Gardener urges people to stop buying supermarket lemons | UK | News

Spring is upon us – and it’s the perfect time to start growing seedlings ready to plant in your garden in a few months’ time.

To help keep costs down, one gardener has shared how you can grow lemons on your windowsill or in a greenhouse without spending money on seeds.

In a TikTok video, Simon, who is known online as @simonsakeroydgardener, explained how he simply buys wonky lemons from the supermarket and plants their seeds in soil.

He said: “How to grow a lemon from the shops. Lemons are easy to grow from pips, even from ‘reject’ wonky lemons.

“Cut the lemon in half, collect the pips, soak them overnight, then sow the pips in compost and soon they will start to grow.”

With water and plenty of sunlight, the lemon pips can grow into a “beautiful lemon bush”, allowing you to eventually harvest your own fruit.

Commenting on the video, one user said: “I grew about 30 from seed last summer. Surprisingly about 20 survived winter. I’m hoping to get them into bigger pots this year and maybe plant them in the ground in the middle of summer.”

Another added: “The trouble is where to keep it. I kept mine in the house for 10 years in a pot but it grew so big and had huge sharp thorns.

“When I finally put it outside it died in the frost. Unless you have a massive greenhouse that’s heated in the winter, you’re going to struggle.”

A third user wrote: “I’m going to try this. I didn’t know you could grow them in England, but do you have to grow them indoors or outside? Please give me any advice.”

It comes after another gardener shared a warning about cutting your grass in March, claiming it could be too early and cause more harm than good.

In a TikTok clip, the gardener, who goes by @lawnnature online, explained why people shouldn’t rush into trimming their lawns in early spring. The caption reads: “Everyone’s itching to get on the lawn… but trust me, wait!”

Instead, he encouraged people to perform a “squelch test” before hauling the lawnmower out of the shed.

He said: “If your foot sinks, your lawn isn’t ready.”

He explained: “As the spring season approaches, many homeowners are eager to enjoy their outdoor spaces and step onto their lawns. However, before you do that, it’s crucial to make sure your lawn is truly ready.

“One of the best ways to assess the condition of your lawn is by performing the squelch test. This simple check can prevent you from damaging your grass, especially if the ground is too wet.”

To perform the squelch test, simply walk across your lawn and pay attention to how the ground feels. If your foot sinks and the soil feels squishy, it means your lawn is not ready for mowing or heavy foot traffic.

The guidance continued: “Stepping on wet soil can compact it, leading to potential damage and hindering the growth of your grass. If your lawn fails the squelch test, don’t worry.

“There are several alternative ways to spend time in your garden while you wait for the right conditions.”

Instead, he suggested tasks such as aerating the lawn, clearing debris, or planning your garden layout.

He added: “These activities can promote healthy grass growth and prepare your lawn for the warmer months ahead.

“In conclusion, always check the state of your lawn before stepping outside with the mower. By doing the squelch test and following proper lawn care guidance, you’ll maintain a beautiful and healthy outdoor space.”