As spring is coming, so is the planting season. And with that comes new vegetable plants, flowers, and weeds and pests? Even though the last part is annoying, it is part of the planting process. But in this post we will go through a few unusual garden hacks that will hopefully leave your springtime with only the good parts of planting and tending to your garden.
Whether you're struggling with stubborn weeds, pest infestations, or simply want to boost your plant's growth, these innovative solutions have got you covered. Say goodbye to endless hours of labor and hello to a thriving garden.
fertilize your plants with coffee grounds
Don't toss those coffee grounds! They make excellent fertilizer, packed with essential nutrients and even serve as natural pest control. The enviroment will also thank you, since those coffee grounds would have ended up in the trash if they were left unused.
Use cayenne pepper to ward of pests
Keep critters away with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. It's harmless to plants but effective in deterring unwanted visitors. Since cayenne pepper contains capsaisin, aka the thing that makes spicy things spicy, it means small animals want to stay as far away from it as possible. Capsaisin also has some antibacterial properties, so it will not only protect your plants from animals, but bacterial attacks as well. Just remember to sprinkle on your cayenne a few times a week, since watering and wind will blow the spice off of your plants.
"Plant" plastic forks to deter critters
Repurpose plastic forks by sticking them in the soil to deter animals like raccoons and squirrels from raiding your garden.
Make a DIY weed killer with vinegar
Say goodbye to weeds with a homemade weed killer made from vinegar, salt, and dishwashing soap. Simply mix, spray, and watch those weeds disappear. The vinegar will help destroy those weeds, while the dishsoap will help the mixture really stick to the leaves. Just make sure to not use too much salt, as this will make the soil a bit hostile to anything you actually want to plant.
Destroy fungus with cinnamon
Cinnamon isn't just for baking—it also has anti-fungal properties that can help prevent damping off disease in seedlings and control fungal growth in potted plants. Some bugs will also avoid your plants, since cinnamon contains a substance that is used in bug repellant. It can also help against mildew and mold on your plants. An added bonus is that it smells amazing.
We at by Benson hope these few tips will help you get the most out of your garden this year!
