UK and Ireland gardeners urged to cut lawns less and use simple watering tricks

Homeowners across the United Kingdom are being asked by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to mow their lawns only once or twice between now and the start of winter. The guidance recommends a first cut in late March or early April, then leaving the grass to grow until August or September, followed by one or two more cuts before the autumn season ends. The aim is to create a more wildlife‑friendly garden, providing shelter for beetles, sparrows, goldfinches and other small creatures, while avoiding the use of strimmers that can harm hedgehogs. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) adds that tightly clipped lawns are not beneficial for wildlife and suggests leaving sections of the garden untouched or using containers to create natural habitats.

Separately, gardening creator Michael Griffiths demonstrated a low‑cost watering system that uses a raised bucket of water and cotton strings to wick moisture into potted plants while owners are away. The method involves saturating the strings, tying them to a weight, submerging them in the bucket, and placing the ends into the soil, allowing water to travel up the strings as the soil dries. Griffiths notes that the choice of material is crucial – cotton or proper wicking string works, while other materials may fail. He also mentions a commercial alternative, B&Q’s Verve Plant Self‑Watering ball, which provides a slow, steady release of water to plant roots.