As temperatures plummet, numerous gardeners will be putting away their tools for the season. However, British horticultural expert Monty Don recommends one crucial November task worth tackling to prevent a hazardous outdoor issue.
Whilst the BBC Gardeners’ World presenter shared his recommendations in 2024, the threat of this ‘slippery’ danger remains today. His advice particularly concerns algae development on garden walkways and patios, where people could easily lose their footing and tumble.
“At this time of year brick and stone paths can be very slippery and dangerous,” he wrote in the blog last year. “This is due to algae that grows on the surface, especially if wet and shaded and at this time of year they may stay wet and slippery for months.”
According to Monty’s expertise, the most effective method to eliminate this hazardous surface is cleaning the algae away using a pressure hose. These can be hired from numerous home improvement retailers, including B&Q, the Library of Things and Jewson.
Upon completion, he recommended sweeping the walkway with sharp sand, also called grit. This ought to assist in drying the surface whilst reducing dampness accumulation, making algae growth more difficult.
For those short on time, Monty also noted that surfaces can be scrubbed using sand and a rigid brush rather than pressure cleaning. However, this approach still remains physically demanding.
He added: “Either way you have a very effective way of making a path safe without resorting to chemicals.” For more information, you can visit Monty’s blog here.
What to feed garden birds this November
In his November 2024 blog, Monty also advised bird enthusiasts to avoid putting certain foods outside, particularly salty items. Whilst not a comprehensive list, it should give you a solid grasp of what doesn’t suit our feathered garden guests:
Raw potatoesCrispsSalted peanutsBacon
Although Monty did not elaborate on why salty foods should be avoided, the RSPB explains that they typically trigger dehydration in birds. Poor-quality peanuts might also contain the aflatoxin fungus, which proves deadly to birds when consumed, making it essential to ensure any purchased come from a reliable source.
Data from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reveals that more than 140 bird species have been recorded in British gardens, though only 30 are frequent visitors. Experts at the gardening charity also explain that each species has different preferences, so knowing their favourite treats can help make your garden more appealing.
“Use different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds,” experts at the RHS explain online.”Although fat is important, particularly in winter, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
“No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat.”
While there are many factors to consider, experts have highlighted the following key points:
Wrens and small birds favour chopped animal fat and grated cheeseFinches favour berry cakesGoldfinches favour niger seedStarlings favour peanut cakesTits favour insect cakesBlackbirds and thrushes favour over-ripe apples, raisins and other fruitsNuthatches, sparrows and finches favour sunflower headsMealworms and seed mixes are also favoured snacks for many bird species
You can find out more on the RHS website here.
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