps to protect plants from being damaged by harsh winter winds or frosts. In mild-winter climates, planning and preparation for the spring and summer garden continues through the colder months. In frost-free climates, make the most of the cool conditions to prepare new garden beds, or rework and replant existing ones. In subtropical areas, spring comes early in the garden as petunias and annual phlox burst into bloom. These annuals can be started in winter as seeds or seedlings. In all areas, you can keep winter and spring annuals such as pansies and sweet peas blooming for many months by regularly picking or deadheading spent flowers. The application of a fortnightly dose of liquid fertiliser will also help to keep your annuals growing and blooming well. What to look for: Compact plantings A mild winter usually means a long summer is ahead, giving you time to grow both cool-season and warm-season annuals. When looking into a design, group pansies, primulas and other cool-season annuals close together so that nearby permanent plants won’t be disturbed when you pull them up and replace them with summer annuals. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/gardening-tips/what-plant-impressive-winter-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

How to have success with succulents

Sensational succulents Succulents have long been recognised as pot-plant superstars. They look good throughout the year, feature an enormous variety of leaf shapes and sizes and are low maintenance. Some even have beautiful flowers. Perfect for time-poor gardeners, they won’t die if you are occasionally too busy to water them. And when released from the confines of containers, succulents can be used to create fantastic contemporary garden beds. Succulents live naturally in dry and arid parts of the world so they are very waterwise and perfect for those hot, dry sunny areas in gardens where little else will grow. Known as xerophytes, they have developed storage structures in their leaves, stems or roots that hoard enough water to survive periods of drought. Succulents are very hard to kill but give them some TLC and you will be rewarded. Position your succulent in a sunny spot. Lack of light will cause it to become elongated and turn the leaves pale, and eventually it will collapse. Plant in a potting mix especially formulated for cacti and succulents. Feed in spring with a six-month slow-release fertiliser such as Osmocote. Or use a soluble fertiliser in early spring, summer and autumn. Water when the potting mix is nearly dry and do not overwater, as succulents dislike wet feet. Once established, a weekly watering is sufficient for most potted succulents. Grow in garden beds Create a stunning contemporary garden bed with a mix of succulents. Use different heights and shapes to create interesting foliage forms and combine them with waterwise perennials and shrubs for a low-maintenance bed. Mulch around the succulents with black, greyor white pebbles for a stylish look and to prevent weeds from growing. Prepare well-draining soil – a sloping bank is ideal. If drainage is a problem, use a raised bed. Do not overwater, as most succulents can survive on rainwater only. Feed in spring and summer with an all-purpose plant fo Design ideas Group various types together with different leaf shapes and colours to create interesting displays in pots and garden beds. Use any container that has drainage holes. It doesn’t have to be a garden pot – old shoes, baskets, teapots, tins, even old benches can all make interesting receptacles for succulents. Plant flat, rosette-shaped succulents such as echeveria and sempervivums in low bowls. Grow tall sculptural plants such as agave in large pots to make a statement. Position low-growing succulents such as sedums, echeveria, Cotyledon orbiculata, sempervivum and Senecio serpens as groundcovers. Establish succulents in hot, dry, sunny areas where it is difficult to get other plants to grow. Arrange large succulents in a minimalist style with just a few sculptural plants set in areas of gravel or stone. Display trailing succulents like rhipsalis, jelly bean plant and burro’s tail in tall urns or hanging baskets. Grow succulents under eaves on hot, west-facing sunny walls. Increase supply Succulents are easy to propagate in spring and summer. Pot some for Christmas presents and swap extra cuttings with gardening friends. We show you how to increase your supply. Offsets and suckers Offsets are small plantlets that develop from the parent plant and are simply detached and replanted. Suitable succulents: Some echeveria, aloes, agaves and sempervivums. How to: Remove the parent plant and offsets from the pot or ground. Gently pull the offsets from the parent plant or cut them off with secateurs. Remove any old leaves around the bases and replant into new potting mix. Stem cuttings Succulents are one of the easiest plants to grow from stem cuttings. Suitable succulents: Aeoniums, cotyledons and kalanchoes. How to: Cleanly cut the stem from the parent plant to the length you want and place it in a dry, shady spot for about one week to callus. Then plant the cutting directly where you want it to grow. Read on for 8 of the best succulents to grow. Agaves Agaves, especially the popular greyish green-leaved Agave attenuata, have a great architectural shape. Most have spines on their leaves so take care where they are placed. Echeverias Echeverias are great for pots or rock beds. There is a good choice of leaf colours, sizes and their bell-shaped flowers look good in a vase. They can withstand the cold if the soil is dry and they’re not exposed to too much rain. Sempervivums Sempervivums are commonly called ‘hen and chickens’ because of the way they multiply. The ‘chickens’ grow from the base of the ‘hen’ and are attached by a thin stem which can be detached and replanted. They revel in cool climates and don’t need much soil to survive. Aeoniums Aeoniums range from groundcovers to branching plants up to 1.5m high. The bronze and green-leaved Aeonium atropurpureum and its dark maroon-leaved cultivar ‘Schwartkop’ look stunning in pots. Aeonium undulatum has large rosettes, 15-30cm in diameter, and green leaves. Cotyledons Cotyledons are loved for their showy thick grey or green leaves and pretty bell-shaped flowers. They don’t mind winter rainfall and they can tolerate frost. Yuccas Yuccas have great architectural shape but many grow leaves with a terminal spine, so take care where you place them in the garden. Look for Yucca elephantipes that is spineless and will grow in sun, shade and even indoors. Kalanchoes Kalanchoes are grown for their interesting leaves and pretty flowers and range in size from groundcovers to large shrubs. Foliage colours vary from silver, grey, green and pink to red, and they can be flecked or variegated. Sedums Sedums range from groundcovering plants to the autumn-flowering Sedum spectabile, which reaches a height around 60cm. Most are evergreen but some die down during winter and reappear in spring. Jelly bean plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) and burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) have a trailing habit perfect for hanging baskets. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/gardening-how-to-grow/how-to-have-success-with-succulents?pages=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

How to snake-proof your house and garden

If there’s one thing that strikes fear into many Australians, it’s snakes. Sure, some of them are harmless but they are still the last thing you want to see in your home or garden. There are some ways to make your home less inviting to these reptiles. 1. Block their entrance Snakes like to hide in quiet places such as your roof, garage or underneath the house. Try to make it harder for them to get in by covering any holes leading in or out, and ensuring that screens and doors are kept shut. 2. Keep your garden tidy Snakes like to hide, so keep things neat in the backyard to stop them finding a place to do so. Keep your lawns mowed, and garden beds weeded. Keep your shed locked, and be sure to have a clear out regularly to remove any old boxes. If you have wood stored outside try to have minimal space between each piece so that they can’t use it as shelter. Avoid keeping grass clippings and mulch in a pile as snacks find the warmth appealing. 3. Seal holes in walls Snakes love rock and brick walls as they can use them to keep warm, provide shelter, and find food. Block up any holes that they could hide in by filling them in. 4. Reduce the rodent population Snakes like houses that have mice and rats, so try reducing their numbers. Place bait in your house and garden (ensure it is pet-friendly) and this should reduce the chances of snakes hanging around. 5. Keep birds safe Ensure any chook pens or bird cages are well protected from snakes entering them. Also be sure to keep them clean so that rats and mice aren’t entering the pens either. 6. Keep your bins tidy When you dispose of food scraps, always ensure they are in a sealed garbage bag in your bin, rather than just loose. This will keep rats and mice away, and therefore snakes too. 7. Watch your plant choice Think about the types of plants in your garden if snakes are an issue. Low shrubs and bushes are the ideal spot for a snake. Taller trees and flowers could be a better option. Also be sure to keep leaf litter to a minimum as it’s the perfect hiding spot for snakes. Images: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

7 ways to make sure your garden is eco-friendly

Your garden may be green but is it as environmentally friendly as it could be? Any green thumb knows gardening is about cultivation and conservation so ensuring your garden is eco-friendly will not only help your plot of paradise thrive but the wider environment as well. No matter how big or small your garden, here are 7 easy ways to make your garden greener. Make your own compost Don’t use chemic fertilisers when composting is the best way to give your plants added nutrients. Start a compost bin and you’ll not only feel better throwing out your dinner scraps but your garden will thrive. Reduce water usage Adopting a few smart watering techniques will easily reduce precious water usage. Adding mulch to your garden will help hold moisture in the soil for longer which means less watering. Install a drip line as they require half the water used by sprinklers. Don’t use pesticides Most of the insects in your garden are beneficial so using a pesticide to kill the minority of pesky bugs will do more harm than good. If your garden does have pests, use an organic pesticide or one targeting that particular pest. Recycle Recycle your old pots or buy recycled items. Everyday items like plastic cartons and yoghurt pots can be used as seed trays. Go native Plants indigenous to Australia or from areas with similar climates (like Mediterranean plants) not only have a natural defence against pests but flourish in our weather conditions. They are easier to grow, use less water and require less maintenance. Use rainwater Why pay for water when you can get it for free? Use a rain barrel or any type of container to catch the rain. Make sure you place a screen over the barrel to keep out any debris. Companion plant Many first-time gardeners tend to randomly choose plants for their garden without considering which plants work well together. Known as companion planting, choosing plants that complement each other will help all your plants thrive and fend of pests. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

5 tips for gardeners

When you first start gardening, do your research! Different plants require different maintenance, but here are some simple tips to help you get the garden of your dreams. 1. Prune Not sure when to prune? Prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and large flowers such as climbing roses. Prune immediately after the blooms fade; if you prune summer plants in autumn or winter, you’re removing the flower buds for the next Spring. 2. Growing season Learn how long the growing season for your plant is, not all plants bloom in Spring! Do your research, and if you want to start small, start growing plants indoors to avoid overgrowing them. 3. Pay attention to the light Research how much light your plant needs. If you’re growing vegetables, get them into a spot where they will receive 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Most veggies need full sun to produce the best harvest. 4. Soil trumps fertiliser Of course, fertilizer is a great tool for growing plants, but what you really need to pay attention to for optimal growth is quality soil. You can try organic fertilizers like compost and well-aged manure to your soil. The best soil structure is crumbly, easy to dig, happily receives water and is loose enough to provide oxygen for plant roots. 5. Avoid digging or planting in wet soil Wait until the soil is crumbly and no longer forms a ball when you squeeze it in your hands. It doesn’t have to be bone dry, but just enough moisture to allow your plant to breathe and for you to plant them optimally. Image credit: Getty

Home & Garden

3 simple DIY trips to spruce up your home with money left over

With the cost of living… need I say more? Well, with the “price of life” going up, everyone is looking for more affordable ways to spruce up their home. Here are some of the best tips for those looking to decorate with a little change left over. 1. Decoupage an old table to personalise it All you really need is a standard wooden table, some newspaper cutouts or patterns, and no matter the colour or stain - it will work. First, sand the table down and then apply the decoupage glue to the table and the back of the paper. From there, just stick the paper down in the desired pattern and smooth it down with something flat. About half an hour later, apply the glue directly onto the paper and maybe another layer once this has dried - that’s it! 2. Upcycle your furniture with marble effect sheets While marble bank accounts can hurt the wallet, up-cycling your furniture affordable to get that look is easy enough using self-adhesive plastic sheets Start by placing the sheet on the top of the table and tuck the ends underneath. Make sure you have a tight fit by using a credit card to flattest and then smooth the edges, and that’s it! Enjoy your stylish new table. 3. Replace silicone around the house The silicone around your shower and sink will deteriorate over time, sometimes so much so that it will get damaged or break off. Before playing a new layer on top, remove all the old silicone beforehand. Make sure to clear any residue that has been left behind and clean the area with denatured alcohol. Before applying the new seal, bring some tape and place it around the edges you want to reseal. Now, using sealant, slowly close the gap and smoothen the new finish with a caulking tool. Image credit: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

A whole new can of worms for gardeners

Every year, people all over the world set their resolutions for the next 12 months and beyond. While some may not see them all the way through, most dive in with only the best intentions in mind. And whether it’s because of a love of the outdoors, a desire to keep their hands busy on a free day, or even mounting climate anxiety, many take to gardening as a way to give their life a fresh spin. A crucial part of that process? Composting. No matter the crop, composting boasts the growth of healthier and stronger plants. Additionally, it can improve the likes of soil density and its available nutrients, as well as discouraging all kinds of unwanted pests. However, composting has not historically been everyone’s cup of tea. From the smell to the sheer effort, the fear of trying something new, space, flies, and so on, many have opted to steer clear of setting up their own station. But any budding - or established - gardener need not fear, with new innovations in the art of composting making the entire process easier each and every day. The latest trend helping gardener’s around the world find success is commercial vermiculture - better known as “worm farming”. It is said that worm farming - or a similar practice - dates all the way back to Cleopatra VII’s reign. But modern practices, thankfully, prove much simpler, and much easier for the average to maintain at home. While most organic materials leaving the home have the potential to become a nutritious dish of soil for the garden, it’s advised to avoid the likes of oil, meat, orange peels, dairy, pet waste, and plastic when first starting out. So, with the materials likely already at hand, all it takes is someplace to put them - and that’s where the worms come in. Worm farms (or worm composting systems) are the answer to a whole range of composting concerns, and are cited as being easy to maintain, taking minimal time and effort, and able to be installed in even small spaces. Earthworms, reportedly, are even some of the fastest - and best - composters out there. They get to work converting organic household waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser for the garden in the form of worm castings (otherwise known as poo). These castings lead to worm tea, a natural liquid fertiliser that comes from soaking said castings in water. To get started, a gardener needs somewhere for the worms to live and work. For those who want to dive right in, farms are readily available for purchase (like this <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/maze-worm-farm_p0137788" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian designed farm by Maze</a>, made from recycled materials, or <a href="https://mazeproducts.com.au/product/3tray-worm-farm-with-legs-and-worms-copy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a kit with an additional tray and worms included</a>). For gardeners after something of a larger scale, it’s possible to make a worm farm at home with an old bath or even a spare wheelie bin. These <a href="https://wormsdownunder.com.au/shop/140l-worm-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be purchased</a> as well, but if craft is more your style, or you want to save a few dollars, then a quick Google search will provide a host of tutorials to follow. The amount the worms will eat varies depending on a number of factors - how many worms are living there, the size of the farm itself, and environmental conditions such as the weather, as worms will typically eat less during the winter. For food, the worms do require more than just the household waste - “bedding” that’s carbon-rich will go a long way for them, so make sure to keep a steady supply of the likes of shredded newspaper and cardboard on hand. For a little extra helping hand, <a href="https://tumbleweed.com.au/products/worm-blanket-rectangle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">worm blankets</a> can help to increase activity in the farm. The four key levels to remember when structuring such a farm - from bottom to top - are the lining, the worm bedding, the food scraps/household waste, and the worm blanket/cover. It’s important to note that regular garden worms will be no good for this process, as they’re surface feeders and won’t burrow deep into the soil like <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/worm-affair-live-organic-worm-starter-pack-approx-1000-worms_p3011353" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthworms (or compost worms)</a> will. Top of their list of things to snack on are fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, grains, paper tea bags, coffee grounds, and newspapers. Once a farm is up and running, and the worms’ castings have been collected, a successful gardener has multiple options at their disposal with the output. From using it in the garden for the soil or with mulch to helping when planting seeds, incorporating it into potting mix, and - of course - making it into some nutritious worm tea. Images: Getty

Home & Garden

How to attract butterflies to the garden

If you’re keen to attract some new fluttering friends to your garden you’ve got to know how to provide the right conditions. Butterflies can be incredibly useful not only due to their beauty but their ability to pollinate your flowers. Attracting butterflies involves incorporating a variety of plants that support all stages of life; safe spots for egg laying, food for caterpillars, places to form chrysalides and food sources for fully matured butterflies. Here’s how to tackle the basics. <ul> <li>Plant native flowering plants – Butterflies and natives evolved together and often depend on each other to thrive. Planting natives indigenous to your local area provides butterflies with plenty of foliage for both the caterpillar and adult stages.</li> <li>Choose colours carefully – Butterflies love colour. Red, yellow, orange, pink and purple blossoms are all highly attractive to our fluttering friends.</li> <li>Be mindful of sunshine – Adult butterflies generally only feed in the sun, therefore you need to plant your nectar sources in a sunny spot that receives plenty of mid morning light.</li> <li>Plant for continuous bloom – Butterflies need nectar all year round so planting a crop that will continuously flower is important.</li> <li>Steer clear of insecticides – Common insecticides are designed to kill insects, including caterpillars. Steer well clear if you can.</li> <li>Take good care of caterpillars – If you want adult butterflies, you need to take care of the caterpillars. Planting plenty of native plants that caterpillars feed off is the best way of ensuring a thriving population.</li> <li>Provide a resting place – Butterflies enjoy basking in the sun as much as we do. Flat rocks in a sunny spot make for perfect “rest zones”.</li> <li>Provide a puddle – Butterflies love damp sand and shallow puddles. This is how they ingest water and access various minerals. Place some coarse sand in a shallow pan and insert the pan in the soil of your habitat, making sure to keep it moist.</li> </ul> Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

8 money-saving landscaping tips

Changing up your garden can be a costly exercise (not to mention tiring and time-consuming) but a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy is worth the price. However, it still doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Just take on board our money-saving landscaping tips for a new garden at half the price. Do your research Look to gardening books, magazines, websites and <a href="../lifestyle/technology/2015/02/beginner-guide-pinterest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pinterest</a> for endless inspiration! Cut out (or bookmark if you’re on the internet) pictures you like and get an idea for what you’re after. This will help you narrow the list of what you need to buy and what you need to do. Keep that in mind when you get free advice from under-trained or overzealous staff at garden centres. Trust your instincts! You know your garden. Make a plan Sketch a landscape design so you know exactly what you need and where it’s going. This will stop wastage on materials, effort and time. It will also stop you impulse buying – remember don’t buy anything that doesn’t already have a planned place in the garden. Re-arrange plants An easy way to get a new garden look without purchasing more plants is to re-arrange the plants you have now. Remember to check if plant types are compatible though. Time your purchases Price and quality can vary quite drastically at different places and different seasons. Comparison shop to see if you’re getting the best deal or wait until sale season and stock-up. Check alternate resources Look beyond stores - you can find great deals on plants, tools or bric-a-brac for decorations at garage sales, car boot sales and markets. If you’ve got a green thumb neighbour, they might be happy to share some perennials and some local council’s offer free mulch and compost. Make your own compost Compost is easy to make yourself and has so many uses for your garden. Test the soil A simple test will tell you what your soil lacks, saving you from spending money on the wrong plants. Check the pH level as well to ensure it’s not too acidic or alkaline. Choose native plants Select plants that grow naturally in your region will means less maintenance cost. Ask your local nursery and check out which plants are thriving in neighbouring gardens. Image: Getty Images

Home Hints & Tips

7 tips to maintain your herb garden

Whether you love to cook with fresh herbs or are just looking to add something new to your garden, starting your own herb garden is very rewarding. To start your garden off the right way, here are seven tips that will help your herb garden flourish. 1. Choose healthy herbs From the get go, when you purchase your herb you need to make sure it is in a healthy condition. Look for bright colours, no bugs, no eggs and plenty of foliage. Sickly looking herbs should be quarantined from all the other herbs to ensure they do not get infested. 2. Select the right environment If you’ve decided you want your herb garden in a certain area, make sure those herbs can live in that kind of lighting and soil condition. Planting rosemary in a humid area will cause it to die within weeks due to wet feet. The herbs that need to be in the sun will become pale and weak if they do not get enough light. If you don’t have a completely sunny or shady area, then plants your herbs in pots and move them accordingly. 3. Prune regularly All gardeners know that not pruning is a mistake that will detrimentally hinder the growth of your garden. If you don’t prune your herbs, they will only grow taller on a few stems. Lack of pruning will cause the leaves to age, dry and fall off. Make sure you regularly prune your herbs. 4. Don’t overcrowd When you purchase your herb, look at the height and width of the fully-grown plant. Growing too many herbs in the same vicinity will be a waste of time and money as the herbs won’t grow a healthy root system. Without a healthy root system, the herb will struggle to survive and thrive. 5. Stop flower growth When herbs grow flowers, it’s a sign that they are at the end of their life cycle. Once you see a flower forming, pinch off the entire thing to stop it from hindering the growth of the herb. If the herb is persistent then cut the entire stem off. 6. Fertilise and water Herbs need a water schedule in order for them to grow. Never wash out the leaves; pour the water on the soil. Mulch will assist in locking the moisture into the soil. A fertiliser is also important as it will boost much needed growth due to the herb being harvested multiple times in the growing season. 7. Watch what you spray Herbs should never be exposed to chemicals that will be harmful to those eating them. Even if a spray is safe for animal and pets you need to ensure that it says it is safe for edibles. Try using natural alternatives to chemical treatments such as natural fertilisers. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

The only 8 tools every gardener needs

With so many gardening tools out there (which all promise you less labouring in the garden), it’s hard to know which ones are essential and the ones that are just going to be money wasted. Here are the eight tools you actually need. 1. Spade For digging planting holes, removing sod, edging garden beds, and moving soil or amendments. 2. Hand trowel For planting small annuals, veggies and herbs; digging out weeds; mixing potting soil and planting container gardens. 3. Digging fork For lifting and dividing perennials, loosening soil and turning compost piles. 4. Hoe For veggie gardeners a standard or stirrup hoe is a must to weed between rows. For flower gardeners, a thinner model will be required. 5. Rake For raking leaves, mulching and cleaning out beds. Flip it over to move soil and compost. 6. Scissors For deadheading flowers, snipping herbs, harvesting small veggies and opening bags and packets. There’s no need to go fancy, plain old household scissor will do the trick. 7. Weeders For digging out weeds with ease. A much loved one is the “dandelion digger.” 8. Pruning shears For deadheading, pruning, shaping and removing foliage.

Home & Garden

5 ways gardening is good for you

Green fingers have long known that gardening is good for you, both physically and mentally. And research has backed up their claims that gardening is healing. Here are five scientific-based reasons why everyone should embrace nurturing seedlings and pulling out weeds. 1. It alleviates stress A 2011 study in the Netherlands found that gardening could alleviate stress and promote relaxation better than other leisure activities. In the study, two groups of people were instructed to complete a stressful task and then to either read indoors or garden for 30 minutes. Those in the gardening group reported being in a better mood, as well as having lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, compared to the reading group. 2. It’s good for your mental health In a Norwegian study, people who had been diagnosed with depression spent six hours a week tending to a garden. After three months, participants showed a measurable improvement in their depressive symptoms, which even lasted months after the gardening program ended. 3. It gets your blood moving Unless you’re hauling wheelbarrows of dirt over your acreage gardening doesn’t do much for your cardiovascular fitness, but all the other tasks – digging, planting and weeding – are all forms of low-impact exercise that get your blood moving. Plus, as it’s not exercise for the sake of exercise, you’re more likely to stick to it and reap the long-term benefits. 4. It helps your brain health Two separate studies, which followed people aged 60 and over for 16 years, indicated that those who gardened regularly had, respectively, a 36 per cent and 47 per cent lower risk of dementia than those who did not garden. While these findings aren’t definitive proof, there is increasing evidence to suggest that the physical and mental benefits of gardening do have a positive influence on the mind. 5. It boosts your happiness A survey of 1,500 adults in the UK found that 80 per cent of gardeners feel satisfied with their lives compared with 67 per cent of non-gardeners. “Part of it comes from nurturing something but also a natural optimism that no matter how bad the weather, there’s always next year. It’s also about passing the seed of knowledge and the pleasure that gives,” said Gardeners’ Word editor, Lucy Hall. Image credits: Getty Images

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