Plants that appreciate tea: Garden specialists unveil which plant species blossom in your worn-out teabags
Discover a creative and eco-friendly way to enhance your garden's growth with a surprising household item - leftover tea! This versatile beverage can offer numerous benefits to a variety of plants, including roses, tomatoes, azaleas, orchids, camellias, and rhododendrons.
## Using Leftover Tea as Fertilizer
### Direct Application
For acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons, sprinkle used tea leaves around their base. Be mindful not to overdo it, as excessive acidity can harm these sensitive plants. For other plants like roses and tomatoes, used tea leaves can be added to the compost pile to create a nutrient-rich soil.
### Composting
Mix used tea leaves into your compost pile. This will help create a balanced fertilizer that can be used for all plants once it is fully broken down.
### Liquid Tea Fertilizer
To create a liquid tea fertilizer, steep a handful of used tea leaves in a bucket of water for a few days. This liquid can be used as a foliar spray or added to the soil. Always dilute the liquid tea fertilizer with water before applying to avoid burning the roots or leaves. This method is generally safe for most plants, including orchids and indoor herbs.
## Benefits and Precautions
Tea leaves are rich in nutrients and can provide beneficial micronutrients to plants. However, monitor the pH level of your soil, especially when using tea leaves around acid-loving plants, to avoid excessive acidity.
## Plant-Specific Tips
- **Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons**: These plants prefer acidic conditions, so used tea leaves can be beneficial when applied directly and in moderation. - **Roses**: Compost tea leaves before applying to roses to avoid any potential acidity issues. - **Tomatoes**: Use tea leaves in compost to enrich the soil, and avoid direct application to prevent acidity buildup. - **Orchids**: Use the liquid tea fertilizer method with caution, as orchids are sensitive to over-fertilization.
In addition, consider using the Miracle-Gro peat-free premium compost when utilizing tea bags as a soil enhancement. This product is currently available for purchase on Amazon for £7.99 for 40L.
Katie Sims, a freelance writer specializing in home and garden topics, has been contributing to our platform's digital team since early 2022. Her expertise in e-commerce content for several of Future's interior titles, including Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Livingetc, and Homes and Gardens, ensures that her insights are both reliable and informative.
By adopting this simple, sustainable practice, you can help your garden flourish while reducing waste at the same time. Happy gardening!
Using the liquid tea fertilizer method, steep a handful of used tea leaves in a bucket of water for a few days, then dilute the liquid and use it as a foliar spray or soil additive for most plants, including indoor herbs and orchids. For acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons, directly sprinkle used tea leaves around their base, but be mindful not to overdo it as excessive acidity can harm them.
