Three cheap DIY ways to turn showery April into fun rainy days
DON’T let the April showers rain on your parade this month.
There are loads of ways to make the most of wet weather, while also saving money.
Here are a few DIY ideas on how you can harness the elements for a fun rainy day.
BIRD BATHS: As summer approaches, it is the best time to make your own bird bath.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says our feathered friends love a wide, shallow puddle with a rock or two to perch on.
Make your own using a wide shallow dish, no more than 10cm deep, like an upturned dustbin lid or large circular tray.
Rest it on four bricks, lifting it off the ground but keeping it steady, then add rocks, and small logs for birds to stand on.
Add a little water and let the rain keep topping it up. For extra nature points, create a wooden ramp to give hedgehogs a way to the water, too.
PLANT POWER: Don’t just let the rainwater drain away — save it for your plants.
It is less acidic than tap water and has higher levels of nitrogen and oxygen which boost plant growth.
Put drip trays under potted plants to collect every drop, and place containers around the garden to collect even more.
Kids can make their own rain catchers using an old plastic milk container — search DIY mini water butt at yorkshirewater.com.
For a supply of water all year round, find out if your local council or water companies offer any deals on water butts.
SPLASH HAPPY: In her book, Born To Be Wild, Hattie Garlick suggests arming yourself with food dye for these two rainy day experiments.
Collect rainwater in jam jars, add different dyes to each and then use a brush and paper to create a work of art.
Or, for messier creators, wear wellies. Add food dye to a shallow puddle, swirl with a stick, then jump in feet first.
Stand back and admire the abstract masterpiece made by the colourful splash.
Deal of the day
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Cheap treat
USE a Nectar card at Sainsbury’s to get a 266g packet of McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives for £1.35 instead of £1.90.
SAVE: 55p
What's new
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Top swap
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Little helper
YOU can now sell your unwanted clothes on eBay without paying any seller fees.
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Shop and save
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SAVE: £1.50
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- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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