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 research by Ideal Home Show reveals the most common gardening mistakes that not so green-fingered Brits across the nation 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 professional 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.
Slug invasions are the most common problem people across the country face in their gardens, with almost one in three (30%) Brits not taking the precautions to stop slugs taking over their gardens.
Other common gardening mistakes find Brits 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 mistakes, over four fifths (81%) of Brits claim that 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 over recent years, as half (50%) of Brits claim that gardening has a positive impact on their mental health, and a further 43% find gardening reduces stress levels.
Giles Perry, Event Director at Media 10, the organisers of The Ideal Home Show 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 find/learn from the show.
“Our research shows that people are starting to take more interest and time cultivating their outdoor spaces since the pandemic, and it is great to see how many people find gardening to be a stress reliever and having a key positive impact on their mental health.
“With the hobby being such a lifeline for many when it comes to wellbeing, this year at the Ideal Home Show in partnership with NatWest we have lots of inspiration on how to look after your outdoor spaces and how to improve them! Visitors can get expert advice on how to keep your outdoor spaces in tip top shape from our celebrity guests as well as shop for gardening must-haves from an array of exhibitors.”
The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with NatWest, the world’s longest running exhibition, is currently on at Olympia London until Sunday. A host of experts and celebrities will be hosting Q&As on stage throughout the 17 days at the show. For more information and tickets, please visit idealhomeshow.co.uk.
