Hartley Magazine

All the latest news, hints, tips and advice from our experts

Beat the shade ‘with a few simple steps’

Too much shade can be a problem for many greenhouse and gardening enthusiasts, but one expert has outlined ways to stop this becoming an issue in the first place.

According to Wayne Kessler on aNewsCafe.com, there are a couple of simple steps that everyone can take to make sure they are not depriving their plants of valuable life-giving light.

First of all, it is always a good idea to remove low-hanging branches and thin out thick branches that could be blocking out the sun's rays.

Secondly, using raised beds and liners is a great way to discourage tree roots from taking water away from plants situated underneath trees.

After that, it can be highly beneficial to apply plenty of manure and compost to soil, while frequent doses of fertilizer and water will help crops grow even in limited light.

Finally, reflective mulches give plants more light, which can prove crucial to their chances of success.