Popular 79p kitchen spice is a gardening 'game-changer' - and blooms geraniums
Coating broken or dying stems in this spice is said to promote healing, prevent rot and keep niggling creepy-crawlies away.
Gardening enthusiasts know that nothing spruces up a garden quite like a blossoming flower patch. One outdoor expert has revealed that a common kitchen spice can be a "game-changer" for geraniums.
Known for their bright blooms and elegant displays, geraniums can struggle to survive in hot temperatures if not properly cared for.
Fortunately, flower guru Elise Harlock from Prestige Flowers claims that a simple 79p trick involving cinnamon can help these popular plants stay resilient against sweltering conditions.
Elise Harlock explained: “Cinnamon isn’t just for your morning porridge, it’s also a potent natural remedy for your plants and a fantastic tool for gardeners.
“It has natural anti-fungal properties that help protect plants from diseases and promote healthy growth. Using cinnamon on your geraniums can be a game-changer, especially during the summer when the weather can be a bit unpredictable.”
To utilise this trick, simply sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on the soil around your geraniums or directly on the plant’s stems and leaves. This helps prevent fungal infections and deters pests.
“For best results, do this early in the morning or late in the evening when the dew is still on the plants, so the cinnamon sticks better,” Elise advised.
Cinnamon’s benefits extend beyond disease prevention. The spice can also treat cuts or damage to plants.
“If you’re pruning your geraniums or notice any broken stems, dust the wound with cinnamon to promote healing and prevent rot,” said Elise. Additionally, cinnamon can deter common pests like ants and gnats.
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“Sprinkling cinnamon around the base of your plants or even creating a cinnamon barrier can keep these unwanted guests at bay,” Elise added. Shoppers can purchase cinnamon for as little as 79p from both Aldi and Lidl.
Elise also shares other top tips to keep geraniums thriving during the summer.
Removing spent flowers, or deadheading, can encourage geraniums to produce more blooms. “Deadheading should be a regular part of your gardening routine. It keeps the plants looking neat and promotes continuous flowering,” Elise advised.
Proper watering is crucial, as geraniums can often dry out between waterings. “
Make sure you water your geraniums thoroughly but let the soil dry out before watering again,” Elise warned, noting that overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plants.
Feeding regularly with a balanced fertiliser will give geraniums the nutrients they need to maintain a healthy flourish.
“During the growing season, feed your geraniums every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser,” Elise recommended.
“This will keep them vibrant and healthy.”
Providing adequate sunlight is another key factor.
Geraniums love the sun but can benefit from a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day.
“Place your geraniums where they’ll get plenty of morning sun and some afternoon shade to prevent scorching,” Elise suggested.
For those without access to cinnamon, Elise suggests other natural remedies to control pests, such as neem oil or soap spray, which can keep pests at bay without harming beneficial insects.
By following these expert tips, gardeners can ensure their geraniums remain healthy and vibrant throughout the summer, turning their gardens into a stunning display of colour and beauty.
