Whether you need to set aside cash or be all the more harmless to the ecosystem (or simply love being tricky), you can stay away from brutal synthetics in the nursery by utilizing hand crafted solutions for treat, kill weeds, fix plant diseases, and further develop soil.
Truly, you can treat a wide range of nursery diseases by utilizing less: less synthetic substances, less fixings, and less concern. With normal fixings (a significant number of which you as of now have in your kitchen), you can make a clump, store it effectively, and have it close by for the following nursery emergency. Normal arrangements are protected, and conservative, and the best part is that fruitful.
Peruse on for bit-by-bit directions to make six of my number one natively constructed garden cures:
To gauge, blend, and store our natively constructed garden cures we use science measuring utensils (we feel weak at the knees over them), reused containers, and clear glass bottles.
Above: To gauge, blend, and store the custom-made garden cures we use science receptacles (we feel weak at the knees over them), reused containers, and clear glass bottles.
1. Blossom Compost
We broke up Epsom salts in warm water to make a compost that urges plants to blossom. A glass Vardegan Estimating Cup is \$\2.49 at Ikea.
Above: We broke down Epsom salts in warm water to make a manure that urges plants to blossom. A glass Vardegan Estimating Cup is $2.49 at Ikea.
Epsom salts have been utilized in gardens for a really long time as an unmistakable advantage since they assist with expanding supplement take-up, are water solvent, and leave no synthetic buildup. The magnesium in Epsom salts assists a plant with involving the phosphorus and nitrogen in the dirt which is a significant part in manures. This is an incredible combination and option in contrast to handled synthetic mixed composts.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts
- 1 cup of unsweetened apple juice
Instructions:
- Dissolve the Epsom salts in the warm water.
- Add the unsweetened apple juice to the mixture.
- Combine the ingredients in a clean container and use immediately.
How to Use It:
- Create holes in pre-moistened soil around the outer edge of your plants.
- Pour the mixture into the holes.
- Repeat this process once a month for the best results.
For more tips on using Epsom salts in the garden, refer to our article “Planting 101: How to Add Epsom Salts to Soil.”
- Bug Repellent and Soil Booster
Used coffee beans can be repurposed as a natural fertilizer and insect repellent.
After enjoying your morning cup of coffee, instead of discarding the grounds, save them for their many beneficial uses in the garden. Coffee beans can act as a natural deterrent for pests and also serve as a great fertilizer. Did you know that even San Francisco’s famous AT&T Park uses donated coffee beans from Peet’s Coffee and Tea to treat its planter beds? It’s a home run idea!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Brew your coffee as usual, but save the cooled grounds in a clean, airtight container.
How to Use It:
- For a natural gopher repellent, simply spread the coffee grounds over all active gopher holes. The grounds will deter the gophers, and they are unlikely to return until the grounds break down. Coffee beans are also known to repel deer, so you can experiment with spreading them around your delicate plants.
- For a natural soil amendment, sprinkle and spread the coffee beans over your soil to provide additional nutrients. The grounds will also help with soil drainage and oxidation. Tip: Acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and tomatoes especially benefit from used coffee beans.
These simple DIY remedies using Epsom salts and used coffee beans offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for your garden. Give them a try and enjoy the benefits of healthier plants and natural pest control.
- Mold Treatment
To tackle the issue of unsightly mold that often plagues rose leaves, I have discovered a natural treatment that works wonders. This remedy was shared with me by a satisfied customer who successfully used it on her roses and now uses it preventively with excellent results.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat plain yogurt
- Water
How to Make It:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of plain, unsweetened yogurt with some water.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
Tip: You can also utilize the thin, watery liquid that separates from the top of yogurt (known as whey) as it contains beneficial bacteria.
How to Use It:
In the evening when temperatures have cooled down, spray the affected rose leaves with the yogurt mixture to combat mold and black spot. This solution can be applied daily as a preventive measure or to treat existing issues. The beneficial bacteria in the yogurt outcompete and overpower harmful pathogens, while the milk forms a thin protective layer on the leaf, preventing further disease development.
We recommend pouring the mold treatment into a laboratory cup or keeping a supply of 16-ounce refillable glass spray bottles on hand for convenience.
- Weed Killer
For an effective homemade weed killer, look no further than white vinegar. Keep a bottle handy in your gardening toolkit for easy use.
Ingredients:
- Undiluted household white vinegar
How to Make It:
Simply use the vinegar as is, or you can add one teaspoon of liquid Castile soap to help the mixture adhere to the leaves.
How to Use It:
Spray the vinegar directly and generously on the weeds. Since vinegar primarily kills the leaves and not always the roots, you may need to reapply as necessary. The best time to apply this natural weed killer is on a hot and sunny day. The acid in the vinegar burns the weeds, leading to their demise within a matter of hours to days. This natural remedy is a much safer alternative to commercial weed killers that are highly toxic to humans, animals, and our water supply.
By utilizing these simple yet effective DIY solutions, you can address mold issues on your roses and effectively eliminate weeds in your garden, all while promoting a safer and more eco-friendly approach to gardening.
Soil Correction
Did you know that eggshells are a fantastic source of calcium and other essential minerals that nourish your garden? The calcium content in eggshells contributes to the development of strong cell walls, often referred to as “plant bones.”
Ingredients:
How to Make It:
- Allow the eggshells to dry thoroughly.
- Crush the dried eggshells using a mortar and pestle until they resemble bread crumbs.
How to Use It:
Mix the crushed eggshells into your soil by working them in. This is best done during the fall and spring seasons.
Alternatively, you can take a simpler approach by gently scratching the eggshells into the top 1 inch of soil around plants, such as roses, and then watering thoroughly.
Tomato plants, in particular, benefit greatly from the addition of these calcium-rich shell pieces during their establishment phase.
By incorporating crushed eggshells into your soil, you provide a natural and nutrient-rich amendment that promotes healthy plant growth. Embracing this eco-friendly practice allows you to make the most of discarded eggshells while improving the vitality of your garden. For more tips on utilizing eggshells in gardening, refer to our comprehensive guide: Planting 101: How to Involve Eggshells in the Nursery.
In conclusion, these natural DIY remedies offer practical and eco-friendly solutions to common gardening challenges. By utilizing ingredients readily available in our homes, we can enhance the health and productivity of our plants while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
From treating rose mold with a simple yogurt mixture to using coffee grounds as a natural repellent and fertilizer, these methods provide effective alternatives to synthetic products. Additionally, incorporating Epsom salts into the soil and utilizing hydroponic systems can optimize plant growth and yield in indoor gardens.
Furthermore, we explored the benefits of vinegar as a homemade weed killer and the importance of eggshells in soil correction. These organic approaches not only contribute to a healthier garden but also promote environmental sustainability.
By adopting these natural remedies, we can create thriving gardens while reducing our reliance on conventional gardening practices. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips and techniques offer accessible and cost-effective ways to nurture your plants.
Remember, gardening is a continuous learning process, and experimenting with these natural solutions can lead to personalized approaches tailored to the specific needs of your plants. So, embrace the beauty of nature and explore the possibilities of sustainable gardening practices. Your garden will thank you with abundant growth and vibrant blooms. Happy gardening!