How to protect plants from pollution

Garden and greenhouse owners have been advised to protect their plants and fresh produce from toxins caused by traffic and other urban pollutants.

In order to do this, growers should, wherever possible, locate their crops away from heavily trafficked roads and erect a fence or hedge to act as a shield, grist.org suggested.

Before consuming fruit or vegetables grown in an urban area, garden enthusiasts should wash them in a one per cent vinegar solution to help remove any unpleasant environmental build up.

Furthermore, it may be beneficial to add mulch to the garden, which can be a useful practice for a number of reasons.

Aside from keeping weeds in check, mulching can improve the soil and enhance the look of the garden.

Wood chips, bark, newspaper, straw and compost can all be good materials to use, but each has different nutritional benefits.

Meanwhile, pjstar.com has asked garden and greenhouse fans to share their tips on the online resource.