Gardening - Top 20 Tips Spring 2006 is already upon us so here’s a handy collection of our favourite gardener’s tips to make life in the garden that little bit easier.

TOP TWENTY GARDENING TIPS

Spring 2006 is already upon us so here’s a handy collection of our favourite gardener’s tips to make life in the garden that little bit easier.

These tips have been collected from all great ideas sent in to the MrsGreenFingers.co.uk web site over the last twelve months.

1. To prevent animals from digging up and eating your bulbs, before you plant them, wrap them in a thin layer of steel wool.
   
   
2. Washing Up liquid makes a great insecticidal soap when you mix it with water. Take 1 to 3 tablespoons of washing up liquid, mix it into 1 gallon of water, put it in a spray bottle and spray the entire plant.
   
   
3. Cut fresh flower stems at an angle, it creates a larger surface area for the flower to draw up more water and remember to put your flowers into water immediately, if you don’t air pockets will form in the stems and cause the flowers to droop.
   
   
4. When planting trees bury some old garden hose alongside the roots, when you fill in the hole leave the other end of the garden hose out of the ground. This allows you to water the roots directly.
   
   
5. Use bubble wrap to line the pots of container grown plants it will keep them warm during the winter months.
   
   
6. Use old knitwear or newspapers for a low cost hanging basket liners.
   
   
7. Make sure you get a level edge when pruning garden hedges by fastening a length of rope to two points across the top.
   
   
8. Salted boiling water makes an excellent weed killer on paths and driveways.
   
   
9. Stop cats climbing into your garden by spraying your wooden fences with surgical spirit.
   
   
10. Deter dogs with unwanted perfume and aftershave and liberal sprinklings of pepper.
    
    
11. If you plant seeds in a straight line you’ll be able to spot weeds as they come up.
    
    
12. Use a length of garden hose or drainpipe to sow seeds if you have difficulty bending down.
    
    
13. For an instant plant pick me up give them a drink of non-diet coca cola.
    
    
14. Always water your lawn in the evening this allows time for the moisture to soak in overnight and prevents burnt spots.
    
    
15. Cut up old margarine tubs and use them to create plant labels.
    
    
16. Keep your drainpipes and guttering clear by inserting a ball of galvanized steel wool into the opening, it acts as a filter and prevents the pipes from becoming blocked.
    
    
17. Bring a sparkle back to your greenhouse windows by rubbing them with scrunched up newspaper dipped in water and vinegar.
    
    
18. Don’t use cold water straight from the tap to water your houseplants, fill your watering can the night before so that the water is at room temperature.
    
    
19. During a long spell of hot weather leave grass clippings on the lawn to act as mulch.
    
    
20. Garden boots and wellies starting to smell, cut an orange into two and place one half in each over night, it works a treat.

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