A gardening expert has told all households to be careful not to make one mistake with seedlings this May, as it could result in them not growing into full plants

A single soil error could be holding your seedlings back from reaching their full potential. If you’re a gardener who prefers to grow plants from scratch rather than purchasing established ones from garden centres, chances are you’ll already have tiny seedlings sprouting away in seed trays on your windowsill or inside your greenhouse at this time of year.

However, according to one gardening specialist on social media, there’s a particular mistake that some gardeners make when it comes to planting their seeds in trays. It’s such a damaging blunder that it could actually prevent your plant from growing altogether, meaning you’ll never get to enjoy the fully flourishing result.

Toby Buckland posted a video on TikTok in which he emphasised the importance of getting your soil levels right when filling up your pots. He warned that while you might think you’re cutting costs by being sparing with soil, failing to fill pots right to the top could have serious consequences for your seedlings.

He said: “When sowing seeds, always fill your pots right up to the brim. I know loads of gardeners who save a few pennies by leaving the compost halfway up the sides of the pot. But you see, the rim of the pot shades the seedlings, and that means they stretch towards the light and they grow a bit like cress.

“They’ll never recover from that. So, top them right the way up so it’s level.”

Toby also advised giving the pot “a good flood” with a watering can until the compost is thoroughly saturated. He suggested you’ll know it’s sufficiently watered when it feels “really heavy”.

He continued: “If you make sure it’s completely saturated all the way through, you won’t need to water that again until your seedlings are up.”

Once your pot is fully watered, it’s time to sow your seeds. Toby explained they should be sown “thinly” across the surface of your soil, before lightly scattering a modest layer of soil on top to cover them.

The gardening expert also shared a handy trick for distributing that final layer of soil evenly. He suggested taking a separate pot and using the drainage holes in its base as a makeshift “sieve” to gently shake soil over the pot you’re working with.

Followers who commented on the post expressed their gratitude for Toby’s guidance, though some lamented the advice had arrived too late, as their seedlings had already emerged and were displaying signs of stunted growth.

One viewer remarked: “Oh no! Great tip, but my seeds already sprouted, and are leggy.”

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Another responded: “Game changer! I’ve been gardening for nearly 50 years; every day’s a school day.”

While a third enthused: “Fountain of knowledge!”

More tips for growing seedlings

• Use a lightweight, well-draining seed-starting mix rather than garden soil, which can be compact and may harbour pests or diseases.
• Use seed trays, biodegradable pots, recycled containers (like yoghurt cartons), or any shallow container with drainage holes.
• For healthy, strong seedlings, give them 12-16 hours of light per day. Use grow lights or fluorescent lights if natural daylight isn’t sufficient.
• Most seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18-24°C. Check seed packets for specific requirements and make sure you have good airflow, too.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to damping-off disease (a fungal issue that kills seedlings).
• Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, use a diluted liquid fertiliser (half-strength) every 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid overcrowding by thinning seedlings once they sprout their first set of leaves. Snip weaker seedlings at the soil line rather than pulling to avoid disturbing neighbouring roots.
• A week or two before moving your seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours a day in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing exposure to sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures.

A fire broke out Saturday evening at a lab building on the University of South Florida campus in St. Petersburg, prompting an evacuation, authorities said.

The fire sent plumes of billowing gray smoke from the marine science laboratory building. No injuries had been reported, university police and the local fire department said. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

University police said more information would be released as it became available.

It is understood one passenger was assaulted on-board.

An easyJet flight to Scotland was diverted after a passenger was “attacked” on-board.

The aircraft from Tenerife was due to arrive in Glasgow on Wednesday, April 29 but was diverted to Porto in Portugal, where it was met by police on the runway.

The EZY3114 flight was forced to take an alternative route due to passengers behaving in a disruptive manner.

It is understood one passenger was assaulted.

The aircraft then continued its journey to Glasgow.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “Flight EZY3114 from Tenerife South to Glasgow on 29 April diverted to Porto, where police met the aircraft due to passengers behaving in a disruptive manner. The flight then continued to Glasgow.

“easyJet’s crew are trained to assess all situations and acted quickly and appropriately to ensure the safety of the flight and all onboard was not compromised at any time.

“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority. We take any incidents of abusive or threatening behaviour very seriously and do not tolerate such conduct onboard.”

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Annalise Candles & Gifts will close on 21 May as co‑owners Anne Scott and Lisa Fernley leave the business, and the candle‑making side will become fully online.

The pair, based at the Cowshed complex, said the decision comes as their lives have changed, with Anne pursuing a new path in holistic therapies.

The well-lit and clean shop. (Image: NQ)

Anne said: “We’ve had 11 amazing years making candles and running the gift shop.

“We’ve built a lovely little community here. The girls next door, the Cowshed community, we’re all friends. It’s just a really nice place to be.”

The shop has already begun winding down, with stock selling quickly.

Anne Scott. (Image: NQ)

Customers have been emotional about the closure, with many regulars stopping by to share memories.

She added: “I only put up the sale on Monday, and it’s all disappearing quite fast.

“People come in, they tell us their life stories, and they become friends.

“We’ve got an amazing following, and we’ve worked really hard for 11 years to create what we’ve created.”

Candles have been at the forefront of the shop’s identity. (Image: NQ)

Despite the physical shop closing, the pair are confident the candle business will continue to thrive online.

Anne said: “We’ve got a good reputation. People order from all over the country – Scotland, Ireland, everywhere. So yes, it will still go on.”

Mugs and gifts are for sale. (Image: NQ)

Reflecting on the end of an era, she added: “We’re sad, but we’re excited for the future as well. We’re very grateful to everyone for supporting us over the years.”

The unit is now being viewed by potential new tenants, marking the start of a new chapter for the well‑known spot in Horwich.

Anne said the support they’ve received “shows just how special the shop has become”.

Charlotte Berman, who made headlines after faking a Welsh accent for the duration of series three, has welcomed her daughter “little Zoe”, with husband Alexander.

The 34-year-old was a finalist in the BBC reality show which aired at the beginning of 2025 and told host Claudia Winkleman that if she won, she would use the prize pot to fund fertility treatment.

Charlotte shared the arrival of Zoe in a post to Instagram on Friday (May 1), with a photo of herself and her husband outside in a garden, smiling in the sunshine and holding their baby daughter.

The post also included a snap of a newspaper clipping with the birth announcement, which read: “Nicholson on 21st April 2026 to Charlotte Xara Louise and Alexander Thomas Helby, a daughter, Zoe Clara Florrie. So wanted and so loved.”

Charlotte told her 24,000 followers: “She’s here, our little Zoe.”

The comments were filled with congratulations, including from fellow Traitors contestants from past series, such as Judy Wilson, Linda Rand and Freddie Fraser.

Diane Carson wrote: “An absolutely HUGE congratulations! I couldn’t be more happy for you both!”

Maddy Smedley joked: “Massive congrats you guys!!! I wonder if Zoe will come out with a Welsh accent.”

Presenter Claudia also commented with many red heart emojis under the post.

The reality TV star announced her pregnancy over the festive period, sharing an image of her ultrasound among photos of her Christmas celebrations.

At the time, she wrote that she was “quietly excited”, and taking her pregnancy “one day at a time”.

The London-born traitor revealed her fertility struggles when she appeared on the hit show in January last year.

During an interview with the BBC, she was asked what she would spend the prize money on.

In response, she said: “There are a few things; we’re looking at going through fertility treatment soon, so money towards that would be great.”

She added: “A safari holiday would be incredible because why not celebrate if I win!”

Charlotte entered the show as a faithful, only to be recruited as a traitor in episode eight.

She was banished after arousing suspicion from her fellow contestants and finished in fifth place.

Celebrity Traitors series 2 rumours – who is taking part?

Although the official line-up of Celebrity Traitors series two is yet to be confirmed, there are some big names rumoured to be taking part.

The latest celebrity supposedly joining the cast is none other than EastEnders legend Ross Kemp, The Sun has claimed, who is best known as Grant Mitchell on the BBC soap.

An insider told the publication: “He loves Traitors and thinks it’s a programme on another level, which is why he really wanted to take part.

“Ross loved the mix of psychological intrigue paired with some of the very physical trials that the group have to complete – both suit him perfectly.

“He will be a huge hit with viewers who’ve watched him on screen for 36 years, and EastEnders fans in particular will be following him with interest.

“He signed up now because he’s at a point in his life where he wants to try new things and continue to challenge himself.

“Plus he knows The Celebrity Traitors won’t just be watched by people who are familiar with his work, but by younger viewers who may be less familiar with Ross, and this opens him up to a whole new audience.

“He’s also a very BBC name and this is another big BBC show.”

Other famous faces allegedly appearing in Celebrity Traitors series two, are:

• Richard E Grant
• Michael Sheen
• James Acaster
• Joanne McNally
• Dr Hannah Fry
• Amol Rajan

A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: “We are not commenting on speculation, and details for The Celebrity Traitors series 2 will be announced in due course.”

Newsquest has contacted the BBC for comment.

Are you looking forward to the next series of Celebrity Traitors, or do you prefer the civilian version? Let us know in the comments below.

It had appeared Mercedes’ dominance of the season was under threat as their rivals’ new packages slashed their advantage, with Norris converting that pole into sprint victory, but the 19-year-old Antonelli underlined his title credentials by claiming a third successive pole.

Mark Allen suffered one of the most painful defeats imaginable on the snooker table, but took it incredibly well, admitting he didn’t deserve to beat Wu Yize given the chances he missed.

Wu is into the World Snooker Championship final thanks to beating the Northern Irishman 17-16 in stunning fashion at the Crucible.

Allen had one foot in his first final, leading 16-14 and making what looked likely to be the match-winning break.

He spurned that chance then missed more in the next two frames, most notably fluffing the final black in the 32nd frame, a pot which was entirely straightforward for a player of his quality.

The Pistol got in again in the decider, but broke down and China’s Wu is into the World Championship final for the first time.

40-year-old Allen was in his third Crucible semi, with a final in Sheffield still not on his CV, but he was impressive in defeat to the 22-year-old.

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‘You don’t deserve to be in a World final if you’re missing balls like that [the final black in the 32nd],’ he told the BBC. ‘That was just pure pressure to be honest.

‘I’m normally pretty good under pressure but I didn’t handle it well today. I had two or three chances to close out the match, so credit to Wu. I had more than enough chances to win.’

On what he said to the winner at the end, Allen revealed: ‘I don’t know how much he understood, but I wished him good luck and said he played very well and I think he’s going to be a world champion.

‘Even though I’m devastated to lose that match, I think the right person is in the final. The way he plays is great for the game, scores heavy, pots some ridiculous long balls.

‘He just keeps potting, he doesn’t seem to mind the pressure. He stepped up and made a good clearance at 16-14, did what he needed to in the last.

‘All credit to Wu, if he doesn’t win it this time he’s going to win many world titles if he keeps playing the way he’s playing. But it’s a sore one for me, for sure.’

Wu started the match brilliantly, showing no signs of nerves on his first visit to the one-table set-up as he made five half-centuries in the first session to lead 6-2.

The second session could scarcely have been more different, though, with Allen winning five frames on the spin, including a 145 and a 121.

Then came the carnage of the 14th frame, the longest in Crucible history, as the black covered a corner pocked and both players nudged reds towards it without it dropping.

Allen eventually relented by potting the black, trying to avoid a re-rack as he had a lead, but went on to lose the frame and Friday night ended 7-7.

The next session was shared and they ended Saturday morning at 11-11, with Wu having made a run of 140 along the way.

Saturday night saw the first six frames shared, with the quality very high, but at 14-14, Allen finally broke away from Wu, making 65 and then pinching the 30th from behind.

The Pistol got in first in the 31st frame, but broke down on 45 and Wu pinched it, as he did the next two, in spectacular fashion.

The penultimate frame was incredible, with Allen having two prime bites of the cherry, firstly missing a red and then the final black for a place in the final.

Allen had another chance in the decider, but Wu made 71 to secure a clash with Murphy.

MORE: World Snooker Championship semi-final interrupted by ‘Epstein Files’ shout

MORE: Shaun Murphy responds to ‘like God’ John Higgins comment after Crucible clash

MORE: John Higgins ‘sick’ after nightmare moment in Shaun Murphy Crucible defeat

“I’ve loved exploring the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way this time around”

Dermot O’Leary is back in Northern Ireland for the new series of his hit show Dermot’s Taste of Ireland.

The TV and radio presenter is returning to our screens ready to take viewers on another memorable adventure exploring Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland’s amazing coastline.

Series two will begin airing on ITV1 and on the streaming service ITVX on May 2, featuring two of the most iconic coastal touring routes – the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way.

The 10-part series, produced by Rock Oyster Media and supported through the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project, will follow Dermot as he explores his passion for the island of Ireland, its people and cuisine.

Journeying from Blackhead Lighthouse on the Causeway Coastal Route to Sligo’s Strandhill Beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, the second outing of this hit TV series showcases the magic of the island’s coastline.

Each episode will take viewers on a voyage to the heart of the coastal communities and highlight how these two routes make the perfect partner destinations for a coastal road trip. Click here to view a trailer for the second series.

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Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of GB, said: “We are excited for viewers to tune in to the second series of ‘Dermot’s Taste of Ireland’, this time showcasing the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. These two iconic coastal touring routes are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, delicious local produce, vibrant cultural scene and exciting outdoor offering.

“There’s such a fantastic mix of unique and unmissable adventures to experience and viewers are sure to be inspired by Dermot’s journey and make plans to come and explore Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland for themselves.”

Commenting on this second series, Dermot O’Leary said: “Returning to the island of Ireland for series two of ‘Taste of Ireland’ has been another incredible experience and I’ve loved exploring the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way this time around.

“Filming this series gave me the chance to reconnect with a place I hold so dear, while also discovering a completely new side of the island through the people who live and work there.

“From time spent with farmers, bakers and fishermen to learning traditional skills and cooking with brilliant local chefs, it was a real deep dive into the communities behind the exceptional food.”

The production of this TV series complements ongoing collaboration by Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Fáilte Ireland – in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Ireland) and the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland) – to forge greater links between the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way.

The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter

A report was received by police early yesterday after a body was found on Seaburn Beach, off Whitburn Road, Sunderland, early on Friday (May 1).

The Northumbria force initially said the death of the woman was “unexplained” as efforts were made to identify her and to contact her relatives.

But, following further inquiries, the force issued a further statement today to say: “Just after 5am yesterday (Friday), we received a report that the body had been found on Seaburn Beach in Whitburn.

Police today (Sat May 2) ruled out any suspicious circumstances after the body of a woman was found on the beach at Seaburn, Sunderland, on Friday morning (Image: The Northern Echo)

“Emergency services attended the scene where the body of a woman was sadly located.

“A police presence remained in the area on Friday, while officers carried out further inquiries with partner agencies.

Read next … more emergency stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

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“Formal identification has now taken place, and the woman’s next of kin have been informed.

“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”

Dr Inks, on Coniscliffe Road, has reopened its outdoor space under new ownership, with a dramatic redesign featuring bold colours, upgraded facilities and new entertainment features.

The garden has been completely reworked following the removal of a dividing wall to create one large outdoor area, with the space levelled and fitted with pink Astroturf.

Look inside the brand new beer garden that has re-opened at Dr Inks following a major revamp (Image: DR INKS DARLINGTON)

New furniture has been installed and painted in blue, alongside blue and pink décor throughout the venue.

The revamp also includes a new sound system, additional televisions, improved lighting with floodlights and festoon lighting, upgraded heaters, and brand new guest WiFi both inside and outside.

Look inside the brand new beer garden that has re-opened at Dr Inks following a major revamp (Image: DR INKS DARLINGTON)

A large Dr.inks mural has also been added to the space, described by the owners as a key visual feature that must be seen in person.

Scott Barratt and Tom Cullen owners of Dr.inks which has reopened (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The reopening comes after Scott Barratt, 27, from Darlington, and Thomas Cullen, 26, originally from Richmond, took over the venue earlier this year in March and began an extensive refurbishment shortly after gaining the keys.

Dr Inks first opened in 2018 and quickly became a popular nightlife spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and beer garden. However, in recent years, its popularity had declined and the venue was placed on the market.

A before and after in the Dr Inks Darlington beer garden following the major revamp (Image: DR INKS DARLINGTON)

Look inside the brand new beer garden that has re-opened at Dr Inks following a major revamp (Image: DR INKS DARLINGTON)

Look inside the brand new beer garden that has re-opened at Dr Inks following a major revamp (Image: DR INKS DARLINGTON)

Speaking about the reopening and plans for the venue, Scott Barratt said: “When I used to work here, I thought I would always want to run it, but left for better opportunities. When I saw the price slash for it on sale, I knew now was the time to start.”

He added: “We want to take it back to how it was a couple of years ago. We are completely closing the garden to fully renovate it so that in the near future we can have garden parties.”

Scott also said: “We want people to come back and give us a try as it will be a completely different vibe now.”