Gardening: How to create a watering tool for your plants
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New research by natural beauty brand Welda has found that a third of people in the UK have had trouble growing plants but are not sure why. According to gardening experts, healthy soil equals a “healthy, thriving garden”. Gardening experts and soil activists have teamed up with the brand to encourage everyone to get out into the gardens, learn about their soil type and increase soil health.
Claire Hattersley, Welda’s biodynamic gardening expert, explained: “It’s important to know the type of soil you have so you can determine how to look after it and what will grow best in it.
“The most common soil types in UK gardens are clay, sandy and loamy.
“Simply add a sprinkle of water to your soil and roll it in your hands to see what type you have.
“Sandy soil is gritty and will crumble easily. It needs plenty of added organic matter such as compost to retain moisture and feed plants.”
According to the expert, clay soil should roll up easily and stay in shape.
Claire added: “Digging in plenty of organic matter and a little grit will help make clay soil more workable.
“Loamy soil will roll into a ball easily, however it won’t keep its shape as well as clay soil, loamy is the perfect texture for planting.”
The research unveiled that 43 percent of people welcome worms in their garden as they know they are good for the soil, but only 10 percent check the health of their soil regularly.
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Nearly half (49 percent) were aware of soil degradation, but only 21 percent were aware of the sale of the issue.
Ecologically focused grower Poppy Okotcha puts soil at the front of all her gardening practices and has shared top tips on looking after it.
She said: “Soil is such a vital part of growing, without healthy soil we can’t have healthy plants, it’s as simple as that.
“One of the best ways to keep soil healthy is to compost.
“It’s reassuring to see so many people (46 percent) are keen composters as the benefits of composting are endless.
“All soils benefit from the addition of organic matter to improve biodiversity, drainage and oxygen levels.
“Making your own compost is also a great way to save money and it reduces waste.
“So get out into your garden and get your hands dirty, it’s good for you and the planet.”
Other money-saving tips when it comes to gardening include recycling materials in the garden.
The experts recommended reusing yoghurt pots to plant seedlings, making your own compost as well as growing your own herbs.
Installing solar powered lights is also a great way of lighting up the garden after dark.
Jayne Sterland, Managing Director of Welda UK & Ireland, said: “It’s refreshing to see that people across the UK are getting their hands dirty and connecting with soil and nature.
“Ultimately, having a sense of connection with soil is the best way to protect it. This is vital because soil, the skin of our Earth, is under threat.
“Welda’s Save Earth’s Skin campaign aims to highlight the importance of soil and encourage everyone to make positive changes to protect it as they would their own skin.
“Healthy soil is vital for the future of our planet, without it, nothing can grow. Welda has been caring for soil through regenerative, biodynamic farming practices and sustainable sourcing of raw materials for over 100 years.
“We hope others will join our mission and start making more soil-friendly choices.”
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