A presenter from the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast has advised gardeners to plant one particular variety this month that will emerge next spring.
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast ranks among the nation's most popular gardening programmes, with specialists advising British gardeners on monthly horticultural tasks.
In the most recent episode, presenter Claire Vennis revealed there was one plant she urged people to cultivate this month and explained how to create the optimal growing conditions for it.
While spring remains several months away, Claire said now was the perfect time to plant, although she acknowledged that approaches would vary depending on soil type and how regularly cabbages are grown, reports WalesOnline.
She said: "Choose a patch that's been cleared of weeds, but not recently dug over, as cabbages like firm soil. If your soil is acidic, liming it in the winter is best, but don't worry if you've missed it this year.
"Check the spacing for your variety, but as a general rule allow at least 30cm between plants and 45-60cm between rows. You can harvest every other plant as immature greens if they get a bit overcrowded.
"Plant them right up to the first set of true leaves, firm them in well and water them thoroughly. This helps them establish and gives you a lovely crop to look forward to next year. Make sure to keep an eye out for root fly. A bit of netting works wonders."
While Claire has been sharing advice on which plants to grow, another specialist has revealed how lawns can be restored to their lush, green glory with one simple adjustment to mowing habits.
Lawns across the country have been struggling recently due to the prolonged lack of rainfall, leaving Britain's parks and open spaces looking parched and dry. Speaking to Reach PLC, specialists at GreenThumb explained that a lawn losing its colour did not necessarily mean it had died.
They said: "During heatwaves, lawns may lose colour or turn brown, feel dry and brittle underfoot, stop growing as quickly and become thinner or patchier in places.
"In many cases, this doesn't mean the lawn is dead. Grass will often go dormant during extreme conditions to help protect itself, and many lawns recover once temperatures cool and rainfall returns."
Consequently, they advised raising the cutting height of a lawnmower so that grass blades are left slightly longer than usual, reports WalesOnline.
They said: "Cutting grass too short during hot weather can place extra stress on the lawn and increase the risk of scorching. During summer, it's usually better to leave the grass slightly longer than normal. Longer grass helps shade the soil, reduce evaporation and protect the roots from intense sunlight."
