We're going all green-fingered!

We can’t wait for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! The show gardens are simply spectacular and you can always pick up some green-fingered advice from the experts. Check out these brilliant advice videos on the RHS website

 

Of course we have a few gardening tips of our own to share…

 

A good work man never blames his tools

Use half a cup of Soda Crystals mixed with one litre of very hot water to clean caked grass, dirt and grime off spades, forks, trowels and even lawn mower blades.  Rinse, dry and lightly oil the metal parts to prevent rust.*

 

Clear a pathway to success

To help you navigate more easily around your garden clear the moss and rotting leaves from pathways, patios and steps.  Sprinkle Soda Crystals directly on to the affected areas, use a watering can to wet, or put them down when rain is expected, and leave for a day or two.  Once the moss has turned brown, brush it off preventing any excess Soda Crystal solution going on to the grass, and rinse with plenty of clean water to reveal spotless, safer pathways.

 

Clearing out the gutter

Those hard to reach places, such as drains and gutters, need a bit of care and attention at this time of year too.  They can become dirty and clogged over the winter months so the first thing to do is clear the drains and gutters of visible debris and leaves.  Pour 500g of Soda Crystals directly down the drains and leave for ten minutes before rinsing with very hot water to clear them of any built up grime and grease.  Gutters can also be washed with a Soda Crystal mixture to remove rotting leaves and any other blockages.

 

Any old iron

If you have any iron ornaments or iron gates that have gathered dirt and rust over winter and need a repaint, simply cover them with Bicarbonate of Soda and pour White Vinegar over the top.  This will make the surface bubble.  When it stops, simply scrub off with a stiff brush and you will be left with a smooth surface ready to be painted.

 

Potting perfection

To give your plants the best start in life, wash out your terracotta, stone or plastic pots with a mixture of half a cup of Soda Crystals and one litre of water to help remove old compost and caked on grime.  You can also make your stone ornaments or birdbaths look like new by spraying Liquid Soda Crystals directly on to the surfaces, leaving for around an hour and brushing with a stiff brush before rinsing with clean water. 

 

Put your feet up!

After all that hard work, make sure you can sit back, relax and admire all of your hard work by cleaning any moss and algae off plastic patio furniture with a mixture of Soda Crystals and hot water.  This method also works well to prepare wooden garden furniture, prior to applying a new coat of linseed oil.

 

What expert gardening tips do you have? We’d love to hear how you get your garden ship shape!

*Always disconnect electric mowers from the power supply and keep water away from electrical contacts etc.  Dry thoroughly before use