Tending a garden is one of the most rewarding hobbies to have. Plants can be affected by many variables which cause them to die with little opportunity to save them.
That’s why gardeners often rely on toxic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer and anti-fungal treatments to make sure all their hard work isn’t wasted.
Well, mother nature has even better solutions. Here are 5 ways to use cinnamon in your garden. Always keep some on hand in your garden shed!
1. Protect Seedlings
It take a lot of dedication and care to get freshly planted seeds to sprout. Not only can small animals chew away at them as they grow, but so can fungi and bacteria.
Luckily, cinnamon has anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties that protect your seedlings as they grow (1). It also wards of common pests that love to nibble on your hard work (2). Simply dust some cinnamon over your freshly planted seeds.
2. Fight Wild Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms aren’t just annoying, they can also bring harm to your children and pets. Many mushrooms that grow freely in your yard are actually poisonous if ingested (3). Others can cause the roots or leaves of your beloved plants to rot and die.
3. Rooting Hormone
One of the best ways to make sure your plants thrive is by making sure they set up strong roots. Some people rely on rooting hormones to speed up this process. Instead of buying chemical rotting hormones, apply cinnamon to the freshly cut stem you’re rooting (2).
4. Ant Deterrent
Ants can wreak havoc on your garden, feeding off of your plants and making their way into your home. To keep ants at bay, sprinkle cinnamon on your soil and around the entrances of your home.
5. Plant Wounds
Regular pruning and yard maintenance can sometimes lead to accidentally cutting the stems of leaves of your favorite plants.
Instead of feeling guilty, just sprinkle a little cinnamon on the wounds to promote healing and prevent further damage.
As you take care of your outdoor plants, don’t forget to care for your indoor ones! Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top of the soil of your houseplants to keep mold, mildew and gnats at bay.
sources:
[1]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3854496/
[2]https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-cinnamon-on-plants.htm
[3]https://www.mushroomexpert.com/yard.html