PLANT POWER
Don’t toss out your teabags – my 5 kitchen leftovers will help your garden grow & deter pests, plus my DIY kills weeds
A breakfast staple is great for acid-loving plants, like roses and azaleas
A FOOD storage expert has advised against tossing out some of your kitchen leftovers and instead tossing them into your yard.
Not only will it help your plants grow, but many of the DIY techniques can deter creepy crawlies and kill stubborn weeds.
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food storage expert Sarah Lawson shared sustainable hacks that promise to rejuvenate your garden in the spring so it flourishes in the summer.
Many of the tips incorporate everyday items found in your kitchen like tea bags, eggs, and other essentials.
EGGSHELL MAGIC
There is also a special magic associated with a regular breakfast staple food.
Sarah said that crushed eggshells are a "fantastic source of calcium," which helps plants develop strong cellular walls.
There's also an added benefit to sprinkling crushed eggshells around your plants.
REPURPOSE OLD COFFEE GROUNDS
If you're an avid coffee drinker and don't know where to put your grounds, Sarah shared an eco-friendly solution.
"If you're cultivating acid-loving plants like roses, azaleas, or blueberries, sprinkling used coffee grounds around them can help lower the soil pH, providing an ideal growing environment," she said.
BANANA PEEL FERTILIZER
Sarah said that banana peels are a "goldmine" of potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, promoting overall plant health and encouraging flower and fruit production.
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"Burying chopped banana peels near the roots of your plants can boost their growth and resilience," she said.
DON'T DISCARD USED TEA BAGS
Many of us love to have a hot cup of tea in the morning, but Sarah advised against tossing them into the trash once they're used.
According to her, they are rich in tannic acid and nutrients, which can improve soil quality.
"Bury them just beneath the soil's surface to help retain moisture, reduce fungal infections, and provide a nutrient boost to your plants," she added.
My 3 favorite plants to repel pests from your vegetable garden - they're pretty and will increase your harvest too
They deter slugs and snails without using harmful chemicals.
REUSE COOKING WATER
Sarah suggested a useful method for cooking water after you steam or boil your vegetables.
They are actually full of nutrients that are great for your garden
Once the water cools, pour it over your plants and give them an extra mineral boost.
DIY VINEGAR WEED REPELLENT
A useful DIY recipe is to mix vinegar, water, and a drop of dish soap, which can be an effective herbicide for pesky weeds.
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Spray it directly onto the leaves of unwanted plants to curb their growth without affecting the soil or nearby plants.
According to Sarah, enforcing all of these tricks can "enhance the vitality and aesthetics of your garden" and contribute to more environmentally friendly gardening practices.
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