by Yvonne Bulk, Patio Gardens –
So what about those home remedies and gardening tips? Are they true or false? Before tossing your coffee grinds and egg shells, give this article a read. Some of these tricks may not be scientifically proven (yet); however, many a gardener might swear by them anyway.
Are your pots making a mess whenever you water? Use a coffee filter to line the bottom of your pots before planting. This will prevent soil (along with precious nutrients) from escaping through the holes. While you’re at it, keep those leftover coffee grounds and tea leaves, which may help acidify the soil for acid-loving plants such as blueberries, rhododendron and azaleas. Some claim a quarter-inch applied monthly will keep the soil acidic, others claim that it makes no difference, while still others warn that mixing too many grounds deep into the soil will risk damaging the roots. If you give this trick a try, just avoid surrounding your roots with grounds. If you haven’t any grounds, try asking a local café.
Do you have salt deposits on your clay pots? Combine equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Spray your pots and scrub to remove deposits. Make sure you let the pot dry before planting. Remember to clean any used pot before replanting, as bacteria, disease, fungus or mold may have found a home there.
Don’t like walking on eggshells? Slugs don’t like slithering on them either. Placing eggshells around your plants can help deter those slimy creatures, protecting your foliage. Eggshells can also be ground into powder and mixed into your soil for a calcium boost. That is not the only way to give your plants some extra nutrients – next time you boil or steam veggies, don’t throw away that precious liquid! Instead, feed it to your potted plants. Speaking of not tossing things, hold onto your banana peels. Gently dig around the roots of your roses and place banana peels just beneath the soil’s surface. These skins contain phosphates, calcium, sulphur and magnesium – all nutrients your roses will love.
Finally, we have the most controversial tip of the bunch. Some claim that most vegetable plants appreciate the occasional drop of beer, especially cabbages. Others argue that the yeast in beer may actually be harmful (yeast is a fungus after all). Perhaps beer is not just for humans anymore – but we will let you choose who gets that ice cold brew.
There you are then: a few home-brewed tips, take them or leave them. Do you use any of these tricks? Are you going to try some out? Please share with us via Seaside Magazine (news@seasidemagazine.ca) and Patio Gardens Victoria on Facebook.
For more information visit www.patiogardensvictoria.ca.
