I’m a gardener – the 5 bargains I buy from Wilko & The Range to keep my outdoor space spotless and they’re all under £4
WITH the weather heating up, the chances are you’ll soon be spending a lot more time in your garden.
But if your outdoor haven isn’t yet ready for BBQ season, then no fear!
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, gardening expert Fiona Jenkins has shared the top five bargain buys she purchases each year to keep her outdoor paradise looking spotless for summer.
And the best part of all? They’re all from budget stores including Wilko and The Range – and are just £4 or under.
Fibre plant pots
First up, Fiona points out that fibre plant pots are ideal for growing seedlings and cuttings “without the faff.”
And the good news? A pack of round fibre pots can be bought from The Range for the bargain price of just £1.49.
“Simply sow your seeds or plant your cuttings in the pot,” says Fiona, who is the gardening pro at Myjobquote.co.uk.
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“When they’re ready for planting out in containers or beds, the whole thing can go in the ground – pot and all – so, there’s no fiddly replanting to do.
“Once in the soil, the pot breaks down naturally, so roots can grow.”
Noting another major positive, Fiona points out there’s no plastic waste either.
Citronella candles
Is there anything more annoying than pesky flies buzzing around you while you’re trying to enjoy a relaxing evening in your garden?
Well, according to Fiona, citronella candles could just be the perfect problem-solver.
“These are essential for stopping mosquitoes and midges bugging you while you make the most of warm evenings in the garden,” the gardening whizz says.
“Plus, you get to enjoy the ambience of candlelight.”
They’re available from The Range and cost from £2.50 to £7, depending on the type and pack size you buy.
Planting bags
If you’re looking for an alternative to pots, then you may want to turn your attention to planting bags, according to Fiona.
They can be purchased from Wilko from around £2 to £4 each – and they’re reusable, too.
“They can be folded up and packed away after use so they’re great for small gardens, patios and yards,” Fiona says.
“They come with drainage holes, so you only need to fill them with compost and you’re ready to grow.”
The gardening pro goes on to note how you can use them to grow all sorts of produce – including tomatoes, peppers and courgettes, as well as salad and strawberries.
“Choose the type with handles if you can, then they’re easy to move around,” she recommends.
WD-40
Although lubricating oil such as WD-40 isn’t specifically for gardens, Fiona says it does come in handy for outdoor maintenance tasks.
“It helps to remove rust, clean up and protect metal items,” she says.
“This includes garden tools, BBQs and furniture.”
Fiona advises: “For BBQ racks, spray it on liberally and leave for five minutes before scrubbing with a brush and washing off with soapy water.”
WD-40 costs about £2.99 to £4 from stores including B&M and The Range.
Bamboo canes
Fiona says that bamboo canes are the much-underrated “backbone” of her garden.
“They’re readily available from bargain stores and a pack only costs a couple of quid,” she says.
The gardening whizz goes on to explain how they can be used to support shrubs, perennials and climbing veggies.
“Take three canes, place them around the plant to make a tripod and tie at the top with garden string,” she says.
“This makes a cost-effective alternative to ready-made supports and trellis and it’s far more adaptable.”
A pack of bamboo canes from The Range cost from £2.49.