GARDENING experts have revealed the kitchen staple that can transform your flowerbeds this spring.
The green-fingered pros explained that a budget item in your cupboard can help to “nourish and restore” your plants.
Gardening experts shared the kitchen staple you can use to nourish your flowerbeds (stock image)[/caption]
Gardener and herbalist Daniela Rey spoke to Homes and Gardens about the DIY hack.
She discussed how a breakfast favourite can add vital nutrients to the soil in your garden.
The expert revealed that oatmeal is a “rich source of nitrogen” which is required in large amounts by plants.
“Nitrogen’s most important purpose is to help plants grow big green foliage,” she explained.
“It is used in many plant processes to synthesize amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, and enzymes.
“Oats also contain a unique type of fibre that nourishes and restores healthy bacteria in the soil.
“This bacteria helps break down organic matter in the soil, making it available to plants.”
She recommended “mixing it into the top layer of the soil or sprinkle it as a type of mulch over plants”.
“As the oatmeal breaks down, it will release nutrients into the soil, like a slow-release fertiliser that can last several months,” Daniela said.
And you can pick up a kilogram bag of porridge oats for just 90p from Asda.
Dennis Sons, who works as a horticulturist at TN Nursery, broke down the history of the technique.
“Old timers in the early 1900s would warm water over a wood cook stove and put the oatmeal in for about five minutes,” he explained.
Before the oats have time to thicken and start to cook, they would be strained with a cheesecloth.
The “juice” created is them poured around houseplants and garden plants.
However, some experts have warned against using this method on all your plants.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, explained that “not all” plants from oats.
“It is especially beneficial for tomatoes and other vegetables that need more nitrogen in their soil, such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce and spinach,” she said.
“However, it should be avoided when fertilizing flowering plants or other more delicate varieties since it could lead to poor growth or seedling diseases caused by excessive moisture near the roots.”
She recommended doing research on particular plants and what feed is best for them before using oatmeal as a fertiliser.
You can also carry out a soil pH test done to understand your soil types and any nutrient deficiencies that could be affecting plants.
You can pick up a kilogram bag of porridge oats for just 90p from Asda[/caption]
