Fences lurking in the dimmer parts of your garden tend to be a haven for algae to fester.
It’s not dangerous, but let’s be honest, the murky green stuff creeping over fences and patios is far from a pretty sight and can make the tidiest of gardens look rather neglected.
While the go-to solutions might often involve reaching for the pressure washer or perhaps scrubbing with white vinegar or bleach to battle green algae, it turns out Mrs Hinch fans have a particular “magic” recommendation up their sleeves that apparently wipes out algae in a single spritz.
Gillian Kinsella sought advice on Facebook’s Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips page, hoping for eco-friendly options: “Looking for suggestions on how to treat the algae on the fence while protecting the flower bed. Thanks in advance.”
Her enquiry was met with a plethora of responses, yet one cleverly named product was the standout suggestion.
Michelle Sheldon chimed in: “I’d spray a product called Spray and Leave on it and the algae will disappear.”
Julia Stanton sang its praises as well: “Spear and Jackson. Spray and Leave. We just did it a few weeks ago. Algae disappeared.”
Emphasising care for nearby plants, she added: “We just put a towel around a potted bamboo while we did the fence by it and no problems. We just bought another tub ready for next year.”
Simon Hughes said: “I got rid of the gale for good with Spray and Leave. So easy to mix and apply and you can literally see the results in 20 minutes. Perfect for the entire garden. I use it on wooden fences, seats, concrete, block paving, garden furniture and my walls.”
Lina Anderson shared her technique: “I covered my plants with polythene sheets and made up a spray bottle with Spray and Leave. Once it’s dry, it’s harmless to plants. Works a treat.”
You can nab the Spear and Jackson Select Spray and Leave complete with Long Hose from Amazon for £14.99 or from Thompson and Morgan for £21.99.
The product description reads: “Spear and Jackson Spray and Leave algae, lichen and mould killer is formulated with active ingredients designed to counteract and prevent growth.
“The benefit of using this formula is its efficacy during all weather conditions. For every time it rains, the formula is reactivated to help control the gunge and grime without scouring or damaging the surface that has been infested. A patio magic cleaner!”
Another recommended method for tackling the green menace was to use Wet and Forget. Joanne Schofield endorsed: “Wet and Forget will get rid of every bit of that green. Just spray it on and leave it. You could cover plants with plastic bags while you spray. From Amazon.”
Trish Burrin advised: “Yes, Wet and Forget. You will not be sorry. It’s amazing.”
Meg A wrote: “I’ve used wet and forget on mine and it’s got rid of it. You have to protect the plants though.”
Gardeners can pick up Wet and Forget from Wickes for £18 or from Amazon for £18.40 currently down from £21.99.
Customer reviews claim that the product is easy to apply and makes fences and patios look as good as new. That said, opinions are mixed on the value of money.