Gardening doesn’t have to be a costly task – and this key tip will help your hydrangeas prosper throughout spring and summer
Flowers like hydrangeas are a popular and beautiful choice for gardeners and once in full bloom they add a gorgeous pop of colour. With a proper care, they can thrive every year, and there’s a way to get them bigger, more vibrant and it comes at no cost.
Hydrangeas are easy to grow and don’t require much maintenance. However, they still need some form of TLC. According to House Digest, the best way to do this is by saving any food scraps, such as orange peels to act as a natural fertiliser. Orange peels are a good method to take care of them because they’re rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which are essential for plant growth. When added to the soil, it helps prevent plants like hydrangeas from surviving and thriving.
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Another great advantage of using them is that it can repel unwanted pests from the garden spaces, such as aphids, ants, rats and even cats. The sharp scent they give off can prevent such animals from desecrating your blooms. This natural deterrent is effective and also environmentally friendly, reducing the need to use any chemical alternatives.
Even better, it doesn’t cost anything and works as an organic fertiliser to nourish the soil, all you need to do is save your peels instead of chucking them out. It can also even change the colour of the flower as it alters the acidity of the soil. An expert explained: “An alkaline soil (pH higher than 7) will lead to pink flowers, while an acidic soil (pH less than 6) will give you the coveted blue or deep purple blooms.”
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How orange peels actually change the colour of hydrangeas
“Since hydrangeas are sensitive to the soil pH, they’ll begin turning blue once the soil pH becomes 5.5 or lower. The more acidic orange peels you add to the soil, the lower the pH level will become,” they continued.
By adding orange peels, your plants and flowers will not only be nourished, but also create beautiful blooms that will elevate your outdoor spaces. This simple and organic method is an excellent way to get the most out of hydrangeas without spending a penny.
With a little attention and care, this straightforward and organic approach helps gardeners maximise the potential of their plants and flowers while maintaining a sustainable and cost-effective garden.