I’m a gardening expert & Facebook mums need to stop with the garden curtain trend – they’re total mould magnets
IF you're eager to update your garden but have no idea where to start, then chances are you would've had a scroll on Facebook or TikTok to search for some inspo.
But while social media platforms can provide some great DIY and gardening hacks, there are also many questionable ideas circulating that could potentially cause expensive damage to your outdoor spaces.
So, which viral gardening hacks are too good to be true?
The outdoor experts at St. Modwen Homes, the national and award-winning housebuilder, have shared the five worst gardening hacks of 2024 to save you making potentially costly mistakes.
And it's not good news if you're a fan of the outdoor shower curtain trend...
Shower Curtain
Many of us dream of relaxing alfresco on a Mediterranean balcony or overlooking the sandy shores of the Bahamas with a pina colada in hand.
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But, as wonderful as our British landscape is, most residential houses don’t offer picturesque beach views.
So creative homeowners have taken to an unusual hack – hanging printed shower curtains onto their garden fences to hide imperfections, and mimic a beautiful view.
However, the outdoor experts have warned that this trend can come with some nasty problems.
The spikes on aerator shoes typically don’t penetrate deeply enough to provide effective aeration, especially in solid soil
Gardening experts
"Unfortunately, if they become wet and are not allowed to dry properly, shower curtains can develop mould and mildew, which can be harmful to plants and unpleasant for gardeners," they note.
"This makes them a less-than-ideal choice for any garden project, as they require constant maintenance and can cause more problems than they solve."
They conclude: "So, this summer, steer clear of these viral garden hacks and opt for tried-and-tested methods to ensure your garden thrives!"
Adhesive Stones
To solve the issue of decorative stone and gravel travelling across the garden, social media users have shared the interesting hack of gluing the stones to the floor.
Yes, you read that right – gluing!
But while using adhesive to glue down garden stones might sound like a neat way to keep them in place, it can lead to several (and expensive) issues.
"Glued stones can prevent proper water drainage, leading to water pooling or runoff issues, which can negatively affect plant growth and in some cases, more serious damage," the gardening experts warn.
"Plus, glued stones are permanent, making it difficult to rearrange or remove them if you ever want to change your garden’s design in the future."
They go on to say that additionally, many small creatures, such as insects and small animals, use loose stones as shelter.
"Gluing stones reduces available habitats for these organisms, disrupting the natural balance of your garden's ecosystem," the pros point out.
Using Pallets as Decking
Decking costs got you down?
While a new gardening hack which sees turning used pallets into decking might have given you some initial hope, it's fraught with potential problems.
"Pallets are often made from low-grade wood that is not treated for outdoor use, making them prone to rotting, warping, and splintering when exposed to the elements," the outdoor experts explain.
"Furthermore, the wood used in pallets generally has a shorter lifespan compared to traditional decking materials."
If they become wet and are not allowed to dry properly, shower curtains can develop mould and mildew, which can be harmful to plants and unpleasant for gardeners
Gardening experts
They go on to point out that pallets aren't designed to bear significant weight over time as flooring material.
"This can lead to structural weaknesses and even potential collapse," the experts warn.
"This not only compromises safety, but also results in a less durable and less visually appealing outdoor space."
DIY Lawn Aerating Shoes
You’ve seen the aerating machine on Clarkson’s Farm and fancy giving it a go in your own garden?
Well, while the idea of aerating your lawn with DIY shoes might look fun, the outdoor experts warn that it's not very effective.
"The spikes on aerator shoes typically don’t penetrate deeply enough to provide effective aeration, especially in solid soil," they say.
"And, achieving uniform coverage is difficult, as the effectiveness depends on how evenly you walk across the lawn."
They also point out that the spikes can damage the grass, particularly if used frequently or improperly, adding: "This can lead to patches of unhealthy or dead grass and can ultimately do more harm than good to your lawn’s overall health."
Turning your garden into an oasis - using a shower curtain
By Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor
WHILE Italy boasts beautiful frescos and the Greek fill their gardens with statues, columns and plinths, it feels a little jarring to see that Brits are turning to £10 shower curtains to vastly improve their views.
But hey, who am I to tell you what works in your own particular space.
The whole point of being outdoors is to feel calm, happy and hopeful, and if a piece of material depicting a rolling countryside makes you feel serene and gives you good holiday vibes, then absolutely go for it.
I guess the key is in the hanging - and making sure there's no glitches in your fake gates or holes in the rolling hills.
And also, crucially, making sure that no particles of plastic are shedding from the curtain and polluting the soil.
But bringing joy to your garden is the most important factor - and although it might not be everyone's cup of tea - sometimes you just have to fake it to make it.
No-Dig Garden Bed
Are you renting a place and don’t want to disrupt the soil, or simply want to create a beautiful garden border without getting the shovel out?
Gardening fans have turned to using cardboard to line a flowerbed or gravel patch instead of digging a new one.
While this no-dig hack might seem like an easy option, it can present several challenges.
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"Layers of cardboard and organic material can attract pests such as rodents and insects, which may damage your current landscape, and future plants," the experts warn.
"Plus, young plants with delicate roots might struggle to penetrate the cardboard layer initially, slowing down their establishment and affecting their overall growth."