Get Your Garden Ready for Spring with a Secret Trick
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time for gardeners to prepare their outdoor spaces for a vibrant display of plants. While there are numerous ways to get your garden plant-ready, there’s a lesser-known trick that could significantly enhance your gardening efforts.
Adding fruit scraps like lemon peels to your garden beds can provide a natural boost of nutrients for your plants. Gardening experts highlight that lemon peels, in particular, can work wonders for your garden.
“Certain plants thrive in more acidic soils, and lemon peels can help alter the soil’s acidity, improving overall plant health,” the specialists at Mimea explained. So, what makes lemon peels so effective?
The secret lies in the high citric acid content of lemons, which helps to naturally acidify the soil when their peels are added. “Lemon peels are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that plants need to flourish,” the experts added. You can even toss lemon peels into your compost pile to further enrich the nutrients before spreading the compost over your garden beds.
But the benefits of using lemon peels in your garden don’t stop there. They can also act as a natural deterrent to pests. While the citrus aroma may be appealing to humans, many unwanted insects and rodents are repelled by it. Thus, not only do lemon peels help keep your garden smelling fresh, but they also serve as a barrier against common garden pests.
Interestingly, the scent of lemons can even attract more beneficial insects, such as butterflies, which are known to be drawn to citrus scents. If you find yourself without lemons at home, you don’t have to spend a fortune to try this gardening hack. You can pick up fresh lemons from your local supermarket, such as Sainsbury’s, for as little as 30p. They have received rave reviews, ensuring you can enjoy both the fruit and the benefits of the peels in your garden.
- One satisfied shopper rated Sainsbury’s lemons five stars, stating: “Great lemons! Glad I purchased them. Would recommend.”
- Another customer echoed the sentiment, saying: “We bought these as they were on a special offer and were pleasantly surprised how nice they were, as we had bought some in the past that were quite bitter.”
Furthermore, the uses for lemons in the garden are extensive. Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk shared another clever tip: “With minimal effort, you can eliminate weeds using lemon juice. Simply cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice directly over the weeds.” She noted that the citric acid in lemons can effectively kill unwanted plants within a few days, especially when applied during sunny weather. There’s no need to dilute the lemon juice; it can be applied straight from the fruit.
Opting for lemon juice as a natural weed killer is not only a safer alternative to many store-bought products, which often contain harmful chemicals, but it is also a cost-effective solution. “Using a homemade alternative is a no-brainer,” she concluded.
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Nick Grey, the inventor and CEO of Gtech, has shared essential tasks to tackle as spring arrives:
- 1. Clean Your Garden: Begin by clearing away all leaves, soil, and plant debris from your patios and flower beds. This creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as summer approaches. Consider using Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit, which includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses for optimal comfort while you work.
- 2. Weeding: Early spring is the prime time to address weeds. Incorporating regular weeding into your routine will help maintain a tidy garden throughout the year.
- 3. Hedge Maintenance: Spring is the perfect season to trim overgrown hedges and shrubs. Regular pruning not only encourages healthy growth but also minimizes pest issues. Tools like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can assist you in keeping your greenery looking sharp.
- 4. Composting: Starting a compost heap this spring is a proactive, cost-effective way to produce nutrient-rich soil for your plants while recycling organic waste, benefiting the overall health of your garden.
- 5. Lawn Care: Proper lawn maintenance is crucial for ensuring your garden remains beautiful. Be sure to rake away excess leaves and trim your grass regularly.
