I’m a TV gardening expert and you’ve got the perfect pest repellent in your kitchen – just use it at the right time
A KITCHEN cupboard staple can be used to repel pests that attack indoor and outdoor plants, says a TV gardening expert.
He revealed his organic pest control doesn’t require a timely process before using it to protect plants, flowers, and vegetable patches.
Many homeowners have seen a surge in creatures munching on their plants since spring brought warmer and brighter days.
After waiting patiently for them to grow, it can be frustrating to see them littered with holes or completely eaten.
Mark Lane has an enviable knowledge of plant life, having presented BBC Gardeners’ World and working as an expert at stairlift and home lift company Stannah.
He revealed the annoying critters will flee from your garden if they smell an ingredient from your kitchen.
“Coffee grounds are potent,” Mark told The U.S. Sun.
“They make a perfect pest repellent for indoor and outdoor plants.
“All types of coffee can be used, whether you like light roast or dark roast.
“The coffee scent will help repel ants, snails and slugs, bees, fleas, and thrips.”
The gardening expert revealed coffee can be beneficial, even if pests aren’t plaguing your plants.
“In addition, coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, perfect for developing strong and healthy stems and leaves,” he said.
“Potassium and phosphorous can also be found in coffee grounds.
“Coffee grounds also attract worms, which are vital to a healthy garden.”
Mark said despite the ingredient being great for repelling unwanted insects, it’s important to be cautious not to sprinkle it everywhere.
“Do not use coffee grounds on young seedlings and seeds that are germinating,” he said.
“The caffeine has allelopathic properties which can stunt plant growth.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
“Use moderately, applying as a thin layer to the soil’s surface.”
The advice comes after he said companion and sacrificial planting is the “most straightforward” approach for repelling bugs without harsh chemicals.
He said pot marigolds attract pests such as cabbage worms, thrips, squash bugs, and whiteflies that usually target “prized” plants.
Lettuce, which also thrives in moist soil, can be planted nearby to lure away insects that wreak havoc on crops.
Mark was shown by a winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show how to make a DIY spray that deters slugs and snails.
He said to crush two full bulbs of garlic in a saucepan filled with two liters of boiling water.
After removing any floating skin, wait for the water to become cloudy.
Add two tablespoons of the concentrate to a 4.5-litre watering can.
“When the weather is colder and wetter, and the slugs are more active, the mix can be made stronger,” he said.
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“Drench the plants, leaves, and stems.
“Repeat every week and if more damage occurs repeat twice a week.”
