LAWN & ORDER
Gardening gurus share the £4.50 buy from B&Q to get rid of stubborn dandelions for good & the WRONG time to dig them up
Scroll down for August gardening jobs
IF your grass is covered in dandelions and you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of them, then you’ve come to the right place.
Particularly if you are keen to get rid of dandelions with barely any effort involved and want a vibrant green lawn that’s going to leave your guests impressed, we’ve got just the thing for you.
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And if you’re on a budget, don’t worry - as this simple trick will cost you just £4.50 thanks to a bargain buy from B&Q.
Pesky dandelions are known for popping up in lawns and between patio cracks and gravel.
They are notorious for pushing out grass and other plants, as well as draining water and nutrients away from surrounding plants.
Whilst store-bought weed killers and household products such as white vinegar are commonly used on them, however, they can often prove to be damaging.
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But luckily for you, there is one method that gardeners seem to agree is best to eradicate them “properly”.
It comes after a gardening enthusiast took advice on social media after her lawn became overrun by dandelions.
Posting on the Gardening UK Facebook page, the frustrated woman asked: “What is the best way to get dandelions from a lawn?”
The query garnered over 100 responses, with many suggesting the same method - discouraging the use of chemicals and suggesting manual removal.
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Not only did Facebook users swear by garden forks, but many also suggested the wrong time to dig them up too.
One gardening whizz advised: “I’ve found that the most effective, but also the most time-consuming, method for dandelion control is hand digging them.
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“This should be done when the first dandelion seedlings appear. A regular garden fork can be used for this, you don’t need any special tools.”
A second recommended: “Use a fork. Works all the time for me and it gets rid of the roots completely so the dandelion will not grow back.”
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A third suggested: “Don’t dig up dandelions when it's dry out, the root will snap when you pull it up and the dandelion will simply regrow in a few weeks.
“It needs to be removed when the soil is moist for the digging method to be effective and easy to carry out.”
August gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the 10 gardening jobs to take on during the last month of summer - and the all important ones to remember if you're going on holiday.
1. Watering plants on holiday
Think about how you're going to water your plants if you're going away. Irrigation systems are stupidly expensive - so ask a friend or neighbour to pop over.
2. Remember your houseplants!
For houseplants use the upside down bottle trick - where you fill a wine bottle and then tip it upside down, spout down, and stick it into the pot - the water should seep out slowly. For smaller plants you can use a thick piece of cord running from a glass of water, into the soil - so it slowly takes it up over time. Be sensible with your watering - vistit for some tips on how to conserve water in August. But use as much grey water - ie washing up water - as you can to save such a valuable resource.
3. Dig for potatoes
Second early potatoes should be ready to dig up.
4. Carry on deadheading
Use either secateurs or just pinch off the blooms with your finger and thumb. With roses, make sure you're dead heading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of more blooms.
5. Plant strawberries
You can actually plant strawberries in late august - which will be ready next year. For the ones you already have - if they've got runners springing off them - try and pot them up to make more strawberries for free.
6. Prune lavenders
In late August once they've finished flowering cut back your lavender - always prune them back to the woody stems - but make sure you can still see some little buds.
7. Collect seeds
A lot of plants will start going to seed now - so it's the perfect time to walk around collecting them to get free plants for next year - just make sure you label the envelopes.
8. Sow hardy annuals
Towards the end of the month, sow hardy annuals in order for them to flower next year. Try and choose sheltered spots for them.
9. Cut back roses
Prune back rambling roses and make sure they are all tied in. And in late August give your roses their last feed.
10. Keep on top of watering hanging baskets
It's really important to keep hanging baskets hydrated - they are the first and the worst for drying out.
Another shared her savvy strategy: “Get a small sharp weed tool and do it by hand. It's the only way to remove them properly.
“I had thousands of them and despite wanting to keep the bees happy, my dog used to like pooping in them.”
How to update your garden on the cheap
IF you want your garden to impress this summer, you've come to the right place...
Plan and Prioritise
- Assess Your Space: Take a walk around your garden and note areas that need improvement.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend.
- Prioritise Projects: Focus on high-impact areas first, like pathways, seating, or focal points.
DIY Projects
- Build Your Own Planters: Use reclaimed wood, pallets, or other materials to create custom planters.
- Create Garden Art: Use old items like tires, bottles, or cans to make unique garden decorations.
- Pathways: Lay down gravel or mulch to create affordable and attractive garden paths.
Plant Smart
- Buy Seeds, Not Plants: Seeds are cheaper than mature plants and offer a wider variety.
- Share and Swap: Exchange plants and seeds with friends or join a local gardening club.
- Grow Perennials: Invest in plants that come back year after year to save money in the long run.
Use Free Resources
- Compost: Make your own compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste to enrich your soil.
- Rainwater Collection: Set up a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
- Mulch: Use leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips as free mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Repurpose and Upcycle
- Old Furniture: Turn an old chair into a plant stand or a dresser drawer into a planter.
- Containers: Use buckets, tins, or even old shoes as quirky plant containers.
- Pallets: Create vertical gardens or compost bins from discarded pallets.
Shop Smart
- Sales and Discounts: Look for end-of-season sales or discounts at garden centers.
- Second-Hand Stores: Find pots, tools, and decorations at thrift stores or garage sales.
- Online Marketplaces: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for free or cheap garden supplies.
Maintenance
- Weed Regularly: Stay on top of weeding to keep your garden looking tidy.
- Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants and deadhead flowers to encourage growth and blooms.
- Tool Care: Maintain your tools by cleaning and sharpening them to prolong their life and effectiveness.
By using these tips, you can give your garden a fresh, updated look without spending a lot of money. Happy gardening!
Meanwhile, one gardening lover swore by her hands-on approach: “The little garden hand forks. Get underneath and push it up. Hold all the leaves and get your fingers down to the roots and pull, the whole thing should come out.”
If you fancy giving this trick a try, you can buy a garden fork for as little as £4.50 from B&Q.
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Experts remind gardeners that successfully hand-digging dandelions requires removing the entire taproot, as dandelion taproots are often lengthy.
One gardening whizz suggested: “The best way to prevent dandelions appearing in the first place is to never mow the lawn too short or too often so grass remains tall.”
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