Jo Lambell, author and houseplant expert shared a simple trick to keep pests away from your plants using these two simple household ingredients
A gardening guru has shared one thrifty tip to keep pests off your plants, using simple household ingredients, meaning you’ll never have to fork out on chemical sprays again.
Jo Lambell, gardening expert, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of the houseplant guide ‘The Unkillables’ said a simple mix of dish soap and bicarbonate of soda makes for an effective and cheap pesticide.
“Instead of purchasing a pest spray, mix water with a few drops of dish soap and a pinch of baking soda for an affordable, effective pest deterrent,” Lambell said. “Neem oil is another cost-effective, long-lasting solution too,” she added. With many bug sprays retailing over £10 both DIY solutions could save you some pennies over the years.
You can also use kitchen scraps as fertiliser, which saves you throwing away your wastage and saves money on fertilisers for your houseplants. Lambell said: “Banana peels, eggshells, or even coffee grounds make for natural fertilisers packed with nutrients that your plants will love.”
If you’re looking to save on soaring water costs and aren’t sure if your green friends are worth the hassle, cooled pasta or vegetable water is a cheap way to hydrate your plants. This water is “full of nutrients that can give plants a natural boost”, according to Lambell. She added: “Just make sure the water is unsalted, as salt can harm your plants. Additionally, consider using rainwater for an eco-friendly alternative. Leaving containers outside during a downpour is a simple way to collect water for your plants.”
If you’re looking to add some sparkle to your plants, banana peel will polish them up nicely. Lambell added: “Rub the inside of a banana peel on houseplant leaves to clean and shine them naturally. The oils in the peel help remove dust from plant leaves, leaving a healthy shine. As a bonus, banana peels can also be added to compost, giving it nutrients to support plant growth.”
Now that you have a collection of pest free, well-kept plants, you can propagate to your heart’s content. Propagate your existing houseplants or even swap cuttings with friends for a fun and free activity. Plants like Pothos, Spider Plants, and Succulents are especially easy to propagate and you can create hundreds of new plants.
To save even more money, keen gardeners could skip the supermarket prices and instead grow their own herbs. Lambell said: “Basil, mint, and parsley thrive in small spaces and can save you money at the supermarket. You can also save some herb cuttings to plant more.”
Lastly, harnessing the power of natural light will allow your plants to thrive. Lambell said natural light should be used “wisely.” The plant guru added: “Instead of investing in growing lights, move your plants to sunny spots and rotate them regularly for even growth, using your natural light at home.”
