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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

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

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 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

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

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

Home & Garden

Garden fixes after heavy rain

Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his advice for tending to the garden after heavy rain. When it comes to the garden and heavy rain, you need to be prepared. Where does water sit? What gets washed away? How are your drains working or failing? All things you can repair and get working for the future success of your garden. The heavy rain has saturated our soil, and strong winds have toppled over trees all week, but long-term, the saturated soil can hurt all plants in the garden. When the soil is water-logged the root system can drown from lack of oxygen. The first thing I would do is rake some mulch away allowing for some evaporation, either with a garden fork or even something like a cricket stump. Make some holes to allow air in and for the water to fill and again evaporate. Snails and slugs are opportunists and thrive and reproduce when times are good – they love the rain and the wet conditions afterwards. To control them I like to use a take-away container with a splash of beer in it. Placed level with the garden bed the snails go in and never leave. If your garden was flooded don’t be too quick to think the water’s gone down and everything’s fine. If they’re in the garden, avoid eating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach. They may have been contaminated by the flood water. Fruit trees such as citrus should be fine within a short period of time. Now that it has stopped raining it’s never too late to clean the gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage gardens and undermine the footings of your house. When you’re up a ladder either doing the gutters or any other job in the garden I recommend you have a second person with you, an extra set of hands to hold the ladder, spot problems and just pass you tools. It makes the process a lot safer and quicker. Look out for mould, moss and mildew that might grow on shady, damp paths over the next few weeks. A blast with a pressure washer will be a quick fix and a lot more enjoyable than slipping A over Z. A weak solution of vinegar and water will kill mould and mildew if you don’t have a pressure washer. Look for branches that may have been damaged but are still hanging in the tree. They will become more obvious as the foliage browns off and dies. Cleaning up the tear and damage will give the tree a better chance of recovery. If you have a watering system, override it and turn it off for a couple of weeks. The last thing the garden needs is a drink. If your pots were full of water remove the saucers and allow them to drain. It’s a hard time to garden after heavy rain, but let’s be thankful for it and hope we can enjoy the long-term benefits of having moisture deep down in our soil. Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au.</a> Image: Getty

Home & Garden

10 uses for vinegar in the garden

The humble household staple vinegar works magic in the garden too. Here are 10 ways to use vinegar as an eco-friendly herbicide, fungicide and insecticide in the garden. <ol> <li>Kill unwanted weeds growing in the cracks and crevices of pavement by pouring white vinegar on them.</li> <li>Deter ants by spraying white vinegar along known ant trails.</li> <li>Preserve a bouquet of fresh cut flower by adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar to water in a vase.</li> <li>Clean rust and sterilise garden tools by soaking in undiluted vinegar overnight.</li> <li>Give plastic patio furniture a new lease on life by cleaning with a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar to four litres of water.</li> <li>If slugs and snails are causing problems in the vegetable garden, spray them directly with an undiluted vinegar concoction.</li> <li>Keep stray cats at bay by spraying full-strength vinegar around the edges of your garden.</li> <li>Give acid-loving plants (like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and gardenias) a boost by watering with mixture of a cup of white vinegar to four litres of water.</li> <li>Clean clay pots by filling them with a third of vinegar and two-thirds of cold water. Let pots soak until stains are lifted and then wash with soap and water.</li> <li>Make a fruit fly trap by combining a small bowl of vinegar with a few drops of liquid dishwasher.</li> </ol> Image: Getty

Home & Garden

Tips for designing a garden on a budget

Whether you are new to gardening or a garden guru, if you are thinking of redesigning your garden, the process can be a little intimidating and the costs can really add up. But with some planning and research and a little imagination it can be a very enjoyable project. Plan and do it yourself Gardening is a great way to spend a Sunday, but if you’re planning to design or redesign your whole garden, it might be a bit daunting. The trick is to plan what you want to do and pace yourself. You don’t want to exhaust yourself in a single day; and gardening should be fun not a chore. The beauty of planning out your garden design is that you’ll be able to see where you can save money, and where you might need some help from the professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help either; they’ll usually be happy to lend a hand. Gardening can also be a great activity to do with the grandkids. Propagate using cuttings The best way to determine what will grow best in your garden is to look around the neighbourhood. What plants in your neighbour’s garden are thriving? Once you have a list of the best plants for your area, visit some neighbours and ask if you can take some cuttings. Plants that will propagate from a cutting include geraniums, gardenias, camellias, lavender, hydrangea, azaleas, many succulents and native plants, to mention just a few. Often all you’ll need to do is cut away stems and leaves so roots can grow in their place and plant the cutting in the ground. But you can also add growth hormone to help propagate a cutting. Consider native plants As mentioned above, native plants can often be propagated using cuttings, but they are also naturally suited to your area. While you might not want to fill your garden with native plants, you can use smaller native plants and grasses for smaller spaces in your garden and take advantage of their easy manageability. Because native plants have evolved to withstand the climate and can survive with less fertiliser, pesticides and water, a native garden can be easier and much cheaper to maintain. This gives you greater flexibility; if you were to go on holiday, you won’t have to rely on the kids to look after the garden while you are gone. Find uses for common household items When you are designing your garden on a budget you should have a look around the house for ways to save on your garden budget. You can get plenty of ideas on the internet for how to repurpose old and vintage items in your garden. And there are many ways to recycle household items in the garden that you may have been planning to throw out. Newspaper mulching is a prime example of repurposing a household item. Use your old newspapers to smother weeds, allowing your flowers and veggies to grow unhindered. Have your grandkids grown out of their nappies? Use left overs in the place of water hydrating crystals in the bottom of pot plants. They’ll act as a reservoir and will keep the plant moist without drowning it. Egg carton seed storage Egg cartons and toilet rolls can be used as seed starters, while toilet paper makes great seed paper. You could even try your hand at composting. But if that’s a little too much for you, you can just use your tea leaves as a nutritional boost for your plants. So start planning your new garden, enlist the help of family and friends and have a look around your house and online for some inspiration. Did you design your own garden? Share your tips with the Over60 community in the comments below. To find more great tips on gardening and design, please visit the Australian Outdoor Living <a href="https://www.australianoutdoorliving.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website here</a>. Image: Getty

Home & Garden

A beginners guide to herb gardening

There’s an indescribable pleasure in sauntering out to your garden to pick freshly grown herbs to throw into your homemade dish. Anyone with an herb gardens would agree herbs from your personal garden gives food that extra oomph even freshly bought herbs don’t bring. What’s better is growing herbs is easy! How to grow herbs will depend on the particular herb you’re growing but here are some general rules to consider: Choose herbs you will use Think about what herbs you use for daily cooking. Popular options that enhance many dishes include oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary. Provide sunshine Most herbs need at least 6 or more hours of sunlight a day. There are some shade-loving exceptions like mint but Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, lavender and oregano, are drought-hardy and thrive in full sun. However, don’t scorch herbs. Place in an undercover area which receives sunlight. Invest in a good sized pot Don’t crowd your seedlings into a small sized pot. Provide room for them to grow and ensure it is deep enough for the roots to grow. Good drainage Herbs do not enjoy consistently damp or wet soil. Place gravel or stones at bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. Quality soil Without good soil herbs will not grow properly. Supplement the soil with compost to give seedlings a boost. Water moderately During the early stages of growing herbs, you should water well. Once they are grown though, water moderately making sure you don’t over-water or under-water. Wait before harvesting Allow your herbs to grow before you start harvesting them. Wait into they are well and truly established (around twice the size) before plucking. Prune regularly Once your herbs have grown though don’t skimp on the pruning. This is what makes them grow faster and means more herbs for you to use! Image: Getty

Home & Garden

10 signs you’re addicted to gardening

To say you have a green thumb is an understatement, your whole being is green. Here are just 10 signs you’re a gardening addict. 1. Your family and friends know all you want for your birthday is the delivery of the highest-quality mulch or maybe that fancy compost bin. Anything garden-related basically. 2. Your idea of fun is going to the local nursery to see what new plants are in stock or visiting beautiful gardens to get some inspiration for your own garden. 3. When you go on walks you admire your neighbour’s gardens and will stop to strike up a conversation about a well grown flower or vegetable. 4. You love checking the weather. It’s important to the prosperity of your garden. 5. You don’t count down the days to Christmas, you can’t wait for spring! 6. Your friends talk about going organic but you’ve been eating veggies and fruit from your garden for years. 7. You know all the Latin names for flowers. 8. When you’re not gardening you are reading gardening magazines and looking online for tips. 9. You have more photos of your garden than your grandkids! 10. Your neighbours always catch you speaking to your plant: either praising them for growing so well or desperately begging them why they just won’t grow!

Home & Garden

10 signs you’re addicted to gardening

To say you have a green fingers is an understatement, your whole being is green. Here are just 10 signs you’re a gardening addict. 1. Your family and friends know all you want for your birthday is the delivery of the highest-quality mulch or maybe that fancy compost bin. Anything garden-related basically. 2. Your idea of fun is going to the local nursery to see what new plants are in stock or visiting beautiful gardens to get some inspiration for your own garden. 3. When you go on walks you admire your neighbour’s gardens and will stop to strike up a conversation about a well grown flower or vegetable. 4. You love checking the weather. It’s important to the prosperity of your garden. 5. You don’t count down the days to Christmas, you can’t wait for spring! 6. Your friends talk about going organic but you’ve been eating veggies and fruit from your garden for years. 7. You know all the Latin names for flowers. 8. When you’re not gardening you are reading gardening magazines and looking online for tips. 9. You have more photos of your garden than your grandkids! 10. Your neighbours always catch you speaking to your plant: either praising them for growing so well or desperately begging them why they just won’t grow! Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Why this 100-year-old woman was arrested

A 100-year-old woman was arrested after local police officers found out that it was on her bucket list. Jean Bicketon was at Narracan Gardens Residential Aged Care in Victoria when three constables arrived in a police car with their lights flashing and siren blaring to arrest her. The former WWII nurse and her fellow aged care residents were spoken to, to assure them that no one was in fact in trouble. Ms Bicketon was then arrested and officers gently placed handcuffs on her, declaring her ‘officially’ under arrest. She did not resist. Victoria Police shared the incredible moment to Facebook, showing a happy Ms Bicketon as she was arrested. “Now these kinda arrests, we’re happy to make,” their post read. “For many, getting through life without being arrested is a pretty good run. An obvious one we would like to think. “But for ex-nurse Jean Bicketon - who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, a good run in and of itself - getting arrested was on her bucket list. “So, when we heard of Jean’s wishes, our team at Moe station were ready to step in and help check it off. “While celebrating her milestone at Narracan Gardens Residential Aged Care, three young constables whirled in, lights and sirens, to make sure Jean’s birthday wishes were met. “According to Jean it was one of the best celebrations, and we’re glad we could help grant the experience. Wishing Jean a wonderful 100th birthday! “Thanks to everyone that made this possible.” Ms Bicketon said it was an exciting experience and was happy that police accommodated her wish. “I've never been arrested in my life,” she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11132855/Ex-army-nurse-arrested-celebrating-100th-birthday.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>. “I said to them I've never been drunk and I've never been arrested, never lost my driving licence and never had an infringement.” Images: Facebook

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