There are several ways you can tackle the garden issue
Lauren Haughey and Nicholas Dawson
15:57, 01 Nov 2025
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Gardening expert Monty Don(Image: Getty)
As the colder months set in, many keen gardeners will be putting away their tools until spring arrives. However, renowned British horticulturalist Monty Don reckons there is one crucial November task that should not be overlooked if you want to prevent a ‘dangerous’ outdoor hazard.
Although the BBC Gardeners’ World presenter shared his advice in 2024, the threat of this ‘slippery’ problem remains just as relevant today, reports ChronicleLive. His gardening tips relates to tackling algae growth on garden paths and patios, which can create treacherous conditions underfoot.
“At this time of year brick and stone paths can be very slippery and dangerous,” he explained in a blog post 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, the most effective solution for eliminating this slippery coating is to blast away the algae using a pressure hose. You can rent one of these from many home improvement and DIY retailers, including B&Q, the Library of Things and Jewson.
Once you have completed this step, he recommends sweeping the pathway with sharp sand, otherwise known as grit. This helps to dry out the surface and prevent moisture accumulation, making conditions less favourable for algae to take hold.
For those pressed for time, Monty also suggested that you can simply scrub the affected areas with sand and a stiff brush as an alternative to pressure washing. That said, this approach is extremely labour-intensive.
Gardeners have been urged to carry out an important task this November(Image: Getty)
He said: “Either way you have a very effective way of making a path safe without resorting to chemicals.” For further details, you can access Monty’s blog here.
What to avoid feeding garden birds this November
In his November 2024 blog, Monty also urged bird lovers to avoid putting certain foods outside, especially salty products. Whilst not a full list, it should provide you with a good understanding of what doesn’t work for our garden visitors.
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. Inferior-quality peanuts might also have the aflatoxin fungus, which proves fatal to birds when consumed, making it crucial to ensure any peanuts you purchase come from a trustworthy source.
Figures from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) show that more than 140 bird species have been spotted in British gardens, though merely 30 species are regular guests. Specialists at the gardening charity also say that each species has different tastes, so understanding their preferred delicacies can help make your garden more attractive.
“Use different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds,” experts at the RHS explain on their website. “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.”
Bird enthusiasts should take note of the following preferences, as outlined by experts:
Wrens and small birds are partial to chopped animal fat and grated cheeseFinches have a preference for berry cakesGoldfinches are particularly fond of niger seedStarlings have a liking for peanut cakesTits show a preference for insect cakesBlackbirds and thrushes enjoy over-ripe apples, raisins and other fruitsNuthatches, sparrows and finches are known to favour sunflower headsMealworms and seed mixes are also popular snacks for many bird species.
For more information, visit the RHS website.
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