We give you green tips to help your plants survive indoors while saving cash
HOW does your indoor garden grow?
During lockdown, sales of indoor plants rose fivefold, according to some online retailers. But if you’re not naturally green fingered, are you wasting your money?
I spoke to Kate Turner, Miracle-Gro gardening guru () for tips that will save your plants — and your cash.
DO YOUR RESEARCH: Kate says: “The most important thing is to research the house plant you have. Each type requires different watering, feeding patterns and amounts of daily sunlight.”
DON’T SPLASH OUT: A common problem is overwatering — you shouldn’t water unless the top one inch of soil is dry. If the leaves wilt and turn soft, you’ve overwatered. After watering, drain the plant before putting it back in its pot. Leaving a plant sitting in water is the worst killer.
DO PRUNE TO PERFECTION: Remove dying leaves — if they are brown beyond saving, cut them off at the bottom of the stem. The plant’s energy will be used to feed and grow the healthy leaves.
DON’T FORGET TO SET THE DATE: Pop reminders in your phone so you know when they need watering! From spring onwards, fertilise plants to help them flourish but read the pack instructions on how much you should use.
DO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANT: Hardy annuals are low maintenance, cheap and bring a burst of colour to your home. Calendula (pot marigold), Eschscholzia (Californian poppy), Godetia Linaria (toadflax), Lobularia (sweet alyssum), Nemophila and Nigella (love-in-a-mist) are great for a window box.
DON’T CROWD THEM: Shop-bought herbs are often overcrowded in their pots, and die. Split up the overcrowded plants and repot into larger containers with fresh compost, and water them regularly.
NEED MORE HELP? now to take place between March 29-April 1 with Kate, at Miracle-Gro’s online plant clinic.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of day
KIDS will love the new McCain Minions potatoes. They are now available at Tesco, yours for £1.79 a bag (454g).
Cheap treat
FOX’S White Chocolate Rounds are down from £1.50 a pack to £1 at Asda. They’re lovely – hide them so you don’t have to share!
SAVE: 50p
What's new?
SWEET tooth?
The Biscoff Ice Cream Cake lands today at Iceland.
For £3 it’s a bargain family dessert or a great alternative to a birthday cake. Get yours online or in-store but don’t delay – I predict a sell-out.
Top swap
I AM a big fan of the Clinique Moisture Surge, £37 at . But for a big saving and a similar result, Aldi’s Lacura Moisture Boost moisturiser £4.99, is a lifesaver.
SAVE: £32.01
Giselle's little helper
IF you think your garden needs some extra decoration, check out the Homebase sale.
While deals cover every area of the home, I spotted bargain garden offers like edging and paving stones from £8 and bunny ornaments from £1.
- Visit .
Shop & save
A 415g BOX of Shreddies at Tesco is just £1.50 when using a Clubcard. Usually £2.10.
SAVE: 60p
Hot right now
THE Glow by So…?
Illuminating body mist range is now £3.98, down from £6.99, at Superdrug.
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- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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