A few years ago I started to get a bit of indigestion when I
bent down to do some weeding. I put this
down to the fact that I ate a large bowl of porridge every day. Well you have
to blame it on something other than age.
I only then got a twinge when I eat biscuits with my tea, so I don’t eat
biscuits in the garden (It’s the saturated fats apparently)
I thought I was on my own having to cut out the enjoyment in
my life (if you can call a bowl of porridge enjoyment) but it seems I am not
the only one who has or had heartburn when gardening. There are loads of us that feel like getting
the Rennies out when we are bending over to pull up a creeping buttercup from
the soil.
Heartburn and
Gardening
I asked around and have been given some great answers. I’ll not
mention the over the counter remedies people mentioned as these are only
temporary solutions as the antacid alkaline causes the stomach to eventually
produce more acid in the stomach, resulting in more heartburn. A manufacturers
dream to get you hooked on their product!
These tips and ideas come from keen gardeners who have been afflicted at
some time.
For a start, when you are weeding, bend the knees and keep
the back upright. This allows gravity to keep the stomach more settled. It’ll
also stop you from going dizzy. Digging after a meal isn’t recommended; leaving
at least thirty minutes after eating is the norm.
Another suggestion was to get someone else to do the
weeding, which probably isn’t that helpful, especially if you enjoy the task.
Most gardeners seem to recommend certain herbs to ease the
stomach.
- Ginger. This is good for all sorts of digestion problems.
- Fennel seeds and mint leaves. These can be chewed slowly when working.
- Mint tea or carrot apple orange and ginger juice.
- Bicarbonate of soda. 1 teaspoon in a mug of warm water.
- Liquorice. Either in liquid or sweet form could help.
Have a go at sampling the different remedies and I’m sure
you’ll find one that works.
RHS Perfect for
Pollinators
The Royal Horticultural Society have produced downloadable plant lists to help gardeners
identify plants that will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other
types of pollinating insects.
Flying insects such as bees and hoverflies which visit
flowers for their nectar and pollen perform a vitally important pollination
service. Pollination is where the pollen from one flower is transferred to
another flower, bringing about fertilisation. Some flowering plants are
pollinated by the wind but the majority rely on this service from insects and
without it plants would fail to produce seed and, in some cases, fruit.
Our wild bees and other pollinators are considered to be in
decline. By planting nectar and pollen rich flowers over a long season,
gardeners can help reduce this trend. In return, an abundance of pollinators
will ensure garden plants continue to reproduce through seed and that many
fruit and vegetable crops such as apples, strawberries and tomatoes
successfully set fruit.
How to attract and
support pollinating insects
Aim to have plants that are attractive to pollinating
insects in flower from early spring to late autumn. Winter flowering plants can
also be of benefit.
Grow garden plants with flowers that attract pollinating
insects.
Avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers. Such flowers
may lack nectar and pollen, or insects may have difficulty in gaining access.
Never use pesticides on plants when they are in flower.
Where appropriate, wildflowers can be an attractive addition
to planting schemes and may help support a wider range of pollinating insects.
If you have the time, encourage bees by keeping honeybees
yourself or allowing a beekeeper to place hives in your garden.
There are lots of
ways to make your garden as perfect for pollinators as possible
While the lists will continue to evolve and be improved on
by the RHS, they represent some of the best cultivated and wild plants for
gardeners to attract a wide range of pollinating insects.
A selection of Perfect for Pollinators plants from their
free download include:
Wild plants
Common yarrow, greater knapweed, common foxglove, common
honeysuckle, large thyme, white clover.
Garden plants
Caryopteris, sweet William, hyssop, common jasmine, English
lavender,bergamot.
