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Home  »News  »Home-Lifestyle News

Gardening during a hosepipe ban

08/07/2010

After the Big Freeze of the winter months, the recent warm spell has been a welcome relief for most of us. But, for some people in the north-west, the lack of rain recently could mean far duller gardens, particularly as United Utilities has decided to introduce a hosepipe band from July 9th. If you've been affected by the ban, you can still keep your garden looking great by following a few simple tips, according to Kris Collins, gardening editor at Amateur Gardening magazine. Don't even think of pulling that plug as you get out of the bath, the green-fingered expert advised. "If you save your bath or your shower water, so called 'grey' water, even though it will have things like soap in it, the soap you use on your body should be fine with your plants." Another one of his top tips is to use water retaining crystals or gels. "They are in powder form when you buy them and you put them in the compost. Then when you water the compost they swell up and can hold the water for up to a couple of months in some cases." What we really need now is a few weeks of rainy nights and bright sunny days to help keep our gardens growing. For best offers to help you save money every day, visit our home and lifestyle offers. Posted by Jez Walters

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