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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.

You can still save money while making the most of the wet weatherCredit: Getty

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.

I’ve found the ultimate setting spray that will keep you flawless even in the pouring rain – and it’s currently on sale at Superdrug

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

Snap up this gas barbecue while you can at £100Credit: tofs.com

TURN up the heat on the Landmann Rexon Flexx 2.0 gas barbecue, now £100 at The Original Factory Shop, down from £279.99.

SAVE: £179.99

Cheap treat

Sainsbury’s customers should use their Nectar card to get a discount on biscuitsCredit: Sainsburys

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

BUY a curry meal deal for £9 as a Co-op member saving up to £8.45 on two mains, two sides and a drink, and you’ll also be able to claim a free Amazon Prime movie by uploading your receipt.

Top swap

These Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars cost £55Credit: Converse
Alternatively, these lookalike trainers cost just £14.99Credit: Deichmann

GREEN is for go with the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, from £55 at converse.com/uk or be the envy of your friends with the £14.99 Vty trainers, at Deichmann.com.

SAVE: £40.01

Little helper

YOU can now sell your unwanted clothes on eBay without paying any seller fees.

With the average person hoarding £400 worth of clothing they don’t wear, it’s time to cash in.

Shop and save

Tesco is offering Clubcard holders a good discount on pork shoulderCredit: Tesco

SLICE the price off a pork shoulder with a Tesco Clubcard, bringing it down from £5 to £3.50 per kilo.                           

SAVE: £1.50

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