Ideal time to water plants in hot weather - and rule
Gardeners warned: watering at midday wastes water through evaporation. Water smart with a thorough soak early morning or evening to encourage deep roots.
Category : Environment
Python swallows woman whole on way to work
A 16-foot python swallowed a woman whole as she walked to work in Indonesia; her body was found intact in the snake's stomach after villagers killed it.
Gardening expert shares two key changes for heatwave gardens
Gardening expert Luke Newnes from Hilarys advises improving soil with organic matter and mulch, and grouping plants by watering needs to withstand heatwaves.
EA: 41% of England's species declined, 15% face extinction
An Environment Agency study reveals 41% of England's native species have declined since 1970, with 15% at risk of extinction, warning the biodiversity crisis threatens human survival.
UK Harvest Could Be Worst on Record as Drought Hits Crops
The UK's cereal and oilseed harvest could be the worst on record since 1984, with yields cut by 2.5 million tonnes due to drought and heatwaves, costing farmers up to £390 million.
Wild Anti-Perspirant Shines in 34C Heat, 9-Hour Travel Test
Wild's new 90% natural roll-on antiperspirant kept Eve Rowlands sweat-free through 34C heat, hikes, and workouts, with no stains or irritation.
EA: biodiversity crisis threatens human survival
A stark Environment Agency report reveals 41% of England's native species have declined since 1970, with 15% facing extinction – warning the biodiversity crisis poses a serious threat to human survival.
Robins in heatwave: 2-minute tip from head gardener
A head gardener shares a 2-minute tip to support garden wildlife in heatwaves, plus seed-saving and sowing advice for autumn.
Clotted Cream: Secret to Perfect Roast Potatoes?
Cornish Dairy Co. reveals that adding clotted cream to the roasting tray transforms potatoes into crispy, golden, fluffy roasties, offering a richer flavour than other fats.
Woman swallowed by 16ft python found in its stomach
A woman was swallowed whole by a 16-foot python while walking to work, and her body was later cut from the snake's stomach in Indonesia.
Gardener's 2-Minute Trick to Help Garden Wildlife in Heatwave
Senior gardener Noah Mabey shares a simple 2-minute trick: placing a shallow dish of clean water to help bees, butterflies, and birds survive the heatwave.
British farmers get extra funding to tackle drought
Millions in extra funding will support British farmers hit by drought, including £50m for sustainable farming and £15m for reservoirs, plus a temporary disposable BBQ ban.
Garden focal points: David Domoney's tips for mid-August standout features
David Domoney shares how to create garden focal points with arches, containers, and plants, plus August gardening jobs and agastache care tips.
Head Gardener's Simple Task to Protect Bees in Heatwave
Noah Mabey, senior gardener at Thornbridge Hall, advises placing a shallow dish of water with stones to help bees, birds, and butterflies survive August heatwaves.
Croatia wildfire kills one, forces 1,200 to flee
At least one person has died and seven are in a life-threatening condition after a severe wildfire tore through Croatia's coastline, forcing 1,200 to evacuate.
Burnham urges no fires in 'tinderbox' Britain ahead of farmer funding
Prime Minister Andy Burnham urges public not to light fires in 'tinderbox' Britain, ahead of unveiling a £65m farmer funding package.
Drought crisis: North West farmers on brink as driest July on record takes toll
North West farmers are on the brink as the UK's driest July on record forces them to feed winter silage early, haul water, and face the Bluetongue virus. The government has announced a £65 million emergency package.
Shoppers urged to report disabled bay abuse at supermarkets
Shoppers at major UK supermarkets are urged to report disabled bay abuse in a survey by Disabled Motoring UK, as retailers risk losing £501m monthly.
Burnham's listening tour is a social media stunt
Andy Burnham's listening tour is an elaborate stunt to secure social media clout, says Robert Fisk, who argues the Prime Minister should chase a fix instead of clicks.
King Charles's generosity contrasts with Sussexes' commercial ventures
King Charles's gift of wheat to a hat maker contrasts with Harry and Meghan's Australian visit, which included paid events and trademark filings, as public opinion ranks Charles higher.
Natural Item Cleaners Swear By for Limescale-Free Screens
A cleaning expert recommends citric acid over white vinegar for removing stubborn limescale from shower screens, with a homemade spray recipe and tips.
Cleaners praise citric acid as 'game-changer' for shower limescale
A professional cleaner recommends citric acid over white vinegar for removing shower limescale, with a simple spray recipe that works in 10-15 minutes.
Beans on toast tastier with Worcestershire sauce, chef says
Adding Worcestershire sauce to tinned baked beans makes them taste 'really special', says former chef Jenny Goycochea-Marker, who shares her recipe.
Couch cleaning: baking soda beats washing up liquid in test
A writer tested two popular sofa cleaning hacks using washing up liquid and baking soda. Both worked, but baking soda emerged as the clear winner for its thorough, odour-absorbing clean.
Pastry flour makes scones lighter and fluffier, says Cottage Delight
Using pastry flour instead of all-purpose or self-raising flour creates noticeably lighter, higher-rising scones that hold their shape nicely, according to Cottage Delight.
Swap plain flour for pastry flour for lighter, tastier scones
Using pastry flour instead of plain or self-raising flour can make scones noticeably lighter, higher rising, and more flavoursome, according to Cottage Delight.
8 essential August gardening jobs to prepare for autumn
Horticulturist Chris Bonnett shares eight essential August gardening jobs, from harvesting to planting bulbs, to keep gardens healthy and ready for cooler months.
Northumberland planning: pub cannon move, data centre
Northumberland council considers 13 planning applications, including a data centre screening opinion in Cambois and relocation of a listed cannon at The Joiners Arms in Morpeth.
Scarify your lawn in late summer for thicker grass
Scarifying your lawn in late summer, before autumn, removes thatch and moss, allowing grass to breathe and grow stronger, says lawn expert Jonathan Davis.
Lawn care: Do this 1 August gardening job for thicker grass
Scarify your lawn before August ends for thicker, healthier grass. Lawn expert Jonathan Davis explains the benefits for autumn and winter.
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