1 Tablespoon Straight Into the Pot and My Poor Plant Has Blossomed Wonderfully Again: Here’s the Trick That Saved It!
The idea of adding a tablespoon of different things to your plants can lead to various outcomes — some helpful, others potentially harmful. Here’s an overview of what might happen depending on what you use:
Contents
- Water
- Coffee Grounds
- Sugar
- Gentle Dish Detergent
- Milk
- Epsom Salts
- Banana Peel
- Crushed Eggshells
- Aquarium Water
- Soda or Fizzy Drinks
Final Words
1. Water
Effect: A tablespoon of water is unlikely to damage your plant but won’t offer enough moisture to make a real difference. It may only slightly dampen the topsoil, which is usually not enough for most plants.
2. Coffee Grounds
Effect: Small amounts can boost soil nitrogen levels, which benefits acid-loving plants like azaleas. However, too much can make the soil overly acidic and harm growth.
3. Sugar
Effect: Not advised. Sugar may attract pests such as ants and can encourage mold, creating poor growing conditions.
4. Gentle Dish Detergent
Effect: A tiny bit can help get rid of pests like aphids, but using too much can block leaf pores and limit sunlight absorption, which might harm the plant.
5. Milk
Effect: If properly diluted, milk can help treat fungal diseases like powdery mildew. If poured straight, though, it can cause bacterial growth, bad smells, and unhealthy conditions.
6. Epsom Salts
Effect: Supplies magnesium and sulfur, which can support growth, especially for tomatoes and peppers. Use sparingly to avoid salt buildup in the soil.
7. Banana Peel
Effect: Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus, which can improve soil quality and encourage healthy development. Be sure to bury them to keep pests away.
8. Crushed Eggshells
Effect: Ground eggshells add calcium to the soil, helping prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes. They break down slowly, releasing nutrients over time.
9. Aquarium Water
Effect: Contains natural nutrients that act as a mild fertilizer, feeding your plants without harsh chemicals.
10. Soda or Fizzy Drinks
Effect: Bad for plants due to the high sugar and carbonation, which can upset soil balance and encourage mold or rot.
Final Words
The result of adding a tablespoon of something to your plant depends greatly on what you choose. Some things can boost your plant’s health, while others can do more harm than good. Always research how each material affects your specific plants — and remember, moderation is essential!