Going Green in the Garden
Going green in the garden can cost – eco-friendly products are all the rage, but they can cost big. If you’re landscaping on a budget, how can you save the planet and your money at the same time?
Try these do-it-yourself fixes to go green and keep your green in your wallet:
Drunken Slugs
A little bowl of beer in the garden is a tasty fix for slug problems. They crawl in to take a few sips and drown in a drunken stupor. Sounds cruel, but if you’ve ever stepped on a slug in your bare feet, you won’t mind a bit.
Soothing Fertilizer
Epsom salts take the place of expensive bloom boosters. Sprinkle a tablespoon around the base to for a deeper green color for foliage and better blooms. Perhaps when watered, they’re just happy to have a soothing soak.
Cereal Soil
Frosted Mini Wheats – they’re not just for breakfast anymore. Crush and add to soil or better yet, your potting soil. The sugar adds necessary nitrogen and cereal brings in a mix of potassium and other nutrients. Not only does is enhance the soil, but it makes the plant feel full longer, so it doesn’t overeat before lunch!
Kitty Littering
To keep kitty from using your garden as a litter box, mix flour, cayenne pepper powder, chili powder and powdered mustard with water and sprinkle around plants.
Pick Pepper
And speaking of cayenne pepper, it’s a natural pest, rabbit and deer repellent for the garden. Sprinkle on and around plants, and reapply after heavy rains.
There’s a Fungus Among Us
Control powdery mildew and fungi in gardens by using one part milk to nine parts waters – add to a spray bottle and spray on affected plants. Use up to twice a week. The milk acts as a germicide and stimulates resistance in plants.
Clean up Plants
Make a spray to stop pests in their tracks. Use one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with four cups of water and spray on pests directly. Try not to use in direct sunlight, rinse off soap residue to reduce leaf damage.
Super Soft Deer Repellent
Fabric softener sheets can be used on trees and shrubs, even stakes around plants being targeted by deer. Not only do they repel deer, but they bring a whole new fresh accent to the garden!
Going green is a great goal, but going green for less is even better.