Tomatoes and strawberries grow 'bigger and juicier fruit' with one kitchen item
Tomatoes and strawberries are fruits that evoke thoughts of summer sun - and you can maximise any potential harvest by making sure to properly fertilise them
Tomatoes and strawberries, the quintessential fruits of summer sunshine, can yield a more bountiful harvest with proper fertilisation. If you're looking to ensure your tomatoes and strawberries thrive, learning how to fertilise them correctly is key to enjoying a cornucopia of succulent fruits come summer.
Gardeners might look beyond traditional shop-bought chemicals and consider utilising coffee grounds as a natural growth boost. Jim and Mary Competti from the This Is My Garden blog hail coffee grounds as one of the "easiest and best ways" to ensure a "bigger and better harvest than ever this year" for your tomatoes.
The Compettis have divulged: "Coffee grounds have all kinds of uses when it comes to improving soil and helping plants grow."
They perceive coffee grounds as having the power to significantly elevate the health of tomato plants: "But as beneficial as spent grounds can be, it's perhaps with the beloved tomato plant where they truly take their powers to the next level."
The remarkable suitability of coffee grounds for tomato plants lies in their possession of "two key attributes" that prove "extremely beneficial" to both the young seedlings and mature plants.
These used coffee grounds are loaded with three vital nutrients adored by tomato plants - nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, reports the Express.
Importantly, these nutrients are readily available in a form that allows quick absorption by the tomato plant when integrated into the soil. Moreover, the ability of spent coffee grounds to "retain a tremendous amount of moisture" contributes to the production of plumper and juicier tomatoes.
Gardeners are buzzing about the versatile uses of coffee grounds for their tomatoes and strawberries, with gardeners like Nicole Metzger singing its praises as an "absolutely good fertiliser".
When it comes to tomatoes, a spoonful of caffeine magic - three to four tablespoons of coffee grounds blended into each planting hole's soil - can boost moisture retention around the roots.
Metzger hails coffee grounds as not just any fertiliser but "could be the best fertiliser option for strawberries if used properly".
For strawberry plants that thrive in acidic soil, the first tip is sprinkling coffee grounds straight to the base, nourishing the shallow root system once watered.
Mixing these multitasking grounds with garden soil at a one to four ratio before planting offers another sublime solution. Or why not steep the grounds in water for a couple of days?
The result: an incredible, nutrient-packed liquid fertiliser tailor-made for your strawberry patch.
Mix about half a cup of coffee grounds into a gallon of water and allow to soak for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally. This will enable the nutrients to disperse throughout the water, creating an all-natural liquid fertiliser.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Warning over taking 5 medications with coffee that can make them 'less effective'
The popular hot drink could be making side effects more likely Most of us can barely function without a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. Being one of the most drunk bevvies in the world, it offers a burst of energy to help start the day. Coffee is known for its high levels of caffeine but is still safe to consume in moderation. A significant number of people consume coffee daily, as per a survey by Statista. It's estimated that at least two thirds of all Brits, 63 percent identify as regular coffee drinkers. However, people who take certain medications may want to be more cautious about when they drink their brew as it could be negatively impacting their intended effects while possibly increasing more unintended impacts. The offender is caffeine, a stimulant that not only provides that much-needed energy boost but also stays in your system for a considerable amount of time. This can cause your favourite cuppa to work against you if you're on antidepressants or heart medication, for instance. Caffeine primarily stimulates the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness and focus. It can also impact your cardiovascular system, potentially elevating your heart rate and blood pressure, and it acts as a diuretic, increasing urination. Naturally present in plants like coffee beans and tea leaves, caffeine can also be added to other products such as energy drinks and certain fizzy drinks. Even cocoa beans contain caffeine, though the quantity varies depending on the type of chocolate produced from these beans. Certain medical conditions can make individuals particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine. For example, those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that caffeine triggers symptoms such as bloating, stomach cramps or diarrhoea, reports the Express. Which medications can caffeine interfere with? The impact of caffeine on the body goes beyond merely providing an energy boost, and it could potentially interfere with certain medications. According to a report by The Conversation, caffeine may pose a challenge for at least five different types of medicines. These include: Cold and flu medicines: Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant found in cold and flu remedies, is also a stimulant like caffeine. When taken together, the effects can be amplified, potentially leading to jitters or restlessness, headaches, a fast heart rate and insomnia. Thyroid medication: Levothyroxine, the standard treatment for an underactive thyroid, is highly sensitive to timing, and your morning coffee can get in the way. Studies show that drinking coffee too soon after taking levothyroxine can reduce its absorption by up to 50%.. Antidepressants/Antipsychotics: Lab studies suggest caffeine can bind to certain medications widely used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions in the stomach, reducing absorption and potentially making them less effective. Painkillers: Some over-the-counter painkillers may include added caffeine. Drinking coffee can speed up how quickly these drugs are absorbed by accelerating how fast the stomach empties. While this may help painkillers work faster, it could also raise the risk of side effects. Heart medication: Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, typically lasting three to four hours after consumption. For people taking blood pressure medication or drugs that control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), this may counteract the intended effects of the medication. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Does this mean I have to give up coffee? Not necessarily. If you're regularly taking medication, it doesn't mean you have to completely cut out coffee from your diet. It simply means adjusting when and how you consume it to minimise any potential side effects. In some cases, such as with levothyroxine or bisphosphonates, individuals should wait up to an hour after taking their medication before enjoying a cup of coffee or breakfast. If you're on antidepressants, antipsychotics or blood pressure medicines, it's best to discuss your caffeine intake with your GP. Alternatively, you could switch to a decaffeinated version of your usual brew. There are plenty of options available in supermarkets, which could help you avoid some of the side effects without disrupting your routine. Experts at ZOE state that decaf coffee contains 97% less caffeine than regular coffee, leaving only about 7 milligrams of caffeine per cup. This is a significant reduction compared to a regular cup of coffee, which has 70–140 mg of caffeine.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Chef's simple trick to stop sliced avocado going brown and slimy in fridge
Many people don't think twice about how they store their avocado slices, but taking two minutes to store them properly can save you a lot of money on your food shop Avocados, the creamy delight that goes well with a slice of toast, can quickly turn from a breakfast treat into a slimy brown disappointment. Many simply chuck slices of avocado into the fridge without a second thought, but taking a mere two minutes to store them correctly can end up saving you a tidy sum on your grocery run. These fruits often meet an untimely demise due to oxidation - the process where the inside of avocados, once exposed to oxygen, allows enzymes to deteriorate the flesh. However, culinary maestro and Your Friend in the Kitchen founder Regina Mitchell has shared a nifty trick to prolong their shelf life; all you need is a dash of lemon juice. READ MORE: Teeth whitening solution 'removes stains' quickly in time for summer holidays She stated: "Lemon or any citrus juice slows oxidation, so putting lemon juice on the avocado can be helpful. It just may change the taste a little bit. Storing your halved avocado face down on a plate will also help stop any oxidation." The secret behind lemon juice's salvaging capabilities lies in citric acid – its natural preservative that reduces the pH levels of the enzymes, thereby stymieing their interaction with oxygen. This not only delays the unsightly browning but the moisture from the lemon juice forms a protective barrier, which means your avocados could stay greener for longer, reports the Express. When it comes to proper avocado storage, make that extra effort to wrap your avocado piece snugly in cling film, creating another layer of defence against the pesky air, then pop it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. If you're keen on taking extra precautions, consider placing your avocado slice on a plate and wrapping it in cling film to prevent air exposure. This method will ensure your avocado slices remain vibrant, creamy, and fresh for a few days longer, preventing any wastage of food left in your fridge. But is there a wrong way to store avocados? Given their soft and porous nature, avocados submerged in water tend to weaken and become a breeding ground for bacteria due to the moisture. Both air and bacteria can easily penetrate the avocado, leading to toxicity, mould, and spoilage, so it's best to steer clear of this storage method. Lemon juice, however, can effectively preserve your avocados, ensuring they stay fresh and safe for fridge storage without any concerns. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also store avocado slices with olive oil, which serves as a natural and efficient means of proper storage.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
How to get rid of ivy and keep it away for good, according to experts
Ivy is an evergreen climber that clings to walls, fences and trees, forming dense mats of growth and can block sunlight and smother plants Most gardeners in the UK will have encountered common or English ivy at some point, but few would have deliberately planted it. This evergreen climber is ubiquitous, clinging to walls, fences, and trees, and forming dense mats of growth. While it has some benefits, such as providing shelter for birds and pollinators, its tendency to smother plants, damage mortar in older walls, and block sunlight makes it a common problem for gardeners. Rapid-growing weeds are often tackled with harsh chemicals, which many might assume would be the solution for ivy. However, irrigation experts at Drip Works claim that a natural mixture of three household ingredients is all that's needed to eradicate "serious and invasive" ivy for good, reports the Express. There are several methods for tackling unwanted ivy in the garden, depending on where the leafy plant is growing. One effective solution for climbing ivy is a vinegar-based spray. "If you want an ivy-free garden wall, this is an effective and natural way to achieve it," said the Drip Works team. The formula involves combining apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap, which has been "proven to be the best solution to kill ivy". Preparing it is straightforward: simply combine one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and one ounce of dish soap (approximately two tablespoons) in a spray bottle. When it comes to killing ivy, both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be effective, but the former may have an edge due to its additional compounds beyond acetic acid. The key to success lies in the concentration of acetic acid, which varies among vinegar types. Before application, ensure you're well-protected with gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots. Combine the solution in a secure container, shaking it vigorously to mix. How to kill ivy plants Irrigation experts recommend leaving the vinegar solution on the plants for at least five days before assessing its impact. This natural herbicide works by dehydrating ivy leaves and breaking down their protective waxy coating. As the Drip Works team advises, "After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy that is clinging firmly to the building." Be thorough, as surviving leaves may require repeat treatment until the English ivy is completely dead. Once the foliage has died back, it's crucial to physically remove the roots to prevent regrowth, as ivy can reappear from even a small remaining root segment. While ivy can provide a habitat for wildlife, allowing it to grow unchecked can weaken trees by adding weight and competing for essential resources like light and moisture. It comes after garden experts shared tips on how to ensure your Japanese Acer retains its striking colour throughout the year.
