6 ways to use tea leaves in the garden

Brewing from high-quality tea leaves, or so-called used tea, is actively used for fertilizer garden and indoor plants. Even today, agricultural professionals actively debate whether this fertilizer can actually be beneficial. However, proper use of the leaves can have a beneficial effect on many plant species.

How does tea brewing affect soil and plants?

Conventional brewing methods, even repeated brewing, cannot completely remove all the beneficial substances from tea leaves. They retain large amounts of tannins, which are especially beneficial in gardening. At the same time, thoroughly dried tea leaves can gradually release trace elements into the soil or plant roots over time.

The effect of tea on plants

It is the brewing with tannins that is beneficial, as they:

• help the plant to form;
• make it more resistant to diseases and cold;
• regulate the acid-base balance of the soil;
• become a preventative measure against root rot.

The dry leaves contain:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• iron.

Boron, aluminum, and manganese are found in trace amounts. All of these promote the active formation and strengthening of roots, leaves, buds, and inflorescences. As a result, the plant becomes stronger and produces a significantly higher yield given other favorable factors. Large-leaf tea, which is recommended, when added to the soil will make it looser, lighter, and softer, and will promote natural ventilation, which is also very beneficial for most crops.

What plants to use for

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Organic fertilizer in the form of tea leaves or composted tea leaves will benefit vegetable crops, berry bushes, and aromatic herbs. All plants that require strong green shoots, active photosynthesis, and the formation of numerous fruit ovaries will respond positively to this supplement.

Fertilizer is not used for root crops or crops that thrive in dense, heavy soil. It is also not recommended for crops that tend to "grow fat," that is, actively grow above-ground foliage and stems at the expense of the fruit or underground portions that are harvested.

Methods of application

For the production of fertilizer Only loose leaf tea without additives or artificial flavors can be harvested. Tea bags are not suitable for use in the garden, as the leaves inside are ground too finely and resemble ordinary dust, often with added dyes. For any method, the tea leaves must be dried first. Drying is best done in a dark place, as direct sunlight can negatively affect the micronutrients contained in the leaves. High heat is not recommended.

In tablet form

Using various ready-made seedling tablets has become common practice among gardeners. They significantly speed up the emergence of the first shoots and simplify fertilization during the first weeks of growth. Instead of peat tablets, you can use homemade tea tablets.

There's no need to dry the tea too much, as a little water will be needed to bind the mixture. For the tablets, you'll also need peat and coconut coir in a ratio of 3:1:0.5, where 3 parts tea is used. Mix everything thoroughly, then add a little water until the mixture is slightly moistened. Line a small tea or coffee cup with plastic wrap, place 3 tablespoons of the mixture inside, wrap it up, and press it down on a flat surface. You can plant the seedlings directly, or you can dry them with the ends of the shell open, then store them for use later in the planting season.

Seed filler

Prepare seed sowing filler Doing it yourself is more difficult than it might seem. Avoid using too much active fertilizer of any kind. The seedlings will stretch too quickly, without forming the necessary support, which is undesirable. Tea is a good filler, as the leaves release nutrients slowly and in small quantities.

Use leaves It can be combined with peat and sand, or even turf soil. The base soil should make up two-thirds of the total volume of the filler. Dry the tea beforehand to prevent mold and small flies from appearing.

Tea compost

Making a complete tea compost is difficult. Firstly, it requires a lot of used tea leaves. Secondly, the tannins in the compost will cause it to rot very slowly and dry out quickly. Constant moisture is required, which can lead to the development of insects and parasites. This homemade compost will have a strong odor, so it's best to store the container of tea away from the house or apartment.

The optimal use of tea leaves is to add tea leaves to regular compost to a volume of approximately 20 percent of the total compost volume. The leaves, by releasing their enzymes, will significantly accelerate the decomposition of other organic components, so the compost will be ready for use in much less time. This compost and tea can be applied using the standard fertilization schedule.

Fertilizer

As a classic fertilizer, you can use freshly brewed tea, not yet dried, or pre-dried tea, or even an infusion of such materials. The first option is best suited for open ground. Combine tea leaves better with ash, which is introduced during planting or digging.

When adding fresh, still-moist tea leaves, you don't have to worry about the plant's growth phase. You can add the leaves to the soil at any time and carefully dig in the soil. For indoor plants, a small amount of dried tea leaves is suitable. Add a small amount to the soil when repotting.

It's best to apply fertilizer directly into the planting holes in the spring, as quite a lot of tea will be needed. Half a kilogram per square meter is the average dose for moderately alkaline soils. If the pH imbalance is significant, increase the dosage to 0.7 kilograms per square meter.

A nutritious infusion can be prepared as follows: pour 3 liters of boiling water over 1 cup of dry tea leaves. Let it steep until it cools completely. It's best to use it within the first 24 hours. There's no need to measure this fertilizer; it can simply be used during watering instead of regular water. This is an excellent option when additional feeding is needed mid-season. The low concentration of micronutrients won't harm even the weakest plants, but will strengthen them.

Improving soil structure

Incorporating dry or still-wet tea into the soil before tilling is recommended when improving the soil in a specific area. This will primarily loosen and lighten the soil. It's best to use the largest tea leaves. Thanks to their high concentration of tannins, they resist rotting for a long time, even in high humidity conditions, so one application per year is sufficient.

Tea leaves are also capable of:

• help in the fight against fungal diseases of plants;
• reduce the risk of mold;
• reduce alkaline levels.

Getting rid of mold is especially important for those who grow flowers and vegetables at home, or who actively use greenhouses and small enclosed gardens. For consistent results, it's recommended to apply dry tea leaves annually. Throughout the season, the fertilizer will gradually decompose, releasing all the beneficial micronutrients to the plants and soil.

Mulching with tea

One of the easiest ways to use old tea leaves is to turn them into mulch. Covering the soil with this protective layer helps prevent it from drying out and cracking, even in adverse weather conditions. It also reduces weed growth.

You can mulch the soil this way even in spring and early summer. The leaves will remain light after watering, allowing the young seedlings to easily emerge into the light. In the fall, the entire accumulated layer can be dug in along with the soil; it will serve as additional fertilizer.

Using tea leaves as a tea infusion is a versatile way to improve soil quality and boost plant immunity. It can be used in risky farming zones, black soil areas, and even in southern regions. Dried leaves can be stored for a long time, so it's a good idea to start harvesting the tea leaves as early as fall to make excellent fertilizer in the spring.