Tomato plants and hydrangeas can both thrive with the right fertilization regimen, though the former are notably more nutrient-demanding. While hydrangeas can survive without added fertilizers, their bloom output may suffer as a result.
Tomato plants, renowned for their vigorous feeding habits, often outstrip the nutrient capacity of standard potting soils, necessitating consistent fertilization to maintain robust health and abundant fruit production.
At gardening centers, a variety of fertilizers tailored to specific plant needs are available, but homemade solutions remain popular among gardening enthusiasts.
Grace Alexander, a dedicated gardening aficionado, recently shared her personal fertilizing recipe on the Gardening UK Facebook page, accompanied by a photo. She captioned it: “Good Morning all. This is my homemade fertilizer (used tea leaves and crushed eggshells).” According to the Express, Grace enthusiastically reported, “It works amazingly on my hydrangeas and tomato plants. I swear they have better flowers and fruit because of it. It’s ready to be spread later in the garden.”
Eggshells provide a gradual release of calcium, benefiting both hydrangeas and tomatoes by helping to prevent blossom end rot in the latter.
Similarly, used tea bags serve as an enriching agent when scattered around these plants, functioning akin to coffee grounds as a potent fertilizer and mulch.
Standard plant fertilizers typically contain nitrogen, crucial for robust leaf growth. Tea leaves, however, boast a higher nitrogen content compared to conventional plant fertilizers, alongside potassium and phosphorus.
To maximize efficacy, ensure tea grounds are extracted from the bags and dried before applying to the soil.
Some gardeners prefer compostable paper tea bags for mulching or as a drainage layer.
Grace also mentioned her occasional addition of potato peels to her homemade fertilizer mix, noting their beneficial effects.
This innovative approach highlights the potential benefits of natural, homemade fertilizers in optimizing plant health and yield, making it a valuable consideration for gardening enthusiasts seeking sustainable and effective gardening solutions.
