Gardening Hacks to Grow Fruit from Your Weekly Shop
As the sun graces us with its warmth, many Brits are eager to stock up on fresh fruit for delightful picnics. Whether it’s to add a splash of flavor to their prosecco or simply to savor as a sweet, refreshing snack, strawberries are a beloved choice among many. Interestingly, recent discussions have unveiled some surprising facts about these popular berries, including the mysterious white dots found on their surface.
In the UK, the average person consumes around 3kg of strawberries each year, according to Where Science Meets Business. However, there remains a lack of awareness about some fascinating aspects of strawberries, particularly the prickly white spots that resemble seeds. Contrary to popular belief, these are not seeds at all; they are actually small fruits known as achenes, each containing a single seed within. Essentially, these achenes are small, dry, one-seeded fruits that do not open to release their seeds. This unique characteristic contributes to the high fiber content of strawberries.
The average strawberry boasts approximately 200 of these achenes, which develop after the strawberry flower is pollinated. Other plants that also produce achenes include buttercups, buckwheat, quinoa, and even cannabis. Aaron Liston from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University explained, “When you consume a strawberry, you’re actually enjoying hundreds of tiny fruits, not just one.” Similarly, Chris Gunter, an associate professor of horticultural science at NC State, remarked, “First off, strawberries don’t keep their seeds outside their fruit.”
Many are now coming to terms with the true nature of the ‘prickly’ sections of the fruit. A recent thread on Reddit revealed that the so-called seeds on the outside of strawberries are, in fact, the fruit itself, leaving many social media users astounded. One commenter noted, “I’m genuinely mind-blown by this,” while another exclaimed, “This revelation is more shocking than I anticipated.” A third user added, “All these years, I’ve been misled,” and someone else quipped, “So that’s the reason they’re prickly!”
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
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Nick Grey, the Inventor and CEO of Gtech, shares essential tasks to tackle as Spring unfolds.
- 1. Clean Your Garden – Begin by clearing away leaves, soil, and plant debris from your patios and flower beds. This helps create a healthier environment for new growth as we transition into the summer months. For safety and comfort, consider using Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit, which includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses.
- 2. Weeding – Early Spring is the prime time to address weeds. By incorporating regular weeding into your gardening routine, you can ensure a tidy and well-maintained garden throughout the year.
- 3. Hedge Maintenance – Spring is the perfect season for tidying up overgrown hedges and shrubs. Regular trimming not only promotes healthy growth but also helps reduce pest issues. Tools like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can assist in keeping your greenery looking sharp and neat.
- 4. Composting – Starting a compost heap this Spring is a proactive and cost-effective way to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. It also allows you to recycle organic waste, benefiting the overall health of your garden.
- 5. Lawn Care – Taking care of your lawn is crucial for maintaining the beauty of your garden. Be sure to rake away any excess leaves and regularly trim your grass to keep it looking pristine.