Patios are susceptible to the build-up of dirt, algae, moss and lichen (Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)
Patios are susceptible to the build-up of dirt, algae, moss and lichen, particularly following months of cold, damp conditions. Green algae is especially prevalent on patios and is frequently caused by persistent moisture, shade, and debris, which together create the ideal environment for spores to settle and flourish. Fortunately, there is a straightforward method to eliminate these unsightly stains, using a technique Alan Titchmarsh employs in his own garden.
In his latest YouTube video on Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh, the celebrated horticulturist, author, and television presenter, 76, offered advice on making the most of space in a small garden. Although Alan’s own garden is generous in size, he wishes to create a small, open garden room on his terrace, which will involve cleaning the paving slabs and installing planters.
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He explained in the video: “Just outside the cottage here in our new garden is this long terrace. It’s a sun trap; it faces south.
“What I want to try and do at this end is create an outdoor open garden room; a bit of work to do though.
“Stone terraces are lovely, but they do get green slime on them, which makes them really quite dangerous.”
Rather than alternative approaches, Alan advocated using a pressure washer to make the area safer to walk on.
He recommends that anyone with a predominantly flat garden surface should pressure wash the space. In his video description, he notes: “Sometimes it can look like a new patio even by giving it a good clean.”
He went on to say that the paving slabs will look “quite pristine” after cleaning and will be considerably safer to walk on.
He also showcased his pressure washing technique: “I’ve got my pressure washer here with the correct nozzle attached, and I’m going to work my way right across the patio.
“The distance that you hold the nozzle from the paving affects just how much you’re taking off. The closer you get, the more that will come off, the cleaner it will be. Try to avoid putting the pressure washer directly onto the pointing between because it will pull that out as well.
“And don’t even think about doing delicate things like statues. They’re lovely with a bit of patina on them.”
Green algae is especially prevalent on patios (Image: Adipra via Getty Images)
Alan shared before-and-after videos of his patio. Before, the patio had lichen and green areas covered in moss and algae.
Following the clean, it appeared as good as new, entirely free of any green staining.
Alongside pressure washing, Alan also showed viewers how to prepare and arrange planters, select plants for a window planter, and water his new plants. The softwood planters will act as the ‘walls’ of his garden room.
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