The Sun’s Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine has shared the tasks you should take up this month
THE summer months allow many of us to make the most of our outdoor spaces; be it patio, decking or garden.
However, with the poor weather conditions recently, and a wet spring behind us, many of us still have less-than-sparkling outdoor areas.
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But if your patio or decking is in desperate need of a serious spruce up, then no fear…because Simon Wardle, a paving patio expert at Armstrong Cheshire Patios, has revealed his secret solution to getting it sparkling in an instant.
And perhaps the best part of all? It’s available for just £1.49 at the likes of B&M, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
For anyone who doesn’t have a pressure washer, or doesn’t want to fork out on buying a new one, the patio expert recommends using “a cheap hard bristle brush and The Pink Stuff Cleaning Paste” for a perfect patio this Summer.
How does it work?
Firstly, Simon advises clearing your patio of all furniture, before mixing The Pink Stuff with water according to instructions.
Next, he says to apply liberally to your paving slabs or decking and to scrub up and down using the hard brush.
The patio pro then suggests using your hose or bucket of water to rinse away the cleaning solution, making sure to remove all traces of The Pink Stuff from the surface of your slabs.
Finally, he recommends allowing your patio slabs to air dry completely before using them again.
What’s so effective about it?
Simon advises: “Pink stuff is tough on stains, and penetrates and removes grease and grime, whilst the brush means you can protect any grout between the paving stones.”
However, he points out this wouldn’t be the case with a jet washer or power cleaner hose.
“Using powerful cleaning tools can also remove any sealant on the top of your paving patio stones,” he adds.
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Why not to use bleach?
According to Simon, “bleach can ruin the patio stones and leave them looking patchy, or causing changes to the colour to your paving.”
And Simon isn’t the only person to have suggested using the bargain buy to leave their patio glistening.
Fabulous previously told how gardening whizz Abi King took to the ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ Facebook group to share her hack.
She commented: “Yesterday I used ‘The Pink Stuff, The Miracle Cream Cleaner’ and a Scrub Daddy and transformed my patio.
“It might not be the best effort you see on this page however I gave it ago.
“And I think it’s a great improvement with having scrubbed it myself and thrown water over it afterwards to rinse it – no power washed used as I don’t have one.”
June gardening jobs
The Sun’s Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
