Many of us enjoy a cup of coffee or tea every day and it's good to know that our gardens may also enjoy the 'dregs' of these drinks. Let's learn more about the benefits of using tea bags to promote plant growth.
Can I put tea bags in my garden?
So the question is, "Can I put tea bags in my garden?" . The resounding answer is "yes", but with a few caveats. Damp tea added to the compost bin will increase the rate of compost decomposition.
When using tea bags as fertiliser, either in the compost bin or directly around plants, first try to determine whether the bags themselves are compostable - 20 to 30 per cent may consist of polypropylene that does not break down. These types of tea bags may be slippery to the touch and have heat-sealed edges. If this is the case, cut open the bag and discard in the rubbish (trash) and keep the moist tea for composting. 0 seconds 0 seconds volume 0%
If you are unsure of the composition of the bags when composting tea bags, you can throw them in the compost and remove the bags later if you are feeling particularly lazy. Sounds like an extra step to me, but it's up to each individual to make his own. If the bags are compostable, that will be obvious, as worms and micro-organisms will not break down the substance. Tea bags made from paper, silk or fine cloth are suitable composting tea bags.
How to use tea bags as compost
Not only can you compost tea bags in your compost bin as fertiliser, but you can also dig loose leaf tea and compostable tea bags around your plants. Using tea bags in your compost pile will add a nitrogen-rich component to the compost, thus balancing out the carbon-rich material.
Items needed when using tea bags in compost are
- Tea leaves (loose or in bags)
- A compost bin
- A three-tooth mesocosm
After steeping each successive cup or pot of tea, add the cooled tea bags or tea leaves to the compost bucket where you can store your food waste until ready to place in the outdoor compost area or bin. Then proceed to empty the bucket into the composting area or if composting in a worm bin, empty the bucket and gently cover it. It's easy.
You can also dig tea bags or loose leaves around your plants to use the tea bags for plant growth directly around the root system. This method of using tea bags for plant growth will not only nourish the plants as the tea bags decompose, but will also help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
The beauty of using tea bags in compost is that many of us have a serious habit of needing a daily cup of tea, which provides an ample contribution to the compost pile. The caffeine contained in tea bags used for composting (or coffee grounds) does not appear to adversely affect plants or significantly raise the acidity of the soil.
Composted tea bags are a 'green' treatment that is very beneficial to the health of all plants, providing organic matter to increase drainage while retaining moisture, promoting earthworms, increasing oxygen levels and maintaining soil structure for a more beautiful garden.
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