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Gardening Skills Just Don’t Cut It

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Written by Tim Barnes-Clay

Eight million people across the nation are calling in professionals to do simple gardening tasks such as mowing their lawn, according to new research.

The new study by Ideal Home Show reveals the most common gardening mistakes that not so green-fingered Brits are making, which common gardening jobs are most likely to be avoided and how the hobby affects mental health.

Whilst one in 20 (6%) are calling in a professional to start up their lawnmower, elsewhere, others seek expert help to teach them how to use a hose (6%), a rake (5%), and even water their plants (5%) and grass (4%) for them. This might be due to the fact one in five (19%) have never tended to their outdoor spaces. 

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Slug invasions are the most common problem people face in their gardens, with almost one in three (30%) Brits not taking the precautions to stop slugs taking over their shrubs. 

Other common gardening mistakes find British folk pulling out plants rather than weeds (18%), while over one in 10 (11%) are cutting their lawns too short or over watering their grass (9%).

Due to these gaffs, over four fifths (81%) of people claim their gardening knowledge could be improved. And, in a bid to turn over a new leaf, 37% of Brits have become increasingly interested in gardening over the past two years. 

Tending to outdoor spaces and indoor plants has become a lifeline, as half (50%) of Britain’s finest claim that gardening has a positive impact on their mental health, and a further 43% find gardening reduces stress levels.  

A spokesman for Media 10, the organisers of The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with NatWest, said: “We were interested in finding out what common mistakes are being made in gardens across the nation, as it is key to know what people are looking to learn from the show.

“Our research shows that people are starting to take more interest cultivating their outdoor spaces since the pandemic, and it is great to see how many individuals find gardening to be a stress reliever.”

The Ideal Home Show is on at Olympia London until 27th March 2022. A bunch of experts will be hosting Q&As on stage throughout the show. For more information please visit idealhomeshow.co.uk.   

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