Moroccan Argan Oil is making a big buzz in the hair world because of its super nourishing qualities and ability to transform damaged, frizzy locks, making it all smooth and shiny again.

Poundland have a great new range called “Miracle Moisture” it is a hair care system of products containing Argan Oil.

There are five products to choose from: Shampoo, conditioner, instant shine spray, nourishing hair oil and hair repair mask  - however we recommend them all, the whole range for £5 this is a steal!

Reviews:

Miss Baigent bargain beauty

Beauty on a Budget

Catwalk glamour, Poundland prices

The Lardy Grub Argan Oil Hair Repair Mask Review

Argan oil Shampoo & Conditioner Review

View our beauty page and the Argan Oil Miracle Moisture range

Potatoes are easy and satisfying to grow, typically yielding a good harvest. Poundland offer a range of seed potatoes to choose from, including First Early, Second Early and also main crop varieties. 

Tools and things you will need:

• Rake
• Hoe
• Fork
• Manure
• Liquid Fertilizer
• Potato grow bag (optional)
• Potatoes

Potato Types:

First Early varieties: Pentland Javelin – Good for salads, roasting Rocket – Good for boiling

• Plant in the winter ready to harvest in the spring or early summer
• Plant from late February, protect with perforated film or fleece and keep well watered.
• For greenhouse forcing plant chitted tubers in 12in pots from late January
• First early potatoes should be planted in rows allowing about 30cm (1ft) between tubers, and 60cm (2ft) between rows
• The time between planting and lifting should be about 10 weeks

Second Early varieties: Maris peer – Good for boiling, wedges, chips, salads, Charlotte – Good for roasting, boiling, salads

• Plant from early March for harvest from mid July (depending on variety). All varieties will store well
• Second Early potatoes should be planted in rows allowing about 45cm (18 inches) between tubers, and 75cm (2½ft) between rows
• The time between planting and lifting should be about 13 weeks
• If planted in late April potatoes can be harvested by mid-August, and this can continue through to October

Main crop varieties: Maris Piper – Good for chips, roasting, jackets, wedges, mashing, boiling King Edward – Good for chips, roasting, mashing

• Main crop potatoes are higher yielding than First and Second Early varieties and usually have larger tubers
• Main Crop Potatoes should be planted in rows allowing about 60cm (2ft) between tubers, and 75cm (2½ft) between rows

How to chit seed potatoes:

• Chitting is the name for the process that encourages tubers to sprout before planting
• Chitting potatoes is not essential except for Early varieties to produce an earlier maturing and heavier crop
• Place the seed potatoes in a clean egg box ‘rose end up’ (where the small buds can be seen) and place in a cool light place for 4-6 weeks
• By putting them in a light place, shoots will remain short, dark green and compact. When put in the dark, long, pale brittle shoots develop that can easily break off when planting

Planting:

• Dates will vary from year to year and around the country. The soil temperature should be at least 6°C (43°F).
• Handle your chitted tubers with care, gently setting them into the trench (15 cm deep) with the shoots pointing upwards. Be careful not to break the shoots and then cover the potatoes lightly with soil.
• The shoots and leaves of potatoes are frost tender, so be prepared to protect them with cloches or fleece if frost is forecast.

Top tip! – A good indication for planting time is when grass and weeds begin to grow again after the Winter months, usually early March/April.

Harvesting:

• Harvest times depend on planting dates, weather and temperature at planting time, weather during the growing season, variety maturity and weather and temperature at harvest time
• Your home-grown potatoes should be ready for lifting from June until September, depending on the varieties and the growing conditions. Earlies can be lifted and eaten as soon as they’re ready
• Second and Main Crop varieties can be kept in the ground much longer, until September, even though above ground growth may well be looking past its best
• Two weeks before you lift the crop, cut the growth off at ground level. This should give the skins of the potatoes sufficient time to toughen up, making them far less prone to damage from lifting and easier to store

Top tips! 

• Potatoes like plenty of sun, so avoid planting them in frost-prone sites, as these conditions can damage the developing foliage
• If you’re short of space, try growing potatoes in an adequately drained container that’s at least 30cm (1ft) deep and wide
• Always ensure you water once the tubers have reached the size of marbles. The size and quality of the crop will be reduced if you don’t water your potatoes

Storing your potatoes:

• The best potatoes for storage are the ‘Main Crop’ varieties – these typically have higher yields and a longer growing period than First or Second Earlies
• Choose a dry day to lift the potatoes, using a fork to lift them out and lay them on the soil to dry in the sunshine. Brush gently to remove excess soil
• Now they are ready for storage. Put any that are bruised, damaged or very small aside – these should be eaten sooner rather than later
• Only store dry, undamaged potatoes. Check regularly and remove any rotting tubers.
• A cool, dark shed is an appropriate place to keep potatoes: put them gently into potato sacks or paper bags (Don‘t use plastic) 
• Potatoes will sprout if it’s too warm for them, and rot if the temperature drops below freezing

Have you bought Poundland potatoes? Let us know your tips and tricks – and please send us pictures we LOVE pictures.

Bulbs are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to create stunning, colourful displays in your garden, or easily in pots & containers. The planting time for summer flowering varieties is between January and May.

Tools & things you will need:

• Fork
• Hand Trowel
• Containers / Pots / Baskets
• Compost / Bulb Fibre
• Liquid Fertiliser
• Watering Can
• Planting supports (Canes)

Choosing varieties:

It’s always a good idea to check the packets for colours, heights and flowering dates. This will help you decide when and where to plant the products and to achieve the best displays. It’s great to group colours and varieties to create maximum impact or you can be creative and mix & match. When mixing, ensure the flowering dates are the same, and watch out for the heights. Plant tall flowers at the back of your displays, beds and borders, and smaller ones at the front.

Quality: 

For best results it is advisable to plant the bulbs straight away. Check the bulbs are firm with no visible signs of decay.

How to plant:

• Do not plant when the soil is waterlogged, frozen or very dry
• Bulbs develop extensive roots, therefore, plant in a well dug soil to the depth stated on the pack.
• The packet should also indicate the distance you need to leave between each bulb, usually 12cm for larger bulbs and 10cm for smaller ones
• Cover the bulbs with loose soil and water
• Sit back and watch them grow

 After care:

• Do not let the plants dry out, adequate moisture is essential for the flower buds to form properly
• Stake tall growing varieties to prevent damage
• If the bulbs begin to flower irregularly then it is usually a sign that they need dividing. Using a hand fork, gently lift a clump, divide the bulbs and replant in smaller groups
• Many bulbs can be left in the ground to flower the following year, however, some varieties need to be dug up after flowering and stored in a dry, frost-free place until ready to re-plant

Top tip! – Dead-head flowers regularly to promote continuous growth.

Below we have a lovely tomato soup recipe for when you have your glut of tomatoes in late August-September.

Easy Tomato Soup (easy) Feeds 4 

• 3 tbsp Butter or margarine
• 1 Large Onion (roughly chopped)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (chopped – optional)
• 1 Celery stick (roughly chopped)
• 1.5 tbsp Plain flour
• 2 Pints of Vegetable Stock
• 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
• 2lbs Tomatoes (quarter)
• Basil (dried or fresh – optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Fresh Cream (optional)

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan on a medium heat, add the onion and gently fry until softened (add the garlic now if you decide to use)
2. Add the flour and stir quickly on a low heat until it is a sandy mix you must be careful not to burn the mixture
3. Slowly add the vegetable stock to the mixture whisking quickly to get a smooth lump free consistency, keep adding until all the stock is added.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato purée and celery, stirring occasionally leave to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until all the tomatoes are softened and the colour is even.
5. Sieve the soup into another saucepan using the back of a spoon to push through the sieve, try and get as much through as possible. Discard the leftovers once finished.
6. Return the hob and stirring gently add salt, pepper and basil (if required) to taste.

Split a baguette and dip for satisfaction!

(You can add cream to the recipe but this will increase fat content but very yummy)

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