Gardeners are being called to scatter small pieces of orange peels around their plants or bury them within the soil for a valuable reason
If you’re a gardener, then you have likely struggled to keep cats away from your plants. While there is no way to completely keep your beloved plants safe from unwanted visitors, there is a new trick that will deter them with great effect.
Orange peels are a smart way to deter cats from poking around your garden. Scattering small pieces of orange peels around your plants will act as a natural cat deterrent. Keeping cats out of your garden is vital if you want your plants to prosper. Cats often dig into seedbeds, trample on plants and are sure to use your garden as a personal litter box.
In addition to being an inconvenience, the presence of cats can derail the health of your garden. Cat waste can contaminate soil with parasites and bacteria and these feline visitors can also prey on garden birds that would otherwise help your garden thrive. More than just a cat repellent, orange peels also work well to deter pests. Shallowly burying small pieces of orange peel in your soil or sprinkling shredded or grated peels around plants can repel aphids and ants.
Orange peels are particularly beneficial to plants that prefer acidic soil. Hydrangeas, azaleas, and camellias thrive in more acidic environments, but be cautious of raising the soil pH too high. Orange peels are also a very effective mosquito repellent. The citrusy fragrance will work wonders at fending off the buzzy pests if you rub the peels directly onto your skin.
Be sure to rub the outside of the peel onto your body, as opposed to the interior. You want to get the oil of the peel onto your skin in order for this to work. Alternatively, you can also use small pieces of orange peel as a substitute for refill strips in your store-bought mosquito repelling devices.
One final use for orange peels: they make for a great aromatic fire starter. If you have a fire pit, you can use dried peels to start the blaze for a burst of citrus scent. Simply, spread the peels out on a sheet pan or cooling rack and let them air dry first.
If you compost or reuse your food waste, then you’re already ahead of the curb. Not only is the practice advantageous for the environment but it’s also an easy way to give your garden an extra dose of medicine.