5 minutes agoBlogsComments Off on I’m a gardening expert – my ‘sink or float’ test is key to getting seeds to bloom this summer
FOR beginner gardeners, there’s nothing more frustrating than planting seeds that never sprout.
A failed batch can be disheartening, especially when you’re eager to see your flower border flourish.
GettyA gardening expert’s tips can help your seeds sprout and flourish by summer[/caption]
Thankfully, Craig Wilson – founder ofGardeners Dream – has shared his top tips on how to avoid planting dud seeds and ensure they thrive from the second they’re placed in the ground.
First up, the gardening pro says seeds need to pass a “sink or float” test before you plant them.
He explains: “One of the simplest ways to avoid disappointment is to test your seeds before planting. Thankfully, there are a couple of methods to do this.
“The first option is the water test. Drop a handful of seeds into a jar of water for about 15 minutes.
“During this time you should see some seeds float to the surface and some sink to the bottom. The seeds that sink are the most likely to sprout, while those that float are likely to be non-viable.”
He continues: “The other option is the germination test. This one is the real decider, but it takes slightly longer to get results.
“Start by placing your seeds on a damp bit of tissue and spacing them out evenly. Fold your tissue in half, covering the seeds and ensure both sides of the tissue are moist.
“Seal it in a food storage bag in a warm place and check again in a few days to see if they’ve sprouted. If they’ve sprouted, they’re good to plant.”
Where you store your specially selected seeds is just as important, Craig also insisted.
This is because moisture, heat and light are all capable of affecting seed growth.
Craig says: “For the best results, store your seeds in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.
“A simple way to extend the life of your seeds is by keeping them in the fridge, as the cool, stable surroundings will protect them from fluctuating temperatures.”
Many novice gardeners also don’t realise that seeds have expiration dates, so you should always check these before buying.
Some seeds like parsnips, lettuce and onions, for example, have a shorter shelf life than others, while beans and tomatoes can last several years if stored correctly.
Craig points out that when you plant your seeds can also affect their chances of growing.
He says: “Seeds rely on the right conditions, such as soil temperature and light to thrive.
“For example, peas and spinach are best planted in early spring as they like the cooler weather, whilst tomatoes and peppers are best planted at the end of spring or into summer as they need warmth.
“One of the biggest mistakes a beginner gardener can make is planting seeds too early or too late. I’d highly recommend checking your region’s last frost date before sowing!”
5 minutes agoBlogsComments Off on ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smoke
CHELSEA fans have fumed that they can’t see their own players following a crazy pyro show from Legia Warsaw supporters.
The Blues are in Poland for the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final.
TNTLegia fans unleashed a stunning tifo ahead of their Conference League game with Chelsea[/caption]
TNTSmoke billowed out from behind the goal[/caption]
TNTFans flocked onto social media to complain they couldn’t see the game[/caption]
Legia fans welcomed the two teams onto the field with a stunning display from the terraces.
Ultras behind the goal released a mammoth tifo, setting off flares and fireworks.
Smoke billowed out down onto the field and remained there for almost 10 minutes after kick-off.
Fans were quick to moan that they couldn’t see the players on TNT’s coverage from the Polish capital.
One fan complained on X: “I am trying to watch the game of Legia vs Chelsea but I can’t see anything.”
Another said: “I can’t be the only one struggling to see what’s going on in this Chelsea game.”
While a third added: “I can’t even see the match , which kind of stadium is this.”
And a fourth fumed: “Why are they allowed to create smoke like this?”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
ITVElla was seen laughing at one of Mickey’s shock remarks towards JoJo[/caption]
ITVFans have slammed her for walking away instead of supporting JoJo[/caption]
Mickey was given an official warning for his homophobic slurs towards JoJoShutterstock
After praising Chris for sticking up for JoJo, they said: “Quite frankly it is beyond disgusting and it’s literally taken me many hours to even process what the f*** I just watched.
“Not only because that is the literal love of my life and I want to protect her at all costs, and I feel so helpless that I cannot be there to not only comfort her, but to also lose it at that weasel of a man.”
5 minutes agoBlogsComments Off on Premier League Darts LIVE: Scores and results as Luke Littler looks to bounce back on Night 10, Humphries vs Bunting
PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS returns to Manchester TONIGHT – with local lad Luke Littler looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Berlin!
The teenage sensation is six points clear at the top of the table, despite his quarter-final exit to Chris Dobey last week.
Littler faces Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals this evening, whom he has failed to beat in his previous six attempts.
Night 9 saw Stephen Bunting get off the mark in the Premier League, winning his first match of the season, and he went on to claim his first nightly win in Germany.
The Bullet’s week got even better after he beat Nathan Aspinall to win the International Darts Open on Sunday.
In-form Bunting faces World No1 Luke Humphries in tonight’s featured quarter-final tie.
5 minutes agoBlogsComments Off on Major retailer slashes price of BBQs in summer sale and one is more than £100 off
A MAJOR retailer has slashed the price of BBQs in its summer sale with one model reduced by more than £100 off.
The sun is out and many will be looking to light their BBQs this weekend.
Argos has launched a summer sale with prices of BBQs cut
Just in time, Argos has cut the price of several charcoal and gas models as part of its summer sale.
Discounts range from 10% to 37.5%, giving shoppers the chance to save up to £110.
When deciding which model is best you will need to choose between charcoal, electric, or gas and consider size and portability.
The right cooking method for you will depend on the flavour you want to inject into your food, how many people you want to feed and how long you are willing to wait for your food to cook.
Gas-powered BBQs are usually quicker to heat, easier to use and more precise to cook with than charcoal.
But they do require hooking up to hefty gas tanks.
Meanwhile, a charcoal BBQ will give you a deeper smoky flavour.
And, once a charcoal BBQ is up to temperature you can use it to sear meat very quickly.
Or you can use them to slow-cook a larger cut of meat by wrapping it in foil and putting it directly into the hot coals.
Whatever you choose, remember to always check prices against other retailers to ensure you really are getting the best deal.
To do this you can use online tools such as Trolley.co.uk or Google Shopping.
And bear in mind that a bargain is only really a bargain if you were going to buy the item anyway.
Here are some of the deals on offer:
Char-Broil Versa-Tile 3 Burner Gas BBQ – was £550, NOW £440
ArgosThis BBQ includes interchangeable tiles allowing for different cooking methods[/caption]
The £110 discount is available on a Char-Broil three burner gas BBQ, which has had its price cut by 20%.
The BBQ has two individual grilling zones with an interchangeable tile system allowing chefs to switch between cooking methods.
The tiles included with the BBQ are a griddle, grill grate and pizza riser.
A quick online search suggests the retailer is offering the cheapest price on the model, which is also stocked at John Lewis and Appliances Direct.
Lovo Drum Charcoal BBQ With Rotisserie – was £160, NOW £160
ArgosThis charcoal BBQ has a rotisserie function[/caption]
For those wanting a charcoal BBQ Argos has cut the price of this drum model by 37.5%, giving shoppers the chance to save £60.
The classic design includes a rotisserie for cooking poultry directly over flame.
It also has side shelves for storage.
The Range has a similar size charcoal BBQ for £78.99, but it doesn’t include a rotisserie function.
Argos Home Deluxe 4 Burner Gas BBQ – was £220, NOW £146
ArgosThis four-burner gas BBQ includes a side hob[/caption]
Argos is offering a third off its own brand four-burner gas BBQ, with the chance for shoppers to save £74.
The BBQ includes a large central grill and a side hob, each with separate cooking controls.
It also has shelves and a warming rack, plus lots of storage space.
A similar model from VonHaus is being sold for £214.99, while Asda has a four-burner gas BBQ for £175.20.
Argos Home 2 Burner Gas And Charcoal BBQ – was £240, NOW £216
ArgosThis BBQ features both gas and charcoal grills[/caption]
For those struggling to decide between gas and charcoal Argos has cut the price of this dual model by 10%, saving shoppers £24.
The hybrid BBQ features separate sections for gas and charcoal cooking.
Both hoods feature separate thermostats and warming racks to allow for controlled cooking.
The BBQ also features storage space and a side shelf.
Several retailers offer hybrid BBQs: VonHaus is selling one for £314.99, Asda for £239.20 and John Lewis for £319.20, although exact specifications vary.
Argos Home 55cm Kettle Charcoal BBQ with Pizza Oven – was £60, NOW £54
ArgosThe cheapest BBQ in the sale is this kettle charcoal model[/caption]
This kettle charcoal BBQ is the cheapest model included in the sale and has been discounted by 10%.
The classic design also comes with a removable pizza oven allowing it to be easily adapted whether you’re having a BBQ with pals or a pizza night.
Dunelm is selling a kettle charcoal BBQ for £29, but it doesn’t include a pizza oven.
Meanwhile BBQ specialist Weber is selling a charcoal kettle model for £99.
There are plenty of affordable BBQs for sale at the moment and Argos is not the only retailer to have started lowering their prices.
Asda has also launched a huge garden furniture sale with prices slashed by 20% across items including egg chairs, hammocks, BBQs and patio sets.
With around 240 accidental BBQ fires reported each year in England, councils are cracking down on unsafe or nuisance grilling.
While BBQs aren’t banned outright, excessive smoke, constant grilling, or smoke drifting onto roads could be deemed a public nuisance – and could lead to court appearances or £500 fines.
Some areas, like Islington, have designated BBQ zones, and grilling outside of these could land you with an on-the-spot penalty.
Authorities recommend wrapping things up by 9pm to avoid disturbing neighbours.
A property expert previously warned The Sun: “BBQs can be brilliant for social events, but if not watched carefully, they can quickly get out of hand with potentially disastrous consequences.”
To stay safe – and legal – always check your local council’s guidelines before sparking up.
How to compare prices to get the best deal
JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn't mean it's always a good deal.
There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.
Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.
Here are some that we recommend:
Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
5 minutes agoBlogsComments Off on 8 best cooling pillows for hot sleepers 2025 UK, tried and tested
WITH the weather heating up, sleeping through the night is set to become more difficult.
And for those of us who tend to overheat anyway, finding the best cooling pillows to get us through the summer is something of a priority.
GettyStay cool and comfy[/caption]
And that’s before life stages like menopause and hot flushes come into the mix.
But there’s a wealth of pillows designed to keep you cool, so you sleep like a baby.
Some are made from thermoregulating fabrics, such as bamboo or silk, others employ high-tech foam layers that allow air to circulate or materials that draw heat away from your body.
According to The Sleep Charity 16°C – 18°C is ideal for a good night’s sleep, but if your bedroom temperature is over 24°C you’re more likely to wake up.
Using a lighter tog duvet (or even a sheet), a home fan with a quiet setting and opening your windows to let air circulate all help keep your room cool as you rest.
If the thought of a pillow to keep you cool sounds like something you need, then read on for our pick of the best cooling pillows.
How we tested cooling pillows
Each cooling pillow was tested over several weeks in our reviewers’ homes.
They considered several factors when rating the products, including the fabric, how cool it was and the shape of each pillow.
Each reviewer also considered the thermoregulating properties and any special features it had, such as open-cell memory foam, spring layers, adjustable height and cooling technology.
Our testers also evaluated whether the pillows were soft to the touch, comfortable, supportive and something our reviewers actually liked sleeping on.
The Simba Hybrid pillow has been cleverly designed to regulate your temperature and increase airflow.
It incorporates astronaut-inspired temperature regulation, which absorbs, stores and releases heat as and when you need it, which means that — even on a hot summer’s night — it’ll absorb the heat and keep you cool.
With over 14,000 five-star reviews, we decided to put one to the test and see what all the fuss was about.
As someone who usually opts to buy budget £5 pillows, I was taken aback by the price, but once my head hit the pillow, I couldn’t believe the difference in comfort.
The pillow is filled with breathable and lightweight nanocubes, which can be removed to adjust the height and firmness of your pillow.
Once I tweaked the height to suit my needs, it was glorious to sleep on. The material is thick, plush and supportive, and I swiftly found myself among the army of Simba pillow lovers.
Whilst this is one of the more expensive pillows in our round-up, the consensus of those who have tried it is that it’s worth every penny.
The Eve Memory Foam Hybrid pillow is constructed in three parts: there’s a memory foam centre that relieves pressure on your neck and head, a hollow fibre layer that gives extra support and an outer layer of breathable memory foam.
This final layer is honeycombed, allowing air to pass through it, so you don’t overheat and your head stays cool.
I tested this pillow for a week and really noticed the difference from my old cheap pillows. This one is more supportive as it keeps your spine in alignment, which helps prevent aches in your neck and back.
It also kept me cool and I didn’t feel too hot while I was sleeping on this pillow, which I think is due to the fact it has a breathable cotton cover and mesh borders, as well as the air holes in the memory foam that worked their cooling magic.
The cover is removable and you can wash it in the machine, which is handy.
Eve also offers a 30-night trial, which is a great idea if you’re unsure about buying as you can return the pillow if it’s not to your liking.
Material: Memory foam middle layer, hollow fibre mid layer and honeycomb memory foam top layer, encased in a cotton cover, Support: Medium
Best firm pillow: Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow
The Simba Hybrid Firm (right) is noticeably big in comparison to standard pillows
Cons: Expensive, might be too big for some pillowcases, firmness may not be to everyone’s taste
Rating: 4.5/5
Simba seems to be storming ahead of its competitors when it comes to cooling technology.
The sleep company is known and loved for its Simba Hybrid Firm pillow (and many other products), and I tested it out during a heatwave.
The Hybrid Firm is comprised of three individual pillows (two soft fibre pillows and one layer of firm Aerocoil springs), which can be combined and rearranged to adjust the height and firmness of the pillow.
It also features Stratos tech (the astronaut-inspired temperature regulation we mentioned earlier), which means it’s as good as a pillow can be at regulating your body temperature.
While it took me a few days to get used to the firmness of the pillow, its superior cooling properties and adjustability make it the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever slept on.
Undeniably the price of the pillow is pretty high, but if you’re able to afford it, we believe it will be a worthwhile investment.
Pros: Luxurious, improved the quality of my sleep, next-level comfort
Cons: Genuinely couldn’t find one!
Rating: 4/5
The Panda Hybrid Pillow is designed with sleep tech to regulate your body temperature while in the land of nod and it is incredibly comfortable.
The Orthopaedic grade design is made from a bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam and whether I am sleeping on my back, side or front, this pillow provides ample support.
The bamboo fabric is highly breathable promoting airflow to keep your body at the optimum temperature and draws moisture away from the skin keeping you dry and comfortable.
It has made a considerable difference to the quality of my sleep and I genuinely wake each morning feeling ready to start the day, having had good quality rest.
Pros: Removable and washable moisture-resistant cover, layers can be removed and changed to suit you
Cons: Expensive!
Rating: 4.5/5
The Emma Premium Foam Pillow certainly lives up to its premium name.
Its temperature-regulating design means it is filled with removable layers, and stays fresh and clean.
The removable layers include a foam layer that regulates temperature, which means you can adjust the pillow to suit how you sleep.
This is great for women struggling with menopausal or general hormonal night sweats as the design is customisable and easy to remove and replace.
I like that the knitted white fabric of the pillow is breathable as there’s nothing worse than a hot, sweaty sleep.
I won’t lie, I did love this pillow, but because of the memory foam, you may find this pillow a little harder than others. I also think it’s expensive at full price.
Material: ThermoSync foam, HRX Foam, polyester and 2% elastane Support: Medium (but fully adjustable layers)
Best for side sleepers: Simba Cooling Body Pillow
Lucy GornallA great option if you prefer to sleep on your side[/caption]
Pros: Good for pregnancy and nursing, washable cover
Cons: High price point, takes up a lot of space on the bed
Rating: 4/5
This body pillow is designed to provide extra support if you sleep on your side as it keeps your spine and hips in alignment. It’s also fab if you’re pregnant as it supports your bump while taking pressure off your hips.
I found it really soft – thanks to the Simba Renew Bio fibres inside – and cool. It is made with Stratos cool-touch technology, which stops you from getting too hot and I could definitely feel that coolness.
The cover is removable and it’s machine washable, which is always a good thing.
The body pillow is incredibly comfy, as well as supportive, and it’s ideal as a back pillow for sitting and reading in bed.
The only issue you’re going to have is finding somewhere to store it when you’re not using it.
Material: 100% cotton cover incorporating Stratos cooling technology with down-like Simba Renew Bio fibre interior; Support: soft but supportive
The Simba Stratos is filled with recycled fibres from plastic bottles – Simba Renew Bio – which is breathable, so reducing heat as you sleep and avoiding sweating.
Simba’s Stratos technology on one side of the pillow keeps the fabric cool to the touch.
It reacts to your body temperature and dissipates heat, ensuring you feel cool and comfortable. The sustainable cotton cover is washable, which is another plus point.
I loved that this pillow arrived in a strong bag, which is useful for storage should I need to ever pack it away.
Material: Sustainable cotton cover; Simba Renew Bio interior (made from recycled plastic bottles); Support: Soft but supportive
Pros: Organic fabric and filling, cooling in summer, very comfortable, machine washable, great size
Cons: Price
Rating: 3.5/5
Wool is a great material for regulating your temperature so this pillow is a must for hot summer nights.
It’s a travel pillow so great for you or the kids when you’re heading off on holiday, though I must admit I use it more at home.
It’s also lovely and soft for sleeping on – I’m not a fan of hard pillows and sleep much better on a squishy (or medium-squishy) version.
This one is made from 100% organic British wool and has a 100% organic cotton outer cover.
Because of the wool’s hypoallergenic qualities, it’s endorsed by Allergy UK and house-dust mite resistant.
Sustainability is important to me so I love that the wool is traceable back to the farms from which it was sourced and the sheep that supply it are kept in high welfare conditions.
The pillow is also certified by the Soil Association and meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). It even comes with its own zipped carry bag for storage.
Material: 100% organic British wool inner with 100% organic cotton cover; Support: soft
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Cooling pillows are used mainly in the warmer, summer months to prevent heat retention and provide a cool surface when sleeping.
The design of the pillow increases airflow, so keeping you cooler, while fabrics are breathable and often include natural fibres, such as bamboo, silk or wool.
Some pillows may contain water or gel pouches that absorb heat from the skin, cooling you down and wicking away moisture.
As they absorb your body heat they warm up so need to be cooled again – either by not sleeping on them, or turning them over.
You can always pop the gel pack into the fridge for a few hours before bed so it cools ready for use.
Do cooling pillowcases really work?
Fans of cooling pillowcases swear they really do work.
Silk is usually the fabric of choice. It is thermoregulating and also wicks away moisture, but its added skin and hair benefits seal the deal.
Hair is less frizzy because the super smooth fabric reduces friction as you move around in bed and your skin is less creased in the morning, in theory, leading to fewer wrinkles.
Bamboo is another good option as it regulates temperature and feels cool to the touch, especially when you first lay your head on the pillow.
Natural fibres generally will be cooler than synthetic fabrics, which hold in heat.
What is the best cooling pillow in the UK?
Many cooling pillows could take the title of best, depending on what you’re looking for.
The Simba Hybrid is an incredibly popular choice and has more than 27,000 five-star reviews on Simba’s website.
If you need more support, especially for your neck, then the Simba Hybrid Firm is another great option with over a thousand five-star reviews online.
What fabric, high-tech features and firmness to go for depends on the individual and the budget.
Generally speaking, when looking for the best cooling pillow available go for natural fibre covers, such as silk, bamboo and wool as they draw heat away from the body.
As for the filling, again that’s a personal choice – natural materials are cooling, but so is the recycled polyester used in many man-made bestsellers and it’s a lot cheaper than feathers and down.
How to keep your pillow cold at night?
Cooling pillows come in different designs that work in different ways to ensure you get the best night’s sleep.
Their effectiveness depends on their features and how you use them.
Pillows with gel or water inserts only keep you cool for a certain amount of time – your body heat transfers to them as they cool you and eventually they’re no longer cold.
They need re-cooling (either by not using them or refrigerating the gel pack) before you can sleep on them again.
Technical fabrics, such as the ones used in the Simba Stratos pillow design work by absorbing body heat, while the nanocubes inside allow for greater airflow.
Again though, you may find even the high-tech material becomes warm after a few hours.
Buy pillowcases made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, bamboo, wool and silk, as these are cooler to sleep on.
Once your pillow becomes too warm, simply turning it over will give you a whole new layer of coolness.
Do cooling pillows help with night sweats?
Anything that feels cool on your face or body is going to help with night sweats, but it’s a question of degree.
The cover and filling in a cooling pillow are designed to draw heat away from your body, so you don’t wake up feeling all hot and bothered.
As a result, your sleep isn’t disturbed and you’re more rested in the morning.
However, if you suffer from frequent and intense night sweats due to menopause you may need to take extra steps to keep cool.
These could include using only natural-fibre bedding, sleeping under just a sheet, buying a cooling mattress or running a fan in the bedroom.
Buying a gel pad that you can pop in the fridge and then put in your pillowcase with your pillow could also help ease night sweats.
What is the best cooling pillow for side sleepers?
Side sleepers should look for a supportive cooling pillow with a higher loft (thickness).
This is because lying on your side can mean your body is not aligned, causing pain in your shoulders, neck, knees and hips.
Memory foam is a good choice as it moulds to your body, supporting you as you sleep, however, it does absorb heat.
Instead, you can opt for a pillow with open-cell foam layers that allow air to circulate, improving breathability and coolness.
Side sleepers may also want to consider adding a second pillow – between their knees – to help keep their spine, neck and hips in alignment.
The Simba Cooling Body Pillow is great for this and our reviewer found it “incredibly comfy, as well as supportive”.
