From chopping grass too quick to leaving thatch build-up mendacity round, most Britons reveal they’re unaware of the dos and don’ts of the gardening world after a brand new survey by residence enchancment specialists Black + Decker polled 1,000 Britons on the frequent DIY gardening errors they’re making that could possibly be costing them time in addition to cash.
The research reveals that 82 p.c of these questioned admitting they “wing it” relating to essential gardening DIY jobs.
Nevertheless, as 63 p.c of individuals surveyed mentioned they’re eager to study extra in regards to the appropriate methods to backyard prepared for summer season, professional Joe Handley, outside product advertising supervisor at Black + Decker, has shared the 4 commonest DIY backyard errors Britons are making and keep away from them.
1. Leaving grass cuttings and particles on the garden
The analysis discovered that 19 p.c are responsible of leaving grass clippings on the garden and whereas this may have each constructive and unfavourable results if left for extreme quantities of time, the lengthy grass clippings can contribute to thatch buildup.
Thatch is a layer of lifeless grass and natural materials that accumulates between the soil which may forestall water, air and essential vitamins from reaching the soil, “probably destroying the grass”.
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Joe suggested: “To keep away from thatch build-up you need to mow the garden usually notably when the grass isn’t tremendous lengthy as this produces shorter clippings that decompose a lot faster.
“For residence gardens, it’s higher to have a mower that may catch and accumulate the trimmings, in order to not go away them behind.”
The professional insisted that gardeners shouldn’t go away giant clumps of grass cut-offs on the garden both and that these must be raked or unfold out evenly.
2. Reducing grass too quick
The research discovered that “one of many largest garden care errors” that 44 p.c of British gardeners make is chopping the grass too quick, usually with the intention to scale back gardening time sooner or later however “in the long term the garden pays a heavy worth” for an additional hour of free time, warned the professional.
He defined: “Shorter grass can look extra uniform however when the blades are reduce too quick it might destroy your grass, go away crops malnourished and open to ailments.
“Longer blades of grass assist shade the soil beneath which suggests it takes lots longer for moisture to evaporate. It’s best to intention to chop the grass usually and as a common rule attempt to hold blade size above 2.5cm to advertise wholesome development.”
3. Utilizing a strain washer to take away weeds
These pesky weeds are each gardener’s nightmare and one fast repair to do away with them is to strain wash them away. Virtually half of individuals admit to utilizing this hack however didn’t realise this can lead to “damaging the patio”.
Joe warned that if weeds are rising within the slab joints, it means “the grout is broken and strain washing will make it worse”.
He mentioned: “I might suggest first selecting an appropriate weed killer product designed to be used on patios or arduous surfaces and as soon as the weeds have died off, use the sunshine setting of a strain washer to take away any particles from in between the patio slabs. Be certain to not injury the slabs additional by utilizing an excessive amount of strain or an incorrect nozzle for the job.”
4. Not sanding the wooden down earlier than portray it
Round 74 p.c of individuals surveyed revealed that they don’t sand the wooden earlier than portray it or are unaware they should. Over the winter months, wood furnishings and wood fences have taken a bashing from all types of components which could have light wooden making it look boring and in want of a lick of paint.
The professional claimed that as a common rule, if gardeners don’t sand the wooden earlier than portray, the utilized paint may peel off after some time. Joe instructed: “Firstly, begin off by eradicating any current end, if the wooden has any earlier paint or varnish it’s essential to take away it earlier than portray.
“Then sand the floor to create a easy and even floor for paint. Earlier than portray ensure to comb away any sanding mud utilizing a tack fabric or a lint-free fabric as this can combine with the paint. Apply a primer and get to portray.”