Gardeners urged to leave tea bags in garden this month
Tea bags can be used in a variety of ways in the garden as they hold some hidden benefits you might not be aware of. Here are some of the best ways to use tea bags in the garden
Tea ranks among Britain's most beloved beverages, but before you bin those used tea bags after your next brew, pause for thought. Gardeners ought to explore the numerous ways tea bags can be utilised in the garden, as they possess surprising advantages you may not have considered.
Whether you wish to repurpose steeped tea bags or tip out the contents directly, tea leaves can assist with numerous garden tasks, including nourishing plants, warding off particular pests, and even serving as a natural weed suppressant.
According to Chris Ware from Climbing Wild Gardeners, tea bags are brimming with tannic acid and nutrients that enhance the soil.
He said: "Tea bags contain beneficial compounds that improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide plants with essential nutrients."
Tea bags serve as an excellent fertiliser since they supply vital nutrients to soil during decomposition, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reports the Express.
These nutrients can enhance soil composition, boost water retention, and may slightly reduce soil pH for plants that thrive in acidic conditions.
The tannins found in tea can also assist in repelling certain pests and preventing fungal development.
The Art of Tea noted: "As the tea leaves and bag begin to break down and decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that helps plants retain water and thrive."
By positioning used tea bags around your treasured plants and blooms, they can help fend off ravenous pests.
They prove effective at deterring creatures like slugs and snails that fancy nibbling on plant foliage. Pop your used tea bags straight onto the soil in your flowerbeds and veggie patches, and the potent aroma of the tea will keep them at bay.
They can also be deployed against larger nuisances, such as cats and foxes.
To prevent these creatures from digging up plants and wrecking any roots or bulbs, position the tea bags in the spots where they're likely to dig. Lightly mask the tea bags with a dusting of soil to conceal them while they work their pest-repelling magic.
Tea bags can also be put to good use in creating compost for the garden. This is because tea is packed with nitrogen, which accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, and they contribute nutrients like potassium and phosphorus.
You'll need to ensure that the tea bags themselves are fully compostable, or you can tip the tea leaves directly into the compost heap. As tea leaves contain very concentrated amounts of certain nutrients, they're best used for plants that flourish in acidic soil.