Tea for plants
Can you water plants with tea? Gardeners weigh in
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'Can you water plants with tea?' is a question many gardeners have asked themselves. Particularly those who drink a lot of the stuff, and are left wondering how best to dispose of teabags.
Just like with coffee grounds, there are some gardening enthusiasts who will tell you that watering plants with tea helps to fertilize their plants. We always have our ears to the ground when it comes to gardening hacks that will save us time and money - but does this one really work?
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'It’s one of the more bizarre gardening tricks, but it can work!' says Leslie Vincents of Atkins Garden Shop . 'Tea and tea leaves are just organic matter which is highly nutritious. The tea leaves are packed full of nitrogen, far more than your usual plant fertilizers and this promotes very leafy growth.
'Brew a pot using 2 tea bags then leave it cool overnight, this is absolutely essential as you don’t want to be throwing boiling or even warm water on your plants,' Leslie adds.
Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in tea can be beneficial to our best indoor plants as well as those in the backyard. As Leslie says, nitrogen encourages leafy growth, so, in theory, burying teabags in soil, watering with cold tea or sprinkling dry tea leaves onto soil might help leggy plants to look more bushy.
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However, when learning about can you water plants with tea, it's worth knowing that there are also other ingredients in tea that could potentially prevent plants from growing. These include fluorine and aluminum, so do bear this in mind.
What's more, tea can make your soil more acidic, so trying this hack could have an impact on the pH levels of your soil. You could try this watering plants with tea hack on plants that are happiest in slightly acidic soil – like poinsettia, hydrangeas, spider plants and rubber plants. But stick to standard plant food for plants that prefer alkaline conditions.
If you ask us, watering plants regularly and using some standard feed has fewer risks than using tea. You could also end up over-feeding your plants by using tea as it's more difficult to gauge the levels of nutrients plants are absorbing than measuring out a capful of feed.
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Lifestyle blogger and gardening enthusiast Becky , tells us that she waters her plants with a mix of black tea, cinnamon and porridge oats that she leaves to soak in water overnight. 'Since doing this ALL my plants have gone nuts!
'One plant has grown over 20cm in 3 weeks!' she says. While this particular cheap garden idea might sound a little bonkers at first, gardening is all about finding what works for you. It could be that your plants enjoy tea as much as we do.
Millie Hurst has worked in digital journalism for five years, having previously worked as a Senior SEO Editor at News UK both in London and New York. She joined the Future team in early 2021, working across several brands, including Gardeningetc. Now, she is Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home, taking care of evergreen articles aimed at inspiring people to make the most of their homes and outdoor spaces.
Can You Water Plants With Tea? Here Are the Facts! – Do Not Disturb Gardening
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Finding gardening hacks that are simple, cost-effective, and sustainable are exciting gifts that we encounter on our ventures in gardening. The idea of watering house plants with tea has become a popular notion, but we wanted to learn more about the science behind it and how it works.
Can you water plants with tea? Using leftover or freshly brewed tea can be helpful to hydrate, fertilize, and nourish plants. Be sure to utilize organic brands to limit pesticide use. Also, consider the pH needs of the plants that are being watered. Plants that enjoy marginally acidic soil will do well with the addition of tea.
For centuries, tea has been known for its healing and soothing qualities. The history of tea is as rich and complex as its flavors, so it makes sense that it continues to evolve today. Using it as a supplement in gardening is an excellent example of that evolution and sustainability.
What is in Tea?
When we brew a cup of our favorite tea, we seldom think about the different complexities within that teabag. The truth is that thousands of components are in tea, some of which are still being discovered and researched.
By sticking to organic brands of tea, gardeners help to ensure a cleaner and more efficient effect on plants. Those organic tea leaves will still contain many of the chemicals and complexities that regular tea possess, but they will provide far fewer pesticides.
According to the CBC, research has been found to show that some teas have pesticides higher than allowable limits. This means for the health and safety of plants–and self–stick with organic options if possible. Natural, organic matter will make for an excellent source of nutrients for plants.
Think of it as the circle of life – the plants we are blessed with on our earth, then become tea, which we can then use to help sustain new plant life.
Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.
Genesis 9:3
How Tea Affects Plants
The breakdown of tea leaves has shown us there is roughly 0.25% potassium 0.24% phosphorus and 4.4% nitrogen. That nitrogen level is higher than what is found in most fertilizers, which is excellent news. The one catch is that plants may not be able to utilize the nitrogen from tea fully.
Putting nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous aside, plants will benefit from other nutrients in tea.
Some of the healthy elements in tea include:
- Polyphenols – micronutrients we find in plant-based foods. Tannic acid is one of the most common and offers different benefits to soil.
- Theanine – an amino acid typically found in tea leaves and Bay Bolete mushrooms.
- Antioxidants – powerful protection from damage to cells. Natural antioxidants can include phenols, lignans, tannins and flavonoids.
- Vitamins & Minerals – specifically, green and black teas are high in vitamins C, D, and K, along with riboflavin. Mineral elements present include calcium, iron, magnesium, nickel, zinc and fluoride.
Which Plants Flourish from Tea
The powerful nutrients contained in tea will be helpful for some plants, but not as much for others. Keep in mind the acidic content of tea. Those amino acids and tannic acids can enrich soil by lowering its pH, which also means increasing its acidity.
Most types of ferns, for example, thrive on slightly acidic soil. The only exception being Maidenhair ferns which require a more alkaline based soil. Using tea for these ferns may not necessarily destroy them, but the same type of nourishment and progress will not be seen that will be seen from other ferns.
Here are some other plants that thrive on slightly acidic soil:
- Oxalis
- East lily
- Poinsettia
- Tomatoes
- Hydrangeas
- Spider Plant
- Rubber Plant
- African Violets
- Philodendron
Gardeners should have at least a general idea of their soil’s pH. If they don’t, this is an excellent time to get it tested. Several ways are out there to help do this. You can buy a simple soil testing kit to find out your soil’s pH. Another option is to contact the local agricultural extension. They can help research the type of soil on which certain plants thrive so that gardeners can decide whether to use tea.
For more information on proper pH levels, Garden Express provides a great index.
How to Use Tea on Your Plants
A few different methods can be utilized for watering and fertilizing plants with tea. The first, being the most obvious, of simply pouring the tea over the plants as with water. Another is to bury the tea bag to enrich the soil. Here are the best practices for both methods.
The great news for either method is they are straightforward, cost-efficient, and give gardeners an excuse to enjoy one more cup of their favorite tea, or to avoid feeling guilty when letting a cup get cold.
Watering Your Plants with Tea
Using tea to water plants will work the same when considering the amounts and frequency. You will factor this into the amount of overall water typically given to the plant(s). Don’t add tea on top of the usual amounts of water usually provided to a plant.
If you have a cup of tea and decide to use it for your plants that day, just be mindful of how much water it has already received.
Never use hot tea on the plants. The extreme temperature will shock the plants and can cause irreparable damage.
- Brew a pot of tea using 1-2 organic tea bags
- Let is sit for at least a few hours, or overnight
- Once it has reached a cool temperature, pour the tea evenly over the plants
Burying a Tea Bag
This is a great way to enrich the soil with additional nutrients. Make sure to only use tea bags made of paper rather than polyester or other materials that are not able to decompose. It is also important to remove the staple and string from the bag.
This tea bag should be one that was already used. One of the great joys of gardening is finding ways to repurpose, reuse and nourish ourselves and plants simultaneously. The practice of burying a used tea bag is a great way to accomplish that.
Pro Tip: Whichever process you try, monitor how the plants react for the first few days and weeks once tea is introduced to them. Keeping a journal is a great way to track everything from their leaf quality to their growth speed, and overall health.
Tea vs. Fertilizer
Brewed tea has been shown to provide similar nutrients to that of many popular fertilizers. The one nutrient that it lacks is phosphorus.
If gardeners are interested in using tea for its natural abilities, sustainability, and ease, then it is definitely worth trying it out. The properties that tea presents are very similar to fertilizers and can help cut down on spending for those who are already avid tea drinkers.
Consider taking notes on how the plants did on the fertilizer vs. how they react to the tea. The decision to stick with it or not may lie in the progress and health of the plants, or personal preference if significant differences are not evident.
The Use of Tea on Plants
At the end of the day, tea can be a useful and convenient way to help enrich certain plants around the home. One of the biggest draws for using tea on plants is sustainability. Gardening is meant to be a fun, relaxing way to give back to our earth.
What better way to give back than reusing the plants that God blessed us with, to enrich the world around us?
Check out Our Favorite Products page to find everything you might need to help make your garden a success!
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Brewing tea as a fertilizer: myth or reality
The use of tea as a fertilizer can be heard everywhere, although opinions on this matter are divided. Let's try to understand the current situation.
Beginner gardeners and gardeners are often advised by experienced neighbors to pay attention to fresh tea. There is an opinion that flowers, vegetables, and berries can grow several times larger if, from spring to late autumn, it is applied to the soil.
In part-time farms, used tea is used as mulch and sprinkled under various plants. However, for this, during the winter period, it is necessary to collect a sufficient amount of used tea leaves, and this is the biggest difficulty. nine0003
Recall that mulching is the surface covering of the soil with a layer of mulch to improve its properties, using organic fertilizers and a variety of materials. Mulching has become widespread in most parts of the world.
Mulch fights weeds: a 5 cm layer reduces their growth by several times. Weeds do not receive enough light under the material and die.
Mulching reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, and its top layer remains loose. In heat and drought, mulch protects plants from death: it does not allow the topsoil to overheat. Mulching is also used in autumn to protect the soil from weathering and freezing. Mulching is one of the most effective ways to keep plants healthy. nine0003
As organic mulch, in addition to dormant tea, hay, straw, leaves, bark, sawdust, decomposed compost, as well as paper and cardboard are used. Inorganic mulch is also used: stone, gravel, sand. We do not recommend using rubber and plastic, as it is almost impossible to check their chemical composition. Recently, non-woven materials have also been used.
However, it must be remembered that sleeping tea as a mulch attracts insects, worms and birds that use it as food. nine0003
Of course, it is necessary to add dormant tea when planting outdoor flowers, laying it on the bottom of the pot, on the drain. Rotting tea leaves give plants additional nutrition. Rose bushes also like top dressing from sleeping tea, including diluted with water. Ferns, however, it is extremely necessary. The only thing to remember is that the tea leaves used as fertilizer should NOT be sweetened . Sweet tea leaves will be a bait for ants and various insects that do not benefit plants. nine0003
Drinking tea has many beneficial properties. So, for example, in the tea leaf there are tannins that are necessary for the full development of plants. These substances are acidic in nature and have a remarkable property of reducing the ability to rot. Using it for its intended purpose, you will undoubtedly be satisfied with the results.
The use of sleeping tea as a fertilizer is also evidenced by the fact that it makes the earth, especially clay, lighter. Added to the sand, it, like plant residue, enriches the soil. In addition, plant waste holds moisture well in the sand. The advantage of sleeping tea is the neutralization of alkaline soil. The downside is the creation of favorable conditions for the catastrophic reproduction of soil flies, although this applies mainly to potted crops. nine0003
However, many gardeners and horticulturists consider drunk tea to be a neutral substance that does not bring any benefit or harm. And they believe that sleeping tea cannot be called a fertilizer in the full sense. This is just an additive, a soil filler, its baking powder.
Use tea leaves as a fertilizer as an infusion (1 cup dry used tea leaves per 3 liters of boiling water). Gladiolus, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers respond well to dry sleeping tea - add to the wells immediately before planting. Before sowing seeds with tea, fertilize the soil at the rate of 500 g per 1 sq.m. nine0003
So, drunk tea causes controversy among gardeners. We have given all the pros and cons and encourage you to experiment, observe and share with us the results of your own experiences.
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Tea leaves as a fertilizer for which plants. Is it possible to water flowers with tea and how to do it correctly? Ways of fertilizing
As you know, of all types of tea, the greatest benefit lies precisely in large-leaf tea. Therefore, it should be preferred when using tea leaves as a fertilizer. A solid sheet without mechanical damage retains the maximum number of components. So, for example, a dry leaf plate contains about 7% of the total mass of various minerals, among which, in descending order:
- Potassium. It is in tea brewing most of all compared to other elements. For plants, it is required in large quantities during the period of fruit ripening, but the composition of the fertilizer is such that its use for any period will not lead to an overabundance of the component.
- Calcium ranks second. It is essential for carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
- Magnesium is an integral part of chlorophyll, therefore, its deficiency impairs photosynthesis.
- Aluminum is not the most useful element for flora, because it provokes a deterioration in the accumulation of carbohydrates, which is directly related to yield. The use of sleeping tea eliminates its accumulation in the soil and the negative impact on plants. nine0041
- Manganese is an active participant in redox reactions. It is necessary for the normal development of the root system, the growth of the vegetative mass as a whole.
- Sodium responsible for the transport of sugars.
- Iron, which is part of the respiratory enzymes.
In addition to these mineral elements, there are others in tea, but their quantity is so small that they will not have a strong effect on plants. It should be borne in mind that almost half of all substances are in a water-soluble form, therefore, dried tea leaves, when used for fertilizer, will contain minimal dosages, i.e. it is a micronutrient. nine0003
Tea features
In addition to mineral elements, tea brewing contains other components that directly or indirectly affect plants, which must be taken into account when feeding. In addition, there are several rules, the observance of which will avoid mistakes.
- Leaf tannins tend to acidify the soil. In open ground, this will not be very noticeable, but such fertilizer should be used with caution on potted crops. nine0041
- Mixing dormant tea (organic matter) with the soil facilitates its structure, better water and air permeability. This applies more to open ground, since the presence of a large amount of tea leaves in a bowl can be harmful due to the tannin-catechin complex.
- One of the quality indicators of tea is the absence of artificial colors. This parameter is also important for plants, because. the content of such components inhibits their development.
- For fertilizing potted flowers, it is not recommended to use wet tea leaves, because. this will create favorable conditions for the development of pathogenic microflora and midges. It is better to dry it and collect it in a separate container, followed by infusion. nine0041
- Do not water the plants with sweet tea, sugar has a detrimental effect on the development of the root system, it may die.
Application of tea leaves fertilizer
Tea brewing is a good organic fertilizer with a certain supply of micro and macro elements. There are several ways to bring its benefits to plants:
- In open ground, for example, tea leaves can be applied immediately after initial use without drying. In this case, the growth phase of the culture can be ignored. In this case, it will simultaneously perform the function of mulch, which, as it decomposes during irrigation, gradually releases batteries. It is recommended to add wood ash to enrich the material. At the end of the season, after harvesting, the accumulated layer can be dug up with the ground. Remember that there is no sugar in tea, otherwise you will have to fight ants afterwards. nine0041
- In the off-season, it is better to dry the tea leaves and then use it in a dry form for tillage. The fertilizer is dug up with the soil, the consumption rate is approximately 0.5 kg / m2. When planting seedlings, the application is carried out under each plant directly into the holes.
- Dry tea leaves perfectly protect indoor plants from excessive evaporation of moisture, especially during the heating season when the air is too dry. If the soil in which you plant houseplants is saline, mixing the tea leaves with the substrate will bring the pH closer to neutral. nine0041
- Add to compost. Tea will not have a big effect on the composition of the compost heap, but the tannins contained in it will acidify the biomass, which will provoke an acceleration of the process of overheating. This method can be useful if you need faster maturation of the fertilizer.
- Root dressing infusion. To do this, pour 3 liters of boiling water into 1 cup of dried tea leaves, let it brew and cool. Such a solution contributes to the rapid provision of plants with nutrients. The flow rate is the same as for normal watering. A low concentration of micro and macro elements will not harm crops. Such top dressing is suitable for both open and protected ground. nine0041
Of all the dormant teas, it is one of the lowest concentrated and safest for growing crops. Its use does not preclude top dressing with other agrochemicals, tk. in its pure form, it will not be able to fully satisfy the need for nutrition. But as an addition, tea brewing is one of the best options for gardeners and gardeners.
Brewed from quality tea leaves, or the so-called sleeping tea, actively garden and indoor plants. About whether this fertilizer can really be beneficial, agricultural professionals are actively arguing even today. However, proper use of the leaves can have a beneficial effect on many types of plants. nine0003
Conventional brewing methods, even repeated ones, cannot completely wash out all the substances that make them useful from the leaves of the tea bush. In large quantities, they retain tannin compounds, especially useful in gardening. At the same time, carefully dried raw materials are able to gradually release microelements into the soil or plant roots for a long time.
Note!
Only tea brewed without the addition of sugar, honey or spices may be used for such purposes. Otherwise, midges will start in the ground, the site will attract entire colonies of ants. nine0003
Effect of tea on plants
It is useful to infuse with tannins, which:
- make it more resistant to disease and cold;
- regulate the acid-base balance of the soil;
- become the prevention of root rot.
Dry leaves contain:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- iron.
Boron, aluminum, manganese are found in small quantities. All of them contribute to the active formation and strengthening of roots, leaves, buds and inflorescences. As a result, the plant becomes stronger, gives a much larger yield in the presence of other favorable factors. Large-leaf tea, namely it is recommended to use it, when added to the soil, it will make it looser, lighter, softer, will help natural ventilation, which is also very useful for most crops. nine0003
Which plants to use
Organic fertilizer in the form of tea leaves or leaf compost will have a good effect on vegetable crops, berry bushes, aromatic herbs. All plants that need strong green shoots, active photosynthesis and the formation of a large number of fruit ovaries will respond positively to top dressing.
Fertilizer is not used for root crops, crops that grow well in dense and heavy soil. Top dressing is also undesirable for crops that can “fat”, that is, actively grow above-ground foliage and stems to the detriment of the fruits or the underground part, which is harvested as a crop. nine0003
Self-cultivating vegetable gardens and orchards often use food, herbs, coffee and spices as supplements. Used black tea as a fertilizer is used to feed a variety of plants: flowers, fruit bushes, vegetables. And there are reasons for this, hidden in the benefits of tea leaves.
Large-leaf tea leaves are used more often as a fertilizer because they contain more important substances:
- Potassium. The record holder in the composition of tea leaves is necessary for the proper nutrition of plants. nine0041
- Manganese. Keeps redox reactions within normal limits, stimulating the development of the root system of plantings.
- Sodium. Participates in the metabolism of sugars.
- Calcium. Improves intracellular metabolism.
- Iron. The mineral is necessary for the normal respiration of living cultures.
- Magnesium. Takes part in the process of photosynthesis. If there is too little of it, cultures wither.
At a lower concentration, fresh tea contains tannins and vitamins. nine0003
Features of the use of tea as a fertilizer
When using tea leaves as a fertilizer, you need to remember that the maximum amount of useful components is contained in the active - liquid - form.
For the treatment of seedlings, garden and indoor plants, large- and medium-leaf teas are chosen. Bags are used only in extreme cases.
Nutritious brew must be free of excess substances. Even if the composition includes lemon zest, then there is a high probability that such a product also contains flavoring. nine0003
If it is planned to bring in sleeping tea during planting, then the leaves are dried first by throwing them on a sieve. For storage, the fertilizer is placed in a container and cleaned in a dry place. Indoor flowers are fertilized with a small amount of semi-dry matter: excessive moisture provokes soil infection, mold formation and the reproduction of black midges.
Influence of tea leaves on plants and soil
When using tea as a fertilizer, the following effects can be achieved:
- increased soil acidity;
- loosening of clay soils;
- compost activation;
- increased air permeability in the topsoil;
- substrate enrichment;
- improved mulching compound.
Flowers and vegetables react very well to fertilizing with tea leaves: green manure, azalea, hydrangea, sorrel, cucumbers, simple radish, pumpkin fruits, carrots.
If tea leaves are used to fertilize flowers in an apartment, then it retains moisture in pots during the heating period, when the air is dry. You can use the leaf product as a drain. nine0003
Before introducing tea leaves into the soil, it is necessary to determine the acidity level of the soil. If the indicator is high, then it is not recommended to water the ground or apply the dry version of the substance.
Use of tea in the garden and in the garden
The areas of application of the sleeping product are quite wide. You can use tea leaves as a fertilizer for the following purposes:
- Soil improvement for small seeds. The product stimulates the growth of most edible greens and some root vegetables. For planting take 1 tsp. seeds of carrots, parsley or basil, mixed with a glass of dry tea leaves. nine0041
- Mulching. As a mulch, tea leaves are used only on the surface of open ground, which is regularly ventilated and warmed by the sun. The old mixture, prepared in advance, is distributed among the beds.
- Improvement of soil quality. To increase fertility, use 500 g of used tea per 1 m2.
- Fertilizer. To improve the germination of plants, a special microflora is created in the upper soil layer with the help of tea. The remains of the tea leaves are mixed with ash, placed around bushes and tree trunks, mixed. As a result, the effect of the tea is prolonged, and plantings receive more useful substances. This method of application is ideal for tomatoes, cucumbers, gladioli and beans. nine0041
- Compost. The brewed tea is taken out into a rotting heap, mixed with what is already in the fertilizer harvest. As a result, nitrogen production begins, and the fermentation of organic products is accelerated. It is important to first remove any artificial and metallic elements from the brewed product.
- Top dressing with infusion. Freshly brewed tea as a fertilizer can also be used in liquid form. For 1 st. leaves take 3 liters of boiling water. Pour warm broth under the roots of plants. Fertilize with this crop product in the country or in the garden. The ground may be open or closed. nine0041
Experienced growers find new combinations for sleeping leaves and other organic fertilizers within their garden.
Tea bag use
Tea bags can be used as seedling tablets. They easily replace peat analogues. Sequence of actions:
- open the top of the paper package;
- sprinkle universal soil;
- put seeds inside; nine0040 wait until the plants reach the pick phase;
- transplant them into pots or open ground.
The advantage of this growing method is the possibility of transferring crops directly with bags. After a while, the paper will dissolve into the soil. It is good to use this method of growing seedlings on products sensitive to picking (bell peppers, eggplants
How to fertilize indoor flowers with tea?
If you put semi-moist leaves in a flower pot at the height of the heating season, they will prevent moisture from evaporating. Such a fertilizer will be useful when using saline soil during planting. nine0003
In order to improve the composition of the earth, only tea leaves that have been steamed without sugar can be used.
You can also use a tea solution made from 3 liters of boiling water and 1 cup of tea leaves. In a cold state, it is applied under the roots instead of regular watering. It is important to observe proportions so as not to overfeed indoor flowers.
The use of liquid tea or used tea leaves as a fertilizer for garden, horticultural or house plants is justified only if alkalinization of the soil is observed. Too acidic soil will react negatively to such top dressing. As for crops, nutrition is best reflected in those vegetables, berries and flowers that are not demanding on the composition of the earth or prefer acidic soils. nine0003
Cultivated plants need constant feeding, as the fertile soil layer is depleted over time. Tea brewing as a fertilizer in the country is a very profitable and cheap fertilizer, which is appreciated by amateur gardeners in our country. Although there are voices of doubt about the effectiveness of such feeding, many summer residents successfully use sleeping tea in the garden and for feeding indoor flowers. Consider how best to use tea leaves for plants.
The benefits of sleeping tea
For fertilization, you should use loose leaf tea, the composition of which is rich in useful microelements. Tea bushes absorb substances from the soil, which accumulate in the leaf part and remain after brewing. nine0003
Contains:
manganese;
potassium;
iron;
calcium;
other trace elements.
Manganese is responsible for plant photosynthesis, the formation of the root system and the formation of vitamins.
Potassium is necessary for the formation of plant leaf cover. With its deficiency, the leaves sag and change color. Calcium is necessary for metabolism in tissues, the formation of a strong root system and fruit set.
Magnesium provides photosynthesis, with its deficiency, the edges of the leaves turn yellow. Iron deficiency provokes the disease chlorosis - the leaves become discolored and fade. In tea leaves, iron is contained in a form available to plants and is well absorbed. nine0003
Scattered tea leaves are added dropwise with a shovel on the soil surface, mulching is performed. When decomposed in the ground, tea leaves release nitrogen, which is necessary for the proper development of crops. If you collect a large amount of sleeping tea, you can also fertilize fruit trees with it, not to mention raspberry or currant berry bushes.
During the winter period, tea leaves can be gradually stored for spring gardening. To do this, the collected leaves are carefully dried on a sieve in a thin layer. Dried leaves are placed in a suitable container and stored until gardening begins. nine0003
Please note! Tea brewing does not replace basic plant fertilizers, but is an additional top dressing.
Sleeping tea leaves are the safest organic fertilizer due to the low concentration of trace elements. It does not harm the root system of plants; it is impossible to overfeed the seedlings with a substrate of tea leaves. This distinguishes the use of tea from other organic substrates.
Welding as a fertilizer has the following advantages:
increases the moisture permeability of sandy soils; nine0096 loosens clay/loamy soils;
acidifies alkaline soil;
prevents the development of weeds;
repels garden pests;
is used for mulching.
Please note! Tea brewing accelerates the maturation of compost.
Tea leaves can also be used as a fertilizer in liquid form. To do this, pour a cup of dried leaves with boiling water (3 liters) and insist. When the solution has cooled, seedlings are irrigated with it - they are poured into the wells.
Infusion application
Which type of tea can be used as a plant supplement? Suitable black and green varieties, as well as herbal herbal teas. One thing is important: the infusion should be of medium strength. Too strong tea can damage the root system, and weak tea leaves will not do any good.
Gardeners apply tea fertilizer during the spring digging of the soil. About 0.5 kg of dry tea leaves are consumed per square meter. Together with tea, the soil is fertilized with ash and other organic matter. nine0003
See also: it is added immediately after purchase, because its storage is problematic: the slightest amount of moisture in the air starts a chemical reaction of its extinction on these pieces.
Tea fertilization rules:
use only large-leaf teas;
do not use tea leaves with the addition of flavorings and other additives;
before preparing the solution, it is necessary to pre-dry the sleeping sheets;
mulching of the ground in flowerpots is not carried out; nine0096 top dressing is applied once a week.
Please note! You can neutralize the acidity of tea leaves by simultaneously adding ash to the soil.
Since tea dressing acidifies the soil, it is especially useful for the following vegetable crops:
radish;
sorrel;
spinach;
carrots;
cucumbers;
pumpkin.
Tea leaves are used outdoors without pre-drying.
Mulching
This method involves covering the soil with tea leaves to improve soil structure and prevent drying out. Mulching also prevents the growth of weeds if its layer is at least five centimeters. Weed sprouts are deprived of sunlight and air, so they die immediately. Mulching with tea leaves protects the soil from drying out and reduces irrigation, which is especially important in dry weather. nine0003
Important! Drinking tea should not be sweetened.
Mulching also protects the fertile layer from overheating in hot weather, and from freezing in cold weather. Hay, straw, cardboard and other organic and inorganic components are used as mulch. However, summer residents should be aware that tea leaves can attract various insects and birds. This is especially true for sweetened tea leaves.
How to properly mulch with tea leaves? First, the soil is loosened, then the leaves are poured, and then they are sprinkled with a small layer of earth. If left uncovered, the leaves will attract insects. nine0003
Tea bags for seeds
Gardeners have come up with an economical and efficient way to germinate seeds using ordinary tea bags. They are successfully used instead of peat tablets. To do this, carefully cut off the top of the bag along with the thread and fill the free space with soil mixture. The sachets are placed in a tray in rows and plant seeds are planted, having previously irrigated the contents of the sachets with water. Then the container is covered with a lid and placed in a suitable place. nine0003
Please note! Seeds in tea bags germinate very quickly.
As soon as the first sprouts appear, the seedlings dive. Then the seedlings are moved to open ground along with bags: they instantly dissolve in the ground. This method of breeding seedlings is very convenient, since there is no need to take out seedlings and injure the root system.
Indoor plants
To make the flowers on the windowsills pleasing to the eye with their lush leaf cover and long-term flowering, many housewives use tea that has already been drunk. Tea brewing as a fertilizer for flowers is widely used. The use of tea leaves is not associated with any difficulties: just periodically water the flowers in flowerpots with the remains of the teapot. nine0003
Please note! Ferns and cacti are especially fond of tea leaves.
The dormant leaves can also be used to form potting soil in flowerpots. To do this, mix part of the tea leaves and three parts of the soil. Now you can plant flowers. This fertilizer improves the quality of the soil mixture, provides better breathability. This soil mixture is especially useful for plants with a fragile root system.
To form the filling of flowerpots, used tea bags are also used. They are laid on the bottom of the flowerpot to form a drainage system. Put several layers of bags - and you will not need to use expanded clay. Drainage will save the earth: it will not spill out of flowerpots through holes. Drainage also keeps moisture in the flower pots by preventing water from escaping through holes in the bottom. nine0003
Please note! Tea bags at the bottom of the flowerpots keep the potting soil from drying out.
The soil in flower pots becomes loose, moisture and breathable due to the presence of tea drainage. The soil will not become musty or moldy in plastic pots.
However, if you use sweet tea leaves, flies will appear in the flowerpots. It is a food supplement not only for flowers, but also for pests. Also, one should not forget that tannins are not useful for all indoor plants. nine0003
The use of tea leaves in flowerpots protects them from pets - cats. They often knock over flowerpots with plants or gnaw leaves. Citrus peels also help to protect flowers from cats, the smell of which repels animals.
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Tea leaves are an excellent means of fertilizing the soil, which is used as an additional plant nutrition. Among gardeners, there is still debate about the effectiveness of the use of dormant tea leaves. However, most lovers consider the introduction of tea fertilizer profitable and useful. Tea increases yield and prolongs flowering, protects plants from phytophthora and mold, improves soil structure. nine0003
The use of tea fertilizer is completely free, as dormant leaves are used. Top dressing is applied regularly throughout the summer season - watered with a solution or mulched. This fertilizer is completely safe for plants, as trace elements are in small concentrations. However, top dressing should be used carefully, since tannins are not useful for all plants. It should also be borne in mind that tea leaves actively attract insects and birds.
What mineral fertilizer did you use? nine0107
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complex mineral vitamin * 5%, 189 votes
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Use of tea leaves in everyday life.
There was a small program on the first channel, which told about some ways of using tea brewing - www 1tv ru , but these are not all ways to use it. Many people know the use of black tea leaves as a fertilizer for plants. Sleeping tea is used for feeding. The remaining tea leaves are not thrown away, but they fertilize the beds in the garden with it or feed indoor plants - www sadomania ru nine0096 Wet tea leaves must not be applied in large quantities, as it can cause the formation of mold in plants. It is better to use dry tea leaves followed by watering the plants. Tea leaves are used before sowing seeds, because it is an excellent organic fertilizer and its use stimulates plant growth.
With the help of tea leaves, an unpleasant fishy smell can be removed. The fish needs to be cleaned, all the insides removed, cut into small pieces and put in a deep bowl or pan. Mix dry tea with crushed black peppercorns and sprinkle pieces of fish with this mixture. Close the bowl with a lid and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then fill the fish with vegetable oil and sprinkle with onions, and leave for another 15 minutes. And then the fish can be fried, stewed, etc., removing excess from it. nine0096 Carpets are often cleaned from dust by welding. Wet tea should be scattered on the carpet and left for 20-25 minutes, sprinkled with water a couple of times. Then, with a broom, sweep the tea in the direction from one edge of the carpet or carpet to the other. Drinking tea absorbs dust, so it can be easily removed from the carpet. Drinking tea can clean not only carpets, but also upholstered furniture upholstered with fabric.
Fabrics can be dyed with tea to give them a brownish tint (cotton, knitted and woolen fabrics). If things have lost their brightness and faded a little, after washing they can be lowered for half an hour in warm water with the addition of tea. Depending on the intensity of the color of the tea leaves, there will be a desired shade. After that, things are not rinsed, but squeezed out and hung out to dry. You can also dye suede with tea. nine0096 Tea can be used to clean plank and wooden floors. This will help restore their brightness and hue. First you need to wash the floors with a cleaning agent to remove the dirt, and then with a rag you can wipe them with a solution of tea infusion. In the same way, you can refresh the color of wooden furniture.
You can also wash windows with drunk tea. The tea leaves must be dried, then mixed with ordinary chalk (in the form of a powder), add water, so that the result is a mushy mass. Rub the resulting slurry on both sides of the glass panes. When the chalk and tea mixture is dry, wipe the glass with a soft cloth and then polish. nine0096 With the help of sleeping tea, you can restore the cleanliness of clothes made of dark natural fur. Slightly damp tea should be evenly poured onto the fur and left for a few minutes, then brush it off with a damp brush.
Tea can be used to wash dishes. For example, in the country. Tea has cleansing properties. With the help of tea bags, you can remove dirt and grease from dishes and even from mirrors. After this procedure, you need to rinse the products or wipe with a damp cloth.
Easter eggs can be dyed with tea. About 4 tablespoons of dry tea are needed per liter of water. Eggs should be boiled for 10-15 minutes, and in order for the shell to color better, you need to add 2 tablespoons of vinegar
Tea can be added to the dough. It will give it a brown tint and make the products more rosy. Tea solution can be used to grease pies before baking -
For health and beauty tea leaves are used even more widely))
Tea helps with bruises. To do this, you can attach a freshly brewed, but already cooled black tea bag to the bruised area and the bruise will come off much faster. Black tea contains tannins, which reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. Such a compress can be done repeatedly until the bruise comes off. nine0096 Tea can be used as a sunburn remedy. Moist tea bags will relieve the pain of a sunburn, and if it burns the whole body, you can take a bath with tea extract (strong brewed tea)
Tea helps with various cuts. A moist tea bag will reduce and soothe the nagging pain of a cut.
With pimples and blackheads, it is useful to wash your face with green tea.
Tea also helps with problems in the mouth. Tea will relieve pain and accelerate the healing of pustules and ulcers (with stomatitis, for example). You can rinse your mouth with infusion of tea, or you can apply a tea bag to painful places. Tea can significantly freshen your breath. nine0096 Tea leaves can be used in the bath. You can pour brewed tea on the stones, or you can throw a sleeping leaf. It will enrich the steam with the smells of herbs.
Tea is GREAT for sweaty feet. To do this, you need to brew tea and lower your legs into this solution. You can also wipe clean feet with tea solution, and then wipe dry.
Tea perfectly absorbs odors. It will help to remove the smell from the hands after cleaning the fish or garlic. To do this, you need to wipe your hands with a tea bag after working with smelly foods. Used dry tea will help get rid of fleas in pets, and the smoke from burning tea leaves will repel mosquitoes. nine0096 Brewing tea can drive moths out of the house. To do this, put green tea bags in the pockets of your clothes. Or put green tea in bags of fabric and distribute them in a wardrobe.
Many people know the use of tea as an additive to natural dye for dark hair. Dissolved in strong tea, henna dyes hair golden and slightly strengthens hair roots -
How to darken hair at home? -
The most common use of tea bags is as compresses to eliminate bruises and bags under the eyes, as well as to soothe tired eyes. You need to soak the tea bags in ice water or just pour water and leave for a while in the refrigerator.