As most of the UK is experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding, many gardeners will be wondering how to revive their outdoor spaces.
Millie Durbak, Brand Manager at Prestige Flowers, recommends applying coffee grounds or Epsom salts to the base of your garden plants to help them “bounce back from the potential damage”.
She said: “Gardens need some extra care to recover after severe weather such as floods. One easy way to help your plants is by using coffee grounds.
“Apart from being an excellent source of nitrogen, they also contain phosphorus and potassium, forming a well-rounded, organic fertiliser.”
Gardening pros at Garden Design claimed that acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and roses will “benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds”.
To apply them correctly, Millie advised: “Mix used coffee grounds with your garden soil or sprinkle them around the base of your plants.
“The organic matter in coffee grounds improves soil structure and helps with water retention, as well as keeping microbes happy.
“The caffeine content in coffee grounds acts as a natural stimulant, promoting microbial activity in the soil and boosting nutrient absorption, resulting in healthier and more robust plants.”
In the aftermath of bad weather, plants are often stressed and depleted of essential minerals.
Another way to help restore garden plants is by using another household item, more commonly found in the bathroom – Epsom salts.
Millie explained: “Epsom salts are a rich source of magnesium, a critical component for chlorophyll production – making them a nourishing addition to support your plants’ health after heavy rainfall and flooding.
“This not only enhances the plant’s ability to photosynthesise but also strengthens cell walls, making plants more resilient to environmental stress.”
Magnesium helps facilitate nutrient uptake in plants, so by applying Epsom salts, you’re ensuring that your plants can make the most of the available nutrients in the soil.
Garden experts at Gardening Know How claim that Epsom salts can give roses “greener foliage, faster growth, more roses and more cane growth”.
When it comes to hydrangeas, Backyard Boss gardening experts claimed: “If you’re looking for a natural way to help your hydrangeas reach their fullest potential, then Epsom salt could be just what the doctor ordered.
“Not only is it a superb choice for improving soil fertility and helping your plants thrive, but it also provides essential nutrients that help combat common gardening woes.”
Millie suggests creating a plant-friendly Epsom salt spray for a targeted and immediate effect.
She instructed: “Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water and spray the solution on your plants’ foliage.
“The foliar application ensures rapid magnesium absorption, resulting in a quick and visible boost to your plants’ recovery.”
Millie explained that the magnesium content aids in photosynthesis, making sure your plants regain their strength and vitality.
