HALF-term break and another bank holiday are fast-approaching.
That means you may be keen to get your garden looking as good as it possibly can so that you can host family and friends outside.
But after the wet winter we’ve just had – with such a prolonged period of rainfall – many people have found themselves facing fences which are covered in green.
This colour is usually caused by the growth of mould, moss and algae which thrive in shady, damp conditions.
Not only is the green sheen unsightly when sitting outdoors, it can, over time, also damage the wood.
So you may be keen to do something about it.
If you’re looking to give your fences a good scrub in time for summer, you need to bear in mind that removing the green coating can be challenging.
First off, it’s important not to use bleach in the garden, as it will kill a lot more than the mould and is harmful to the environment.
You should also steer clear of household mould-remover sprays, as these are designed for use indoors, on hard surfaces.
In fact, before you rush to the shops, it’s worth knowing that you might not need to splash out on commercial products at all, as there is a simple home-made solution which works a treat.
This is according to gardening expert, Allan Jeffrey, from Ultra Decking, who revealed a clever hack to deal with green fences.
He told The Sun: “Rather than pay for a pricey shop-bought product full of chemicals, there’s a cheap and clever way to tackle green algae or mildew – and that’s baking soda. Chances are, you’ll already have the budget-friendly ingredient in your cupboard.”
If not, you can buy a 200g pack of baking soda for 65p at both Tesco and Aldi.
Allan added: “This unusual hack will save you money, plus baking soda is better for the environment than some of the harsh products currently on the market.”
The key to the success of baking powder is in its alkaline properties; the alkali in this kitchen cupboard staple raises the PH level.
“Mildew and algae thrive in slightly acidic conditions,” said Allan. “But the baking powder creates an environment in which it is hard for them to grow.”
The green-fingered whizz says it’s super-easy to use.
“For the best results, combine baking soda and water to create a paste,” he said.
“This can then be applied to the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the baking soda can get to work, and then use a sponge or stiff brush to gently scrub.”
At Robert Dyas, you can get a stiff hand brush for £4.
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Once you’re done with scrubbing, rinse with water. You should then be able to sit back and admire the results.
Note though, while baking soda can be an easy and effective way to scrub away unwanted green, you need to be measured in your approach.
“Take care not to overuse it,” said Allan.
“This is especially important on wooden fences which can be delicate. Leaving the paste on for prolonged periods – and scrubbing excessively – can cause discolouration and damage.”
With this in mind, it’s vital to go a little at a time.
The garden pro said: “It’s always best to test a small area before applying it to the full fence.”
Remember that if you’re looking to paint – or re-paint – your fence, timber needs to be dry in order for any product to work properly. Be sure to use good-quality fence paint.
At Wickes, a five-litre tub of Ronseal matt shed and fence treatment is currently down from £18 to £14.
Helpfully, it’s not only fences which can benefit from baking soda, according to Allan.
“You can use it on patios, too,” he said.
As with fences, a patio can turn green due to algae, moss, mould and mildew – all of which thrive in dark, moist areas.
If your patio does end up turning green it can become an eyesore. There’s also the risk of it becoming a slipping hazard when it rains.
And that’s where baking soda can come to the rescue.
SUNNIER days and warmer weather will leave many of us wanting to kit out gardens and outdoor areas.
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to get a great deal on summer essentials…
It pays to know how to bag big savings on the likes of hot tubs paddling pools, egg chairs and outside bars.
Many retailers have flash sales across entire ranges – often this ties into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends.
Sign up to the mailing lists of your favourite brands and you’ll be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
Keep a close eye on the specialbuys at Aldi and middle of Lidl drops which drop a couple of times a week and usually mean great value seasonal items such as beach gear and paddling pools.
If you are not in a hurry to buy an item, try adding it to the shopping cart and leaving it for a couple of days.
Sometimes big brands will try to tempt you into the sale by offering you a discount.
Always check if you can get cashback before paying. It’s especially worth using sites such as Topcashback, Quidco and app Jamdoughnut when buying bigger ticket items such as garden furniture as you’ll get a nice kickback.
Once again, this non-toxic home-made option will save you the expense of shop-bought products for your paving slabs or decking.
All you need to do is sprinkle it over the affected area and leave it overnight. You can then sweep away the remnants the next day.
In addition to the baking soda hack, there are a host of other simple steps you can take to keep your fences and patio in tip-top condition, according to Allan.
One of the best ways to mitigate moss and algae is increasing sunlight in shady areas.
“Ensure you regularly trim hedges and bushes,” said the gardening pro.
“These could be casting shadows over your fence panels and patio, making them damp and dark. By keeping plants trimmed, the sun is better able to shine down, reducing the chance of creating the favourable conditions in which mould loves to grow.”
Allan also recommends cleaning your fence and patio every few months.
“It’s worth doing this on a regular basis,” he said. “When you do, you need to ensure any water and debris are removed. This can help to prevent any pesky green stains from becoming too difficult to handle.”
You need to be extra vigilant after it has rained, as growth is likely to be more vigorous at that time.
Remember that by carrying out some preventative measures you can help to keep your outdoor space looking pristine all-year round.
