A Review Of Stick On Heat Pads And Electric Heat Pads

 

I suffer from back pain some times, ever since my 30's and one of the things that helps me is heat on my back. This was of course approved by a doctor amongst other treatments. 

I am not a Healthcare professional and if you suffer from any sort of pain it is advised to get it checked out by a healthcare professional first.

However, if Heat is medically approved, it is one of the easiest and comforting ways to ease aches, stiffness, and tension. 

Over the years I’ve tried several different types of heat pads, and I like two in particular for different reasons. One is adhesive heat pads and the other is a reusable electric heat pad. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Stick On Heat Pads

Stick on heat pads are single use adhesive patches that warm up gradually once exposed to air. The ones I buy can be useful for 8, 12 or even 24 hours. They vary in size but if I have back pain I try to get the larger sizes. I only ever wear them in the daytime, never at night as personally I would be concerned about safety and comfort. 

They are slim and lightweight so they can be worn over underwear and under normal clothing. You need to stick them on to a piece of clothing, never on to bare skin, the adhesive is quite strong.

I find they don't restrict me, although I am aware of them and they do give a nice gentle heat. They are very good for the days I need to be out and about shopping or gardening or errands for example, but still need a heat source on my back for comfort.

Advantages Of Stick  On Heat Pads

• The warmth is gentle and lasts for however many hours. It says on the packet how long you can expect it to last which is generally 8,12 or 24 hours and they are simple to use. You simply peel way the strips on the back and stick on to clothing, never bare skin. Within a minute or two you can feel the warmth.
• They’re discreet and easy to wear over underwear and under normal clothing and ideal for days when I need to be active. I often wear one when I am gardening as it helps keep the muscles warm and is lovely on cold days!
• Another use for them is if you have to be out and about on a freezing cold day they can be a helpful to keep you a little warmer.
• I imagine if you need to be out watching sports in cold weather they could also give you enough added warmth to be a bit more comfortable. 
• I keep a pack in the car, just in case we break down and need extra heat. My husband has serious health conditions that mean he gets cold very quickly, which can be unsafe for him, so warm blankets and adhesive heat pads in the car make him feel safer. We of course checked with his Doctor first that this was suitable for him.   

Disadvantages

• They are single use, which isn't great for the environment and if you need to use daily or often it can become very expensive to keep buying them.
• The heat they give is not a deep heat but is a comforting warmth, so if you need a deeper, more intense heat they might not be enough. 
• If you are unlucky enough to have pain on a hot day, having a heat pad on your back might be more uncomfortable in hot weather. 
• You need to ensure they are stuck on firmly, this is not usually an issue as the adhesive is usually quite strong, but i prefer to have a belt and braces approach and like to wear them over underwear and under jeans or trousers rather than just over underwear, just in case they drop off causing an embarrassing situation! 

Electric Heat Pads

Electric heat pads are usually a large or decent sized heat pad which plug into the wall via a long lead.

They usually allow you to adjust the time they are on for and the intensity of heat for very mild to quite hot. 

You can't move around with these electric heat pads and so are better to use when resting, working at a computer or doing desk paperwork, sitting or lying down or watching TV. Below is a close up of the heat pads on my machine. 

I always use mine when I am wearing clothing, never on bare skin for safety and comfort reasons.

Never use an electric heat pad when sleeping for safety reasons.

Advantages Of Electric Heat Pads

• You buy one and they can be used many  times so if you use heat a lot they can be cost effective.
• I like the ease of setting different temperatures and times and that it is so adaptable to what i need at any given time or day. Mine uses a simple Heat plus and Heat minus and Time Plus and Time Minus, so it is very simple to operate. 
• They heat up quickly, which is especially good when my back is stiff especially after gardening.
• They can be set to considerably warmer than adhesive heat pads, which can be useful if you need a higher heat.
• On my model once you set the time, it will cut out after that time period which is a useful safety feature and a feature to look for if you are buying one. 
• They are usually significantly larger than the adhesive heat pads and so are very good for the back, hips, shoulders or legs, warming up a much bigger area which is often very helpful. 

Disadvantages

• You are tethered to where there is a plug point and cannot move around. So you need to use only when resting. I don't generally find this a problem especially if I need some heat to help my achy muscles after doing garden work. 
• There is usually a much bigger financial cost up front, though cost per use goes down if you use it a lot.  
• Check where the connections are that link the pad to the lead as on some models they are in uncomfortable positions.
• It must cool down completely before storing away which can take some time and be a bit awkward if you need to keep it stored away when not using. 
• You will need to make sure you have a place to store it and use it away from children and pets.

Alerts and Warnings

With electric heat pads it is strongly advised to keep away from children and pets. Clearly electricity is involved and higher heat levels are possible.

Also obviously keep electric heat pads away from water or any liquids. 

Store electric heat pads flat and allow to cool down completely  before putting away.

Routinely check wires and connections and the general condition of the electric heat pad for safety purposes. 

Store both adhesive heat pads and electric heat pads out of reach of children and pets. Even with the stick on heat pads they do get warm and its advisable to keep away from children and pets as because they use a strong adhesion if they were to get stuck on to a delicate body or face area or pet fur for example it could be unpleasant and unsafe. So store them out of reach of children and pets. 

How I Use The Different Types Of Heat Pads

I like using both types so if I have any back pain I tend to use the adhesive heat pads on busy days out of the home when I need to do shopping, errands, walk in the freezing cold, gardening, appointments and days out and to keep in the car. 

I use the electric heat pad when I can sit down and relax so if i read or watch TV or chatting, or even when doing paperwork, computer work or life admin. I have the electric heat pad on my back right now.  

Both have their advantages and disadvantages but I feel if you are medically safe to use heat and it is medically advised for you and your condition and it helps you, to have both is a useful choice.

Cura-Heat Heat Therapy Patches, Air Activated, Neck Shoulder & Back, Value Pack 7 Heat PatchesCheck PriceSunbeam® Heating Pad Standard SizeCheck Price

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 A Review Of Stick On Heat Pads and Electric Heat Pads by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin

 

For most of my life, I had used standard skincare brands to look after my face and body. That changed quickly when I developed a sudden severe allergic reaction to a suncream i had used for years and it turned out i was allergic to several common skincare chemicals. My skin blistered, burned and itched, it was agony. It also took ages to be diagnosed. 

My allergic reaction was eventually diagnosed as contact dermatitis triggered by perfumes, balsam of Peru, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients can be found in  many skincare and everyday household products so i have to be very careful.

Once diagnosed I had to immediately stop using any products that contained these ingredients. In the short term i was given steroid cream and Dr prescribed creams to use along with a directive to cease using pretty much all the products i had been used to using. 

I realised that i would no longer be able to use my moisturisers, shampoos, make up, or really most of my products. In addition because i was also allergic to them on other people if there was any skin contact, my husband was advised to not use his usual skincare products. I was left wondering what I was going to use...

After a lot of research, writing to companies, checking ingredients and frustration, I discovered something very simple, that I could use which was  pure organic coconut oil. The cold pressed, unrefined, food grade oils turned out to be gentle and effective for my skin. I would like to share how it helped me and its uses. 

I must stress that I am not a healthcare professional and If you have skin conditions or allergies, it’s always wise and recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional first.

Choosing Coconut Oil

Coconut oil varies a lot in quality. For sensitive, allergic skin the safest approach is to choose the simplest form. I find with sensitive skin the less ingredients is often the better.  It is generally better to go for organic, cold pressed, unrefined ,non deodorised and food grade coconut oil.

Some coconut oils have a strong coconut scent, others are very mild. Although i do like the scent of coconut oil, i prefer the milder versions on my skin.

Coconut Oil As A Body Moisturiser

For months I had to use only Dr prescribed creams and lotions on my skin. As time went on and with  approval from my Doctor I was able to try coconut oil. 

My skin was so sore and delicate. It took a little while but my skin became softer and more supple, more hydrated and smoother. It is rich in fatty acids and Lauric acid  can help support the skin barrier and the oil helps lock moisture into the skin. 

You do not need much and I learned that warming it between  hands turns the solid white oil block into a silky liquid. You can see in the photo below how the solid white block is turning into a colourless liquid and this took literally a few seconds.

Tips For Using Coconut Oil

• Start with a tiny amount in your hands and warm it first. You can always add more but if you get too much to start with it can be far too much and hard to get rid of! 
• Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before getting dressed. If you don't do this the oil will transfer to clothing. Rather than rubbing it off with a towel, it is better to gently pat it with a towel if you need to get dressed and it still hasn't sunk in.  
• I like to apply it at night after a bath or shower and then let it sink in and then wear Pjs. 
• At first when my skin was very dry and sore i used it every night. Now, several years on my skin is so much better i use it every few days  and if i use it too much my skin can get a bit too oily, so it will be a personal preference. 
• I do also use it in specific areas if they feel too dry like elbows, knees, and heels. It is nice to apply to feet and then wear  a lovely soft sock over. That to me feels indulgent. I wouldn't recommend walking around in bare feet after applying as it is far too slipperly! 
• Used like this my skin is nicely moisturised and i get no irritation or soreness. Personally  i only use on my body as it is a little too much for my face, but if you have dry skin everywhere it may work for you  on your face as well, but do keep away from your eyes. 

Coconut Oil For Haircare

Coconut oil can also be a lovely hair treatment. I have very fine hair, so I use it only once a month or even less, as a deep conditioner. If i use it more often it just makes my hair too oily and flat.  My husband, who has coarser, short, dry hair, can use it about once a week.

To use warm a tiny amount in your hands, smooth it through the hair, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wash out.

You may well want to wear a hair covering if you leave it in overnight to protect pillows from becoming too oily. It leaves hair shiny, nourished, and healthy looking.

Shaving With Coconut Oil

It is surprisingly good for shaving underarms and legs. I became unable to use any waxing or creams as my skin was too sore and some of the chemicals were irritating to me. My husband also had to stop using commercial shaving creams because of my allergies so he uses it for shaving his beard.

Coconut oil turned out to be really good for shaving purposes as it goes on very easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturised. It is also less expensive than most shaving creams and lotions. 

However a warning note be very careful using it in the bath or shower as it can make those surfaces very slippery and oily and difficult to clean. So i would suggest using it outside of the bath or shower for safety. 

Coconut Oil For Hands, Nails and Cuticles.

I love it for my hands especially after gardening and decorating It is very good for dry hands. Just make sure that you can rest and allow it to sink in for a while before you need to do anything. I also use it on my nails and cuticles to condition them.  

Important Patch Testing

Even natural products can cause reactions to some peoples skin, so before using any new products it is advisable to do a patch test. A simple patch test at home can help you stay safe. This is something i do with all new products now. 

• Test only one new product at a time on clean dry skin.
• Start by applying a tiny amount to a small area of skin that you can monitor easily , for example your wrist and then wash it off immediately.
• Watch for any reaction, if there is anything including a rash, soreness, spots, swelling or any reaction you do not like do not use the product again. Wash thoroughly with a gentle known product.
• If there is no reaction that time then on another day apply the product again and leave for a little longer. Again watch for reactions , if none wash off again. Try the following day and  gradually increase the time  the product is on the skin.
• Stop immediately if you notice spots, redness, blisters, itching, or swelling.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you get a reaction.

**Professional patch testing gives more accurate and detailed results and is more involved.

**If you are currently experiencing any skin issues it is best to consult a Dr before trying to change products without knowing exactly what you are allergic to.

**Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all unsure if a product is safe for you.  

So Coconut oil became a key part of my skincare. I never expected to find it so useful, neither did my husband but now we both really like it. With my very sensitive, allergic skin it, along with a few other products has become a core part of my skincare routine. 

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Six Key Gardening Tasks To Do In Autumn

 

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year. I love the still warm yet mellow sunshine, the quieter days and slowing down of nature, the still long days but earlier nights, the sound of the rain and the slight crispness in the air. 

It all marks a transition time in the garden, there are still gorgeous vibrant autumn flowers and lots of green leaves and activity, yet we are very much leaving summer behind with every passing day. There are more seedheads and rosehips and berries in our gardens. In this time there are some key jobs we need to do now in the garden to clear, prepare and organise to get ready for winter and the spring to come. 

1. Tidying Up The Garden(with caveats.)

I usually start my autumn tasks with taking stock of what I have and what did well and what did badly. I also clear out some of the old plant material and do some cutting back. In this clearing phase I am very mindful of nature and that we do need to leave lots of cover for insects and small creatures so they can live and survive the autumn and winter. So I tend to curate the tidying up and only do what is absolutely necessary. 

I do clear out all the annuals from pots. They have grown, boomed, faded and set seed and completed their cycle. The plant itself can be discarded or put on the compost heap. I tend to tip out any loose compost onto the garden soil. Then I clean out all the pots.

With the Perennial flowers I prune them back for tidiness where needed, but leave as many seedheads and stalks for wildlife to feed on and hide in during the winter months. These can always be tidied up in the spring for a neater look.

Do be careful what you prune though, many plants and shrubs should not be pruned right now as any new growth or exposed branches may be susceptible to frost. Spring flowering shrubs should not be pruned now or you will be cutting off all the flowers.  If in doubt leave them now. 

 If I had a greenhouse I would now bring in tender plants, but instead I start getting out my fleece to cover these plants for the winter. 

All my evergreens are pruned now so that they will maintain their shape throughout winter and as they are the backbone of the garden in winter its important they look nice. 

It won't be very long before leaves start turning all their beautiful colours and then falling to the ground. I tend to leave these leaves in the borders where the worms will do their thing and take them in to the soil and above soil leaves will provide shelter for tiny insects. 

However I do clear leaves from the paths where they could become soggy in the rain and slippery underfoot. I also clear them from any gravel and the garden lawn as they are not good for the grass where they can cause fungal disease and in gravel they just look messy as they decompose. 

Flowers like forget me nots are way past their best now. Do not just cut them down though. They can be lifted and divided then replanted in new places around the garden to make a bigger better display next year. Lift the whole clump, divide it gently with your hands being careful to gather enough of the root system and replant about a foot apart in new locations.

2. Caring for Lawns and Grass

Spring and Autumn are key times for lawn care and renovation. In many ways now Autumn is a better time.

Our spring was so dry  that although i sowed new grass seed with the lack of rain it made watering a time consuming chore and then we had four heatwaves which scorched the grass and turned a large part of it brown. As we had a hosepipe ban we could not water it, but I knew that most grass recovers once it gets some rain.

So now in Autumn there is a chance to nurture the grass again and give it a better chance to recover.  I start with scarifying the soil, so raking it with a lawn rake, which gets rid of all the dead thatch.

Then I use a fork in the soil every few inches to aerate the soil. After that a lawn feed is a good idea and it sets the lawn up for a good season.

To read more about overseeding a lawn please read Reviewing Overseeding A Lawn With Grass Seed.

Autumn is also the time for a final cut of the lawn. We hardly mowed our lawn this year due to the hot sunny weather and heatwaves. However now it has had some rain and grown and greened up we can give it a light trim before winter. I prefer to use a manual lawnmower and review the drawbacks and benefits here

3. Planting Plans

Autumn/Fall is a good time to review our planting in the garden and I usually increase my stock and plant beautiful spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths during September and October. If you grow vegetables it is time to sow over wintering onions and garlic which are a good crop and useful in the kitchen. Tulips should be planted a little later during October and November. 

I love doing this as although we rapidly approach winter, it is an act of joy that soon after Spring will arrive.

We have enough established shrubs and roses now. However, if you are wanting to plant any shrubs, hedges, trees or roses, it is more economical to buy bare root varieties now and plant in Autumn so that they can establish well before the winter and then they will settle and start to grow well in the springtime.

It is also a good time to move established shrubs that need moving to a better place to give them time t establish and then grow on in Spring. Even if it is rainy do always settle them in with a good drink of water and if there are dry spells you may need to keep watering yourself for a while. Always water deeply to make sure it reaches the roots.

4. Mulching Borders

For borders it is a good idea to lay down a good mulch now to protect plants and nurture the soil. Mulch can be organic like bark or compost or inorganic like pebbles or slate compost to name a few options.

Just ensure you mulch a couple of inches deep and keep a few inches of space around the base of any shrub and trees stems or trunks. More Information On Reviewing The Benefits Of Garden Mulch 

5.Pruning Shrubs, Hedges And Roses

At this time of year I prune my tea and shrub roses, this is not the big prune but rather just a light cutting back so that they do not get caught up in the wind and suffer root rock as they sway. Therefore prune about a third off the top with secateurs or loppers. However if you like the rose hips you will need to leave them or prune very lightly

For climbers I do prune off any long whippy stems I don't want in September. This is mainly to prevent them from flying around in the wind and becoming a hazard. A little later on I will be tying in the stems I want and recreating the framework for beautiful roses next year.

For pruners nearly every gardener has their favourites and it is very personal. You need to balance grip, weight, cutting power, ease of use and comfort overall. For me I like the Fiskars and the Wolf ranges.

Hedges that could not be cut before due to birds nesting are now perfectly fine to prune back and Autumn is a good time to do it so it stays tidy all winter. 

 Fiskars Pruning Shears for Gardening, Multipurpose 8" Garden Shears with Sheath and SoftGrip HandleCheck Price

 

6. Taking Care Of Wildlife In The Garden

Looking after or caretaking wildlife to me is a crucial part of gardening. Here in UK we are losing so much natural habitat that nature is increasingly reliant on our gardens to survive.

While August is a very quiet time in our garden for birds, come September and October they start coming back into the garden. It is a great idea to have a birdbath as water is more important than most of us realise.

Birds, insects and small mammals become more reliant on our gardens for food sources. This can be food we put out in bird feeders to the berries and seeds and roots in our gardens. In UK Hedgehogs require shelters such as log piles, leaf litter or bespoke hedgehog houses to live in during the colder months.

Insects and spiders need wild areas to shelter in and hunt from. So hollow stems of flowers, seed heads, leaf litter on soil it all helps them to live. So it hugely benefits these creatures to not be too tidy in our gardens. 

For More ideas Reviewing How To Help Wildlife In our Gardens

 BACKYARD EXPRESSIONS PATIO · HOME · GARDEN 912449-WB Outdoor Garden Bird Bath- Bronze- Weather Resistant Polyresin-30 InchCheck Price

 

Garden Tools We Need In Autumn

• Lawnmower
• Brush 
• Rake
• Fork
• Spade
• Secateurs- I like my Wolf Bypass Secateurs
• Loppers
• Bulb planter
• Handheld Trowel and Fork

Some people have said to me that gardening ends in September, but for me there is such a lot to do in order to help wildlife, keep the garden looking good and healthy and safe for us.

Autumn/Fall is a lovely time to be outside, nice and cool, with often some mellow sunshine and lots of wildlife to watch and plants to find in our gardens to fascinate us.

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Reviewing Six Key Gardening Tasks To Do In Autumn By Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Shading and Shielding Garden Plants From The Sun

This summer we have had a total of four heatwaves, this is really unusual for where I live. Generally, most of my life, we have been fortunate to get a few sunny warm weeks, often having cloudier days and rainy times in the summer. However this year has been very dry with hardly any rain since early spring and fierce heat during the heatwaves for this part of the world. If this is a trend that is developing I am thinking that long term my gardening will need to change and short term I need strategies to get plants thought the summers with shading.

Many of my beautiful plants are ones that are suited to mild summers with some sun but not intense sun. This year they have really suffered. The scorching rays of the sun has burned their leaves and I have noticed that even the a few days after I watered them they are wilting again. Many have not grown this year as they should and the stunted growth has been noticeable. 

Shade really matters in a garden and I am lucky to have one side of the garden that faces north so this year I crammed all the plants that could be moved and those in pots into this shady area. However there were many plants that could not be moved or I did not have room for  or where too big or heavy to move at this stage so they had to be in the south or west facing areas that were getting the most intense sunshine for weeks on end. 

I tried all the usual tricks to make shade which are still very valid tips.

• Grouping the plants together in pots all together so that they would help each other with humidity and shade.
• Putting the bigger sturdier leafier ones at the front and the more delicate smaller ones at the back to protect them more.
• Water deeply so the water gets to the roots. This is better strategy than little and often, though a hosepipe ban did not help this situation.
• Use saucers under as many pots as possible to give a water resevoir
• Moving plants under the shade of trees or large shrubs or to a north facing area.

However this year none of this was enough and I started looking into alternative shading devices and products. 

Why Does Shade Matter To Plants?

Some plants adore the sunshine while others can take it in small doses or for half a day while others hate it.

They are very much like people in that respect ! However in a heatwave situation, especially if it goes on for more than a day or two even all but the most resilient sun lovers need a respite. 

Shading helps plants in the following ways:

• It helps reduce or prevent sun scorching of their leaves and reduces the leaf temperature
• Lowers the stress on the plants
• Keeps them flowering a little longer. many of my sun stressed plants flowered and went to seed much more quickly than normal. 
• Helps conserve water loss, no matter how much you water if they are in full sun and heat it evaporates quicker.

Here Are The Shading Materials I Tried

Old bedding sheets - I found these quite useful and for this purpose and free as I already had them. They were not too bad, but were not UV resistant and the airflow was not great, so did not work as well as I had hoped. 

It also felt a little strange and a bit messy laying out sheets in the front garden where passers by and neighbours were looking on. Also not really easy to clean in the garden, I sponged off any bird droppings etc but they really needed a wash after a couple weeks. Still it was better than nothing and was Ok in the back garden. 

White Fleece- this is the fleece I usually use in winter to wrap terracotta plant pots and very cold hating plants up in for a winter blanket. It did work quite well wrapping it around some black pots I had as now the pots looked white and I hoped more heat resistant as black generally absorbs heat, while white deflects it more. 

I wrapped it around some of the plants foliage as well and it worked fairly well to shade the plants but I did worry that they were getting too hot, so spent quite a lot of time wrapping and unwrapping them to give them good enough ventilation. Also I had to wrap very loose around the plant to allow better airflow. So really I found it good for wrapping the black plant pots themselves, but less so for wrapping the plants. 

Umbrellas! Yes this was one of my more inventive ideas I think. I used several large umbrellas we have in the extreme heat to shade out delicate  plants. I have to say it did work very well at shading although it was not easy when there was a breeze as well to keep it in the right place, but if total shade is what required this can be a possible option. They were also easy to clean. 

They certainly reduced water evaporation and no leaves got scorched so I would say really quite successful. I only used umbrellas when the sun was at its height though as I wanted the plants to have some light. They will only work for one plant at a time though, not bigger beds.   

I think the neighbours thought it slightly odd, but were too polite to say anything !! I do think that the UV sun umbrellas would have worked even better. 

If you only have one special plant that you need to shield from the sun and don't mind being a little quirky in the garden and can find a way to hold it down in a breeze, then maybe a sun umbrella will suffice! 

 G4Free UPF 50+ UV Protection Large Travel Umbrella 42/46 Inch Auto Open Close Windproof Sun Blocking UmbrellaCheck Price

Shade Netting or Cloth 

This is specialised netting, very dense tight netting or cloth that gives really good shade, many around 40% to 90% shade and is UV resistant and has good airflow. It is this UV resistance and airflow that differentiates this from all the other shade materials I tried. My plants seemed really happy with this one. 

I went for a higher percentage shade as I really needed to protect the plants from the strong, intense sunshine we were getting but still to allow some light through to them.

It was easy to lay over the plants and easy to work with. I simply secured it via bamboo stakes. As I take it off every evening I don't want it as a permanent structure. 

The airflow was better using this than with the other shading methods and the plants felt cooler underneath it.

For cleaning I just rinsed it with a watering can, or a hosepipe would be fine. It didn't really get very dirty. 

Some shade cloths or mesh are better quality than others and some more sturdy than others. I did not leave mine out in very windy conditions but in a breeze it was fine. If you intend to leave it out in windy weather then you will need to buy a more sturdy version. For my needs a more simple option was fine. I have included a variety below for you to  consider.  

 JOJOLEE 70% Sun Shade Cloth, 10x20FT Shade Net Mesh Tarp with GrommetsCheck Price 90% Shade Cloth for Garden -12 x 20 FT Durable Mesh Tarp with GrommetsCheck Price QLOFEI Shade Cloth for Garden, 70% Sun Screens for Patio Pergola OutdoorCheck Price

How To Use Shading Materials 

Know where the sun is strongest in your garden at what time of day. Unless you have a lot of shading materials you may need to move it around during the day. We have one area that is south facing all day it is hot so the shading stays there. However I move the East and West facing shading around the garden as needed just once a day as the sun moves around. I also take it all off at night.

We have a lot of birds in our garden and one of my concerns was that they might get trapped in the material  so I checked it regularly and took it off at night.

I secured the material as much as possible and as taught as possible, so that it did not flap about in any breeze  or allow spaces birds could get into it easily

I did my best to keep it away from the plants by using bamboo poles and sticks or hoops just to raise it above the foliage. This allows better airflow around the plants and keeps it off the leaves and flowers. 

I didn't do this, but you can make retractable awnings which are very useful for raised beds or larger containers or make a more permanent structure by hanging it and then rolling up and down as you need it.

Although I love the long days and light nights this summer has been challenging as a gardener. At times I have felt like it is more simply keeping the plants alive rather than helping them to thrive. If we are going to get more summers like this one I know that my gardening strategies, habits and routines are going to have to change including what I grow and how to best shade my plants. 

I do think that of all the shading I tried for plants that cannot be moved into the shade of a tree or shrub, the Shade netting is the best due the the UV protection, airflow and ease of cleaning.  For now I am glad we are reaching autumn soon and can look forward to cooler days and hopefully some rain!!

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Reviewing Shading and Shielding Garden Plants From The Sun by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden

 

I love gardening and like pretty much all aspects of it. However what I do not like is when various pests and diseases attack my plants. It is a conflicted point for me however as I do like to garden organically with nature and not generally use pesticides. Many of them will hurt beneficial insects as well somewhere down the line and as I am allergic to many things I have to be careful too.

Nature usually has a way of balancing things out and every pest has a predator and they need the other insects so I prefer to leave the garden to sort itself out and use nothing. 

However, I see my beautiful plants this year in our very hot,  humid summer with little rain really stressing the plants and leaving them vulnerable to disease. Some have suffered and are covered in fungal diseases and attacked by aphids and red spider mite and other creatures that I know will eventually kill the plants. 

Then I know that I have a choice...

Either allow nature to fully take its course and risk the loss of plants that are dear to me, some given by my late parents, or take some action that has the least environmental effect.

So I researched that Neem oil can be a good solution if used safely and with some caveats.

It is antibacterial and antifungal so that will help with the fungal diseases. It also has insecticidal properties which disrupt the feeding and breeding cycles of some insects. I tried it this year for both issues and I have had some very good success!

How To use Neem Oil In The Garden 

If it is used specifically and correctly Neem oil is not toxic to wildlife and pets, but you need to use it properly and carefully.

There are two ways to use Neem oil and I would suggest that you use them both if facing a fungal or insect attack that nature is not solving by herself. 

Never use it in the daytime or in sunlight, this is bad for the plant and bad for the beneficial insects and predators in the garden. 

1. For Drenching The Soil.

First of all give the plant a good soaking of water until it runs out of the base.  The reason you water before hand is so that the soil gets wet, if you pour it on very dry soil it will just run straight through and you will waste the mixture. Then mix about two tablespoons of Neem oil with about a gallon of water and a small amount of mild liquid soap or washing up liquid. Shake it all up, then pour it around the base of the soil. If you don't need that much just adjust the ratios accordingly, it does not have to be too precise. 

2. Spray Leaves

Then next you need to spray the leaves with the same mixture but in a spray bottle. Any spray bottle will do but it must be clean and not contaminated with any other chemicals. It is best to buy a new clear spray bottle and clearly label it. Spray the neem mix on the stems of the plant and both the top side and underside of the leaves. You can spray any left over on the soil around  the plant.  

The mixture needs to be applied about once a week. However if it rains then you need to reapply as soon is convenient once it has stopped raining. Watch for any signs for the disease or attack returning. When you think it is all clear then stop the applications. I have found I need to do it about three times before I can be fairly certain of success. 

You can use pure Neem oil and do the mix yourself, which is what I usually do, or for convenience you can buy a ready made Spray. I have listed both options in this article. 

Neem Oil as Organic Insecticide

Neem oil disrupts the feeding and breeding cycles of many insects. I am always a bit conflicted as I dislike interfering with natures processes, but there are times when I do take the decision to use this more organic method.  I only use it against those that are overwhelming the plant and causing significant damage or will kill the plant.

If they are just a nuisance but do not cause any real damage I leave it. If it is just the temporary look of the plant that is affected I leave it to nature to sort it out.  I prefer to leave natures predators to it. 

If I have to intervene to save the plant, it is said to be effective against many insects considered pests. My main experience with neem oil is with aphids. Neem oil is in my experience most effective against Aphids which this year attacked my Lupins while I was away and came back to an almost decimated plant.

It is best if you first cut away the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them.

 I sprayed with the neem mix three times over 3 weeks and while the older leaves and stems died,  the younger and new growth came through healthy. 

It is also in my experience effective against Whiteflies and spider mites. It acts on their hormones preventing them from laying eggs. I found for me the magic number is to apply neem oil mix three times about a week apart,     both to the leaves and the soil.

Neem Oil As A Fungicide

Neem oil helps with fungal diseases including powdery mildew, rust and black spot.

It assists to prevent fungal spores from germinating and spreading which is especially helpful if you grow plants closer together to help prevent widespread infections. It also usefully provides a protective layer or barrier on the sprayed leaves.

I am happy to use Neem oil under safe conditions for this purpose. In my experience within two or three weeks the situation is under control. 

 Best Naturals 100% Pure Neem Oil, 100% Cold Pressed and Unrefined - 16 OZ (1 Bottle)Check Price Monterey Neem Oil Spray for Plants Ready to Use - for Use on Roses, Flowers, Houseplants, and Vegetables - 32 ozCheck Price

 

How To Use Neem Oil Safely And What To Avoid.

For Plants

• Some plants are very sensitive to Neem oil. It particularly affects those with delicate leaves and is best to avoid. If you do use it on these plants, use a significantly diluted mixture, do a small patch test and watch for a few days.

• Prevention is always better. Ideally, and this goes for all plants really, before any issues arise,  try companion planting with plants that are highly scented and more resistant to the bugs that like to attack. So try Lavender, Garlic, Onions, perhaps Rosemary as companion plants to those you find are vulnerable to pests.

• Never apply in the daytime as it can and will burn and scorch the plant. Wait until dusk. 

• Check over the plant for any beneficial insects before you spray, particularly ladybirds or lady bugs or hoverflies might be on an infested plant. They are predators and do an excellent job of eating pests, so if there are a lot of ladybirds and hoverflies on the plant they may well do the job for you. In that case I would personally leave them to it.

•  However if there is just one ladybird or the plant is clearly overwhelmed with pests, simply remove the one or few ladybirds first. It is another good reason for not spraying in the daytime, wait until the beneficial predators and bees and butterflies are have left or are much less active. 

For Humans 

While generally not harmful to humans there are some important caveats.

• Store it out of reach of children or pets in a safe place.

• Do not have any contact with Neem oil if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Always wear gloves and protective glasses when preparing and spraying the mix as it is irritating to skin and eyes. As I have extremely sensitive skin, I cover up all my skin when using it and wear sunglasses or protective glasses that wraparound. 

• Do not use or prepare the neem pure or mixture near young children or pets, as it is possible they may inhale, lick or eat some of it when it is still wet, which is not advised. 

For Nature And Animals 

• While pretty much non toxic to much of nature like birds, bees and mammals once dry, it is somewhat toxic to fish and aquatic life. So we must never spray near a pond, stream, water barrel or other water source. However Neem oil is not known to contaminate ground water or run off and is biodegradable.  

•  Do not use neem oil during the day as this is when pollinators and many predators are around on your plants. Bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects are at danger when it is still wet. Bees can carry it back to a nest and it could cause harm. Once it is dry the risk is no longer present.  Hence the need to use only at dawn or dusk when they are much less likely to be around.

•  Personally I only use at dusk because you must use it so that it dries before any beneficial insects and pollinators are active. Most of my issues happen in the summer and as it is light so early the bees are often up before I am! Once it dries, in about an hour, it is then harmless to bees, butterflies etc.

Storing and Using Neem Oil

It must be stored in a dark, cool and safe place as if it is exposed to sunshine or bright light and heat it will go off. 

If you are mixing it yourself only make the amount you need to use on that day, as the home mix goes off quite quickly once made up.  

So while I do not really like to use anything on my garden I will sometimes use a Neem oil mixture. I have worked hard to get a good balance and usually have plenty of predators to balance out the pests. Most of the time I allow nature to take its course with predators and prey in the garden and using companion planting.

However, if one of my treasured or sentimental plants is suffering an infestation or disease and the natural predators and processes cannot get it under control, I very carefully use Neem oil in moderation and as little as possible. In my experience it is an effective and economical product

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden by Raintree Annie

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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