Your plants may have suffered in the recent UK heatwave, but one expert has shared a simple and effective way to revive them using one household ingredient.
With the recent heatwave that took place across the UK, people may have found that their garden plants are struggling.
To help perk up droopy plants, Hayden Salt – from Jacksons Nurseries – advises treating them with one kitchen cupboard ingredient.
The gardening guru remarked: “Coconut sugar contains natural molasses and trace minerals, which can support beneficial microbes in the soil.
“Those microbes help roots take up water more efficiently, which is exactly what plants need when they’re dehydrated or heat-stressed.”
Hayden’s garden-saving tip is perfect for potted plants that dry out quicker than those embedded into the ground.
He recommends a mere tablespoon of coconut sugar per litre of water on the soil (whether potted or not) once every fortnight.
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Hayden elaborated to Express.co.uk, stating it’s “like a probiotic drink for your plants”. He added: “It supports the soil life, not just the plant itself.”
For those with gardens looking a bit worse for wear after the scorching days, Hayden suggests embracing his coconut sugar strategy without delay.
He specifically points out: “Drooping leaves, dull colour, dry soil and stunted growth are all signs your plants are struggling.”
Keep an eye peeled for leaf scorch too – browning patches or curled edges are tell-tale signs, particularly on plants that lap up the sun.
Moreover, Hayden underlines the importance of watering times, advocating for an early morning start.
It’s also helpful to drench the ground properly; it’s not enough to merely wet the top layer. For potted plants, either move them into speckled shade or group them to conserve moistue.
Besides sprinkling a bit of coconut sugar onto the soil every fornight, another top tip is to mulch your beds to retain water during sweltering conditions and trim off any damaged shoots.
The expert advised: “Plants are resilient, they can recover from stress, but only if we act quickly and give them the right conditions.
“Don’t give up on them too soon. With a little help, they can bounce back beautifully. It’s an old gardener’s trick with a modern twist, and it couldn’t be easier.”