Sophie Harris

Monty Don recommends pruning lavender annually as soon as its flowers begin to fade, generally from mid-summer through the end of September, before seed heads form or flowers turn brown. Gardeners should cut back boldly while retaining young shoots, since lavender cannot regenerate from bare wood. Particularly tired plants may need replacing, while missed pruning should be postponed until spring for less hardy French, Spanish and Italian varieties. Don also advises summer pruning apples, pears, currants and rambling roses to encourage healthy growth and future fruiting.

Gardeners are advised to water plants before 10am during hot weather, allowing soil to absorb moisture and foliage to dry before peak heat. Evening watering after 6pm is the next-best option, while midday watering should be avoided because evaporation reduces the water reaching roots. Containers and hanging baskets may need daily watering, newly planted specimens every one to two days, and mature plants deep watering once or twice a week. Drooping leaves, dry soil and leaf discoloration are signs of water stress.

White vinegar is a clear, sharp and versatile product used in cooking, preserving, salads and cleaning, although cleaning products may have different acidity levels from food-grade varieties. Distilled vinegar is also typically clear and made from distilled alcohol, and the two terms may refer to the same product depending on the producer and region, so labels and acidity levels should be checked. Malt vinegar is made from malted barley, has a darker color and stronger flavor, and is especially associated with fish and chips and other savory uses.

Monty Don advises gardeners to avoid slug pellets in favour of natural methods that protect wildlife, recommending the use of slug‑free cold frames, daily plant inspections and fostering natural predators such as thrushes, frogs and hedgehogs. He emphasises feeding soil rather than plants and encouraging sturdy growth to reduce vulnerability to slugs.

Gardeners report success using chilli flakes, citrus peels and coffee grounds to deter cats from fouling gardens, with each method relying on scents or textures cats dislike. Contributors from an online cleaning group share practical tips, while some note additional benefits such as pest prevention or free availability of used coffee grounds.

A property expert warns that four invasive garden plants—arrow bamboo, Leyland cypress, Russian vine and Lombardy poplar—can significantly lower home values due to issues such as uncontrolled spreading, overshadowing, damp and subsidence. Potential reductions range from 5% to 25%, depending on the severity of the problems caused. Property owners are urged to avoid planting these species or maintain them carefully to prevent devaluation.

A homemade gardening method using mushroom-infused water is promoted as a gentle, nutrient-rich way to help plants thrive during hot summer weather. Experts from Urban Farm-It explain that soaking mushrooms releases minerals and organic compounds that support soil hydration and fungal activity, improving moisture retention and nutrient uptake. The infusion is made by soaking chopped mushrooms for 12 to 24 hours and applying the liquid to soil, avoiding foliage. Combining the technique with mulching, early watering, and plant covers can enhance garden resilience.

Four dishwasher tablet brands were tested for cleaning performance and value. M&S tablets delivered the most consistently strong results, removing dried-on food and leaving glassware spotless despite their higher cost. Aldi and Sainsbury's tablets were effective for everyday cleaning but struggled with tougher stains. Finish provided excellent cleaning but was significantly more expensive than supermarket brands. The comparison showed that own‑brand products can match or outperform premium brands at lower prices.