Hayfever sufferers are already bracing themselves after the UK issued its first pollen warning for 2024, weeks earlier than usual.
Typically, cold, sore eyes, and runny nose season begins in late March, when the weather begins to warm up and plants begin to produce pollen as a result.
However, experts say the recent spring weather has caused a wave of plant growth, causing alder pollen to be released prematurely.
It comes as Brits also head out to spend more time in the garden, as we prepare for spring and warmer weather.
To make sure hay fever doesn’t hold you back, Brian Davenport, co-founder of The Solar Center, has listed the five plants you should avoid having in your garden if you suffer from allergies.
Hayfever sufferers are already bracing themselves as the UK issued its first pollen warning for 2024, weeks earlier than usual.
1. RAYGRASS
The first plant not on the experts’ list is ryegrass, one of the most common grass species in the UK.
It is popular due to its durability, easy germination, and ability to thrive in cold, wet climates.
But Davenport explained that it is not an ideal choice for allergy sufferers, as it is wind-pollinated, meaning the pollen is released by the wind and carried through the air, eventually landing on our skin, nose and mouth and causing allergies.
He added: ‘Grass pollen is the most irritating type of pollen for hay fever sufferers and it is estimated that 90 per cent of people with allergies are affected by it.
‘Unfortunately, ryegrass is a common feature of British lawns, so it is difficult to remove it from the garden if it is already present. If you suffer a lot, it may be time to consider artificial grass.
“Otherwise, the easiest way to minimize symptoms is to mow the grass, which will prevent flowering and minimize pollen production.”
2. DAISIES
Despite their delicate appearance, pallets are one of the worst plants for hay fever sufferers due to wind pollination (file image)
Despite their delicate appearance, daisies are one of the worst plants for hay fever sufferers due to wind pollination.
The expert reveals: “Like ryegrass, daisy pollen is airborne and can become a major source of irritation and classic hay fever symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching And cough”.
Note that chamomile flowers belong to the same family and can have exactly the same effect.
Warning that it is best to try to remove the pallets from the lawn and avoid planting them in flower beds or hanging baskets.
3. Ragweed
Ragweed (pictured), which becomes a problem for allergy sufferers, can grow up to a few centimeters or more than a meter in height and produce up to a billion strands of pollen during its lifespan (file image) .
Third on the list of plants that experts should avoid is ragweed, one of the most allergenic plants on this list.
Ragweed, which is a problem for allergy sufferers, can grow up to a few centimeters or more than a meter in height and produce up to a billion strands of pollen during its lifespan.
Davenport says: ‘Like the other plants listed, ragweed pollen is very light so it moves easily in the breeze and can wreak havoc on allergy-affected immune systems, so removing it from your garden is essential. .
“The easiest way to get rid of it is to spray the bunches with herbicide in early summer, while they are still growing.”
Suggests: ‘Alternatively, you can pluck the ragweed by hand. Gather as much of the root as possible with a gloved hand and pull firmly, and then dig out the remaining roots with a hoe to prevent them from growing back.
“It’s incredibly difficult to remove every piece of ragweed if it’s abundant in your outdoor space, but removing as much as possible can decrease irritation.”
4. SUNFLOWERS
Sunflowers are a favorite in UK gardens and easily brighten up any dull space. But unfortunately, they represent a problem for people with allergies (file image)
Sunflowers are a favorite in UK gardens and easily brighten up any dull space. But unfortunately, they pose a problem for allergy sufferers.
The head of a sunflower is full of pollen, which can be dislodged by even the slightest breeze: the larger they are, the more pollen they spread.
However, this is not a big problem, explains the gardening expert.
‘Fear not, as sunflower enthusiasts can simply choose to plant pollen-free sunflower varieties.
‘For example, ‘Firecracker’ sunflowers are a dwarf species that grow to a height of only 90 cm.
“It is comparatively much smaller than normal sunflowers, which can grow up to more than two meters, but it has a yellow-orange color, similar to that of a classic sunflower,” suggests Davenport.
5. CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Despite their beauty, chrysanthemums have airborne pollen grains that can cause serious irritation due to the concentration of pollen between multiple flower heads (file image)
Finally, if you are looking to add a splash of color to your garden this spring, you may want to avoid chrysanthemums if you have hay fever.
Despite their beauty, they have airborne pollen grains that can cause serious irritation due to the concentration of pollen between multiple flowers.
The expert recommends: ‘If you have chrysanthemums in your garden, you can change them for roses and peonies, since the pollen from roses is too large to be transported through the air and peonies are pollinated by insects and not by the wind.
“Ultimately, there are many plant alternatives that are safe for hay fever sufferers and that are just as beautiful as the allergenic plants listed.”
The advice comes just after Gardeners’ World star Monty Don issued crucial advice, warning people to put off a specific spring gardening task.
The British horticulturist and broadcaster, 68, took to his monthly blog to advise his fans on one thing they should absolutely “not” do until “at least June.”
In the section titled ‘Bulbs’ he wrote: ‘DO NOT cut, tie or trim the leaves of any bulbs, but rather allow them to die back naturally, as next year’s flower is created by photosynthesis of the foliage.’