Sunlight, water and nutrient-rich soil are the essential elements that help your garden bloom. But did you know that there are some rather more unusual items that can aid your plants’ growth – and they can all be found in your home?
The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed 10 surprising household items that act as natural fertilisers, from human hair and egg shells to matches and ash from your fireplace.
“You might not think your used-up coffee grounds contain much in terms of nutritional value, but they can actually provide your plants with vital antioxidants and minerals like potassium and nitrogen,” a GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk spokeperson said.
“Similarly, white vinegar, coconut milk and banana peels are all bursting with important nutrients that can help your plants grow and thrive.
“Surprisingly, even human and pet hair can be used thanks to its high levels of magnesium – so think twice before vacuuming up your pooch’s fur!”
Here are the 10 unlikely items to help with your green-fingered needs...
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1
Hair
That's right – as unusual as it may sound, hair works great as a natural fertiliser due to its high levels of magnesium. You can take some strands out of your hair brush or even use dog, cat or horse hair. When used in compost, the hair can offer structural support for roots and help break up thick and clumpy soil.
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2
White vinegar
Because of white vinegar's high level of acidity, it makes an effective acid plant feed. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar into a gallon of water and use the concoction to feed your roses and hydrangeas once a season. It's important to check the pH of your soil before applying this, however, as you don’t want the pH to be too low.
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3
Banana peels
Full of potassium, banana peels are wonderful for your plants and will help keep them healthy and strong. The fruit's skin will supply much-needed nutrients as it breaks down.
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4
Eggshells
Add dry eggshells under your mulch. As they decompose, they will provide your plants with calcium. To speed up the process, you can grind them up and let them soak in a small amount of vinegar overnight. This will make the calcium more readily available to your plants.
Egg shells also act as a great natural slug repellent. Read more here.
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5
Ash from the fireplace
If you've got a log fire, wood burning stove or BBQ, then you can use the ash produced for your plants. Sprinkle a light layer of ash over your soil to offer potassium and calcium carbonate.
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6
Coconut
Create a mixture of one tablespoon of dried coconut powder to five gallons of water. Pour the liquid over the soil weekly or biweekly to add electrolytes and bacteria. Your plants will flourish.
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7
Coffee
Once you've had your morning cup of coffee, don't get rid of the grounds but use them to fertilise your soil. They are full of plant goodness, including antioxidants, potassium, phosphor and nitrogen. Top tip: make sure they are dry when you add them to your soil as wet coffee grounds can cause fungus.
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8
Potato water
Do you boil potatoes for your Sunday roast? Well, the water is more useful than you thought as it is ideal for watering plants. Just don't add salt.
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9
Green tea
Green tea leaves are rich in iron so, once your tea has brewed, give the leaves to your plants as food. They are particularly beneficial for raspberry plants.
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10
Matches
Did you know strike matches are a great source of magnesium? It's a good idea to bury them with plants or soak the matches in water to use as a fertiliser. The magnesium will dissolve into the water.
