Garden Tips And Chance to Win Gardeners World Tickets at the NEC

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Gardening is a wonderful hobby that brings joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment to many people. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony, gardening can be a great way to connect with nature and create a beautiful and productive space. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and ideas for getting started with gardening and the chance to win some tickets to Gardners world on the 18th June for two people.

1. Getting started 

If you're new to gardening it is important to start small don't take on too much at once, whilst I am not new to gardening I have had to start again due to me ignoring the garden last year whilst I had a new kitchen fitted .Though the kitchen fitting did extend into the new year but that is a whole new story which I haven't got tie for today !. Start with a a few small containers or a raised bed and gradually add more as you gain in confidence. 

2 Choose the right plants 

When selecting plants for your garden, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight and water they require, as well as the soil conditions in your area. Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type, and make sure to provide them with the right amount of care and attention.

3 Good drainage.

Good drainage is essential for healthy plants so make sure your soil is well draining by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Additionally make sure your posts or containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

4. Water Properly 

Proper watering is crucial for plant growth and health . Be sure to water your plants deeply and throughly, rather than just sprinkling the surface. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

5. Use Organic Fertilisers 

Chemical fertilisers can be harmful to the environment and may damage beneficial organisms in your soil. Instead use organic fertilisers such as compost or manure to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

6. Keep Pests at Bay

Pests can be a major problem in any garden. To keep them at bay, consider using natural pest control methods such as companion planting, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Additionally, be sure to keep your garden clean and tidy to discourage pests from taking up residence.Pests can be a major problem in any garden. To keep them at bay, consider using natural pest control methods such as companion planting, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Additionally, be sure to keep your garden clean and tidy to discourage pests from taking up residence.

7 Enjoy the Process

Finally, remember that gardening is a process, and it takes time anpatience to achieve the results you want. Enjoy the process of planting, tending, and watching your garden grow. Take time to appreciate the beauty and productivity of your plants, and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

In conclusion, gardening can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby that provides countless benefits to your health and well-being. By starting small, choosing the right plants, providing good drainage and water, using organic fertilizers, keeping pests at bay, and enjoying the process, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that brings you joy and satisfaction for years to come.Finally, remember that gardening is a process, and it takes time anpatience to achieve the results you want. Enjoy the process of planting, tending, and watching your garden grow. Take time to appreciate the beauty and productivity of your plants, and don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

So I am giving you the opportunity to win 2 tickets worth £54 to go to Gardeners world at the NEC on the 18th June 

Just let me know what your favourite flower or plant is ?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1. The promoter is Gardeners World

2. Employees of Gardeners World,Ninjakillercat blog or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or helping to set up the competition shall not be permitted to enter the competition.

3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.

4. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via Ninjakillercat blog

5. Closing date for entry will be 31 st May 2023 After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.

6. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.

7. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.

8. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.

9. No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

10. Winners will be chosen by the use of Rafflecopter

11. The winner will be notified by email within 2 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.

12. The promoter will notify the winner when the prize will be sent.

13. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

14. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.

15. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by [English] law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [England].

16. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current [UK] data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party.

17. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

18. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to Pressure King Pro who will directly send you the prize  and not to any other party.

19. Uk only.

20. You must be 18 or over to enter this competition

Do You Remember The Last Bedtime Story?

 Do you remember the last bedtime story perhaps you had as a child or perhaps the last story you read to your own child ?

Bed time stories are the most magical time as both a child and parent and nothing can beat it , the security and love you can feel from such a moment is amazing.Now sadly now everyone gets to experience this and they can start the magical love of books of reading with their own children or niece or nephews etc.Reading is one of the most magical experiences you can have and I so loved reading as a child.Reading for me gave me security from a hard family life I had growing up but neither can I remember the last bed time story I read to my son . Reading that last bed time story is one of those unspoken truths that no one can remember or those truths you push to the back of your mind much like the unspoken rule that no one says that Father Christmas doesn't because ehe does as no one ever says that out loud.

Bed times stories feel the mind not just during sleep but for the rest of your adult life, one story I love so as a child was Where the Wild things are 

Preparing To Dog Sit Some Tips

 Next week Myself and my husband will be looking after my in laws dog Murphy who is a very loveable black Labrador with a white tip to his tail hence his name Murphy. Now I am very much a cat lover and I just don't do dogs but Murphy is ph so different he is just a lumbering hulk of a a teddy bear dog with soulful eyes and inquisitive Labrador which is very much what a Labrador is. It does feel like preparing for a baby all be it one with 4 paws ! I have a couple of toys ready for him well if you can't read your relatives once in a while when can you ! Here are my tips to preparing for dog sitting ! 

1.Always meet the dog before hand , it helps the dog feel more comfortable when their owner leaves the,. Luckily we have met Murphy on many a occasion and I always save a chip for him when we finish our walk with the inlays at the pub !

2. Know much much the dog will want to play and plan , I will have to get my walking shoes on as Murphy does love to play and walk !

3.Make sure you know where everything is prior to your walk from the lead , to the obligatory ball and of course those all essential poo bags.

4. If it's family then they might pay you if it's long term and you're stopping there doing them a favour but if its a one off then a paying is not really necessary.Helping family and friends out really does make the world go round and make it a kinder place.

5. We are planning on walking Murphy twice till one of my nieces comes and takes over to look after Murphy , we didn't want to leave Murphy too much on his own .

6. Make sure you talk to the dog and give them a fuss , they love this and are very receptive to people.

7. We know which is the local vets of Murphy jsut in case there is any problems which we don't anticipate there will be but it pays to be prepared.

How to dog sit for a friend a sum up.

• Get to know the dog before your relative/friend/colleague leaves.
• Make sure you have their contact information and the vet’s phone number.
• Learn the dog’s schedule and stick to it.
• Find out where the supplies are and that does include treats !
• Expect to spend at least 30 minutes twice a day.
• Make sure to give the dog attention and love while you’re there.

Simple Wilted Wild Garlic Salmon

Ingredients 

Salmon 

Vegetables of your choice 

Wild garlic 

Method 

First pan fry the salmon skin side down for about 7 minute s and then turn 

Whilst this is doing use ready rice and some pan fried vegetable s and warm through and wilt the wild garlic at the last minute to bring the dish together.

Top Ten Savings Idea For This #CostOfLivingCrisis

 We are in the worse period of inflation since the 1970's and literally every penny counts be it towards food or the dreaded energy bill. It will be doubly important to make good savings escpacilly when the energy hike further bites in October and despite the council tax help for those in bands A -D and the £200 loan ) that you will pay back over 5 years ) it still isn't enough without people literally watching every penny that they spend.I am a great fan of the yellow sticker item and freezing what I can and this is where meal planning can help as well. So what are the ten top things you can do to make your money go that much further and robbing a bank is I am not afraid in the list.

1. Meal planning can really help and help stretch those meals for a couple of days , meal plan if you can especially if you pick up those yellow sticker items from the supermarket.

2. Haircuts go to your local college and see if they do special training days or even ask your lcaodl/ town hairdressers , the students are always supervised and observed and you will get a free cut or a heavy reduced one.Liek today I had my hair coloured for the fraction of the cost and a few weeks ago I had a free cut saving myself at least £50 . I don't usually go to the hairdressers for a colour but it is my sons graduation soon and so as it is a very special occasion I thought  it was worth it.

3. Clothes check your wardrobe to see what you don't need and wither charity shop it or sell it . And if you do need clothes do check those charity shops you'll be amazed what you can find , I found my husband a new winter coat for this winter that should have be £79.99 and instead was £19.99 and it was a good M & S one as well.

4. Ditch the gym membership and exercise from home or perhaps start the couch to 5 K or if you have a nintendo switch then look for a cheap ring fit game and related accessories this in the long run ( see what I did there ) be cheaper than year in year out gym membership.

5.Use food apps such as Olio and Good to go , tonight for instance I picked up a roast dinner for £3.99 and the meat was carved fresh in front of me and included a Yorkshire and veg as well as gravy. There is enough for 3 meals from how I loaded the box.

6. See if your work has shower facilities like my husbands does as he cycles to work or set a timer at home to cut down on your length of shower.

7. See what you can see around the home from using Facebook market place, vented or ebay , you will be amazed as to what you can find round your home to sell. Currently when I sell something I am using it to chip off what I owe on my energy bill or even put to towards it.

8. Check you are your best deals for your home and car insurance especially when it comes up for renewal.

9. Check your mobile phone contract and see what benefits it can get you , I am with O2 and yes I know there are cheaper mobile providers but currently the freebies I am receiving from O2 far outweigh changing to another provider. 

The first freebie I use from O2 is from Caffe Nero and did you know you can get further free coffees and other drinks just from downloading the Cafe Nero app , you scan the Cafe Nero App before scanning your O2 drinks code. I have already got a stamp for a free drink and I am saving them up for summer when I am can have a nice cold drink in the searing heat of the Uk ! Update the CaffeNero is only now one free drink a month ( boo) .But the good news is you can ge a weekly drink from Greggs of a tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

10 Make sure your boiler is serviced each year as this will help your boilers economy.