Become a master gardener by learning just these 6 tips

1. Orange peel removes the stench of compost

When making organic fertilizer, it often gives off an unpleasant stench. At this time, put a few pieces of orange peel (either dried or fresh) into the composting container to reduce the smell. Because orange peel contains a large amount of essential oils, which are continuously released as the fertilizer ferments, the fragrance can lighten the stench. When the effect of the orange peel fades, you can add a few more fresh pieces. At the same time, fermented orange peel is also a good fertilizer and can increase fertilizer effectiveness.

2. Sulfur powder treats root rot

Flowers and plants are prone to root rot, and root rot easily causes the plant to die. Many medicines are ineffective for this, but sulfur powder can be used for treatment. For example, if a clivia (Clivia miniata) develops root rot due to overwatering or unclean growing medium, you can knock it out of the pot, remove the growing medium, cut off the rotten roots, rinse the roots clean with water, let them dry slightly, and while the roots are still slightly damp, spray on sulfur powder, then plant it in sterilized growing medium. New roots can grow in about 1 month; if the roots have all rotted away, after spraying with sulfur powder you can plant it in plain sand, frequently mist the leaves, and after it grows new roots, cultivate it again in sterilized growing medium.

3. Spraying flowers with beer kills two birds with one stone

The thing gardeners fear most is pests, and pesticide sprays react too slowly. Beer can form a sealed film on the pests' bodies, suffocating them to death. Specific method: mix beer with water, water:beer at 6:1, and spray the plant once, making sure to spray every part as much as possible. Check the next day; if the pests turn reddish-brown and fall off at a touch, they are definitely dead. If any are still alive, spray again. After spraying three times in a row (three days), the problem can basically be solved.

Moreover, beer is also an excellent leaf fertilizer. Spray a little beer, and the plant will grow more vigorous, bloom earlier, and produce larger flowers with brighter colors and a richer fragrance. Mix beer with a 0.5% aspirin solution at a volume ratio of 250:1 and add a small amount of vinegar before use.

4. Baking soda solution promotes lush blooming

For home gardening, when the flower buds are about to open, watering the flowers with a baking soda solution at a concentration of one part per ten thousand will promote lush blooming.

5. Garlic liquid becomes an insecticide

Mash 50 grams of garlic into a fine paste, then add 10 kilograms of water and stir into a slurry. Take the filtrate and use it as a spray to control aphids, red spider mites, and beetles with very good results. If sprayed on the ground or the surface of the potting soil, it can also control ants. The method is simple, effective, non-toxic, and also saves money! Of course, chili peppers and onions can also be used.

6. Vinegar treats chlorosis

Camellias, azaleas, and foliage plants often develop yellow leaves due to lack of iron, overly high potting soil pH, improper care, and other reasons. You only need to use 10 grams of vinegar plus 3 kilograms of clean water and spray it on the plant leaves before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Do this once every 10 days, and after 4-5 sprays in a row, the leaves can turn from yellow to green. Hurry home and give it a try.