WITH the cost of living crisis showing no signs of easing, many homeowners are looking to make better use of their homes and gardens.
Rather than heading out to a pub garden to enjoy the sunshine, Brits are increasingly turning their own gardens into relaxing chill-out spots.
And creating a beautiful space doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as one savvy woman revealed a super cheap trick to transform her garden and create a mini patio.
Taking to the Facebook group Gardening On A Budget Official, the woman shared how she enjoys having her morning cuppa in the sunshine.
However, as her back garden doesn’t get much sunlight, she decided to create her own DIY mini patio at the front of her house instead.
She explained that the paving slabs cost just £2.82 each and that all she needed was a “few bags of sand” to complete the project.
Encouraging others to try it themselves, she wrote: “Never doubt yourself because you can!”
While she admitted her patio might be “far from perfect,” she said it works well for her, especially as she doesn’t have the “budget for a professional to do it.”
The post received 505 reactions, with 98 people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Many praised her efforts, with one writing: “Very impressive and well done.
“You can make a full pot of tea now and enjoy.”
Another added: “You certainly didn’t need a professional, well done – that looks fabulous!”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”We’d just finishing a £12k renovation on our garden when a trendy buy exploded – it wrecked the lot within minutes” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6371467752112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]A third commented: “Looks professional enough to me. Great job. Enjoy your morning cuppas.”
Meanwhile, a fourth said: “This looks amazing! I really want to do it in my back garden (just a small patio like yours), but I’ve been too nervous to try it myself and don’t have enough to pay a professional. I think I might give it a go!”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D112477%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]How to lay a patio
Start off by determining the size and shape of your patio, before clearing the area and digging out the required depth – this will depend on the thickness of the bedding layer and paving slabs.
Then experts suggest applying a mortar or concrete mix bedding layer to provide a solid foundation.
It is now time to place the paving slabs onto the bedding layer, ensuring they are level, and if necessary cut the pavers to fit around any edges or obstacle.
Once the slabs have been laid, then you can fill the joint between them with grout.
Another gardening hack
Gardening experts have also revealed a DIY trick that you can use to help fertilise your plants.
According to the experts at Grow Veg, all you need to do is to dig out a popular kitchen staple and add it to your soil.
They are urging gardening fans to not throw out ingredients that are past their sell by date – and rule even applies for your gone off milk.
According to the experts, milk can be used as a “natural fertiliser” and you can do this by simply mixing it into the soil around your plants and on your lawn.