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If you’re desperate to get rid of algae from your garden, but you’re struggling to work out how, a gardening expert has shared ‘particularly effective’ ways to banish it
Garden algae can wreak havoc and look unsightly in your garden, so you’ll no doubt want to banish it just in time for the months when you’ll be spending lots of time outside.
According to Craig Morley, a gardening expert from Budget Seeds, there are several methods you can use to get rid of unwanted algae – but he warned that there is no way to “fully stop algae from coming back in your garden”, however, if you keep on top of it with his simply methods, it should become less of an issue to remove.
Speaking to The Mirror, Craig said there are many ways to get rid of algae, and they’re simple to follow. The best natural method to banish it is by “using diluted white vinegar to clean affected surfaces.
The acidity of the vinegar helps to remove the algae, and combining it with water ensures that it will not damage surfaces or affect the pH of nearby soil.” White vinegar can be purchased from Tesco for 35p. He recommended people “Combine a cup of the vinegar with around a gallon of water, and use this solution to scrub algae from the deck.” If that doesn’t take care of your algae problem, Craig has a few other tricks up his sleeve.
Use a sharp knife
Craig recommended “running a sharp knife along cracks in your paving” as this can dislodge unwanted algae and moss. Also, he said to “use a block paving brush with wire bristles and a long head to clean algae without having to stoop over” and hurt your back.
Use a pressure washer
Using a pressure washer on wooden garden furniture is “particularly effective”, but Craig warned people need to be “cautious” if using this method. Why? He said: “Be cautious if using this method in an area where there is not good drainage in your garden, as the excess water produced can worsen problems caused by dampness. You should also wear goggles when using a pressure washer to prevent debris from getting into your eyes.”
Try a stiff broom
Craig said that if you “regularly” brush surfaces, it can “prevent algae growth from developing”. He also said: “Regularly raking loose surfaces, such as gravel, will also prevent algae growths from taking hold and will keep them free from weeds.”
Try pruning
Craig recommended pruning “any overhanging plants in your garden to improve the air-flow and to allow wind and sun to dry previously unreachable areas”.
Improve drainage
If you want to prevent algae from taking hold, you can “improve the drainage in your garden”. Craig recommends people “dig shallow channels along the edge of pavements, patios or driveways and fill these with gravel to absorb runoff water”.
Fork beds
“Forking over beds that are near damp areas in your garden will help to improve drainage and water absorption to reduce the likelihood of algae occurring”, Craig said.
Only pave essential areas
Craig said that you should “aim to use permeable paving that allows water to flow through”, and you should also “ensure that drains are kept clear of leaves of debris” to ensure that algae has no chance to take hold.
Weedkiller and patio cleaner
If you’re not seeing results from natural methods, Craig said: “You can use various weedkillers and patio cleaners to get rid of algae. However, you may need to repeat applications of these products to see results.”
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that algae won’t come back, but Craig said: “There are things that you can do to slow down new growth or prevent it from recurring.” He explained that you should “Aim to clean algae-prone surfaces in your garden regularly to prevent a build-up of algae, as the longer it is left to build up the more it will grow. Sealing your decking can help it to repel water and stop algae growth, and aim to keep it as dry as possible.”
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