…… but did you know it is also extremely good for the garden too?
Many of us enjoy a
refreshing cuppa throughout the day and are aware of the countless health
benefits of drinking tea, but how many of us know that tea leaves make a great
organic fertiliser?
Tea leaves are good for lots more than just brewing tea, they are
also a good source of nitrogen for your garden. Just as tea energises,
refreshes and nourishes us, it can do the same for the garden too.
Now that the better weather is upon us and we can get out to tend to our flower beds or
veggie patches, why not try putting your used tea leaves to work in the garden?
And you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too by preventing
the tea leaves from ending up in a landfill site!!
So, how can tea leaves be used in the garden?
Sprinkle used tea leaves around the base of acid loving plants
such as roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons, and dig in around the
plants to condition and fertilise the soil and add nutrients to the root
systems. Adding a layer of tea leaves aids moisture retention and helps ward off
weeds. Don't overdo it though as too thick a layer of wet leaves could attract
unwelcome bugs!!!
If you are using tea leaves in the vegetable garden, mix the
leaves thoroughly into the soil, which will enable the nitrogen to be
incorporated more quickly. Tomatoes, peppers and aubergines love the
antioxidants and nitrogen contained in tea!!! As tea is high in nitrogen adding
a layer to the soil can also ward off unwanted insects and pests such as slugs
and snails.
Sprinkling used tea leaves around the base of plants helps to
increase drainage, promotes earthworms, increases the oxygen level and
maintains the soil structure. Thus using your left over tea leaves provides a
good shot of nutrients for the soil and acts as a soil conditioner and organic
fertiliser!!!
And… if you want to encourage your seeds to
germinate, soak them in cold tea, the tannins contained in tea will soften the
seed casing and promote germination.
So whether you garden indoors or outside and want your roses or
african violets to bloom beautifully, put your used tea leaves to use and do
your bit for the environment!
