Don’t toss out your teabags – my 5 kitchen leftovers will help your garden grow & deter pests, plus my DIY kills weeds
A GARDENING 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.
Halton Stairlifts outdoor expert Neil McKenzie 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.
DON'T DISCARD USED TEA BAGS
Many of us love to have a hot cup of tea in the morning, but Neil advised against tossing the bags into the trash once they're used.
According to him, 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," he added.
EGGSHELL MAGIC
There is also a special magic associated with a regular breakfast staple food.
Neil 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.
They deter slugs and snails without using harmful chemicals.
HOMEMADE GARLIC SPRAY
Using garlic gloves in your kitchen, you can create a natural pest repellent.
All you have to do is blend the cloves with water and add a few drops of dish soap.
"This mixture, when sprayed on plants, can deter common pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides," the expert explained.
REPURPOSE OLD COFFEE GROUNDS
If you're an avid coffee drinker and don't know where to put your grounds, Neil 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," he said.
DIY VINEGAR WEED REPELLENT
Similar to the DIY recipe above, mixing vinegar, water, and a drop of dish soap can be an effective herbicide for pesky weeds.
Spray it directly onto the leaves of unwanted plants to curb their growth without affecting the soil or nearby plants.
According to Neil McKenzie, enforcing these tricks can "enhance the vitality and aesthetics of your garden" and contribute to more environmentally friendly gardening practices in your home.
