12 hours Ago By Angela Patrone
Hydrangeas and roses are two of the most popular garden plants to have in the UK, adored for their stunning beauty. To help them recover from cold and wet weather, 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 explained: “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. Coffee grounds are not only rich in nitrogen but also contain phosphorus and potassium, making them an excellent organic fertiliser .” Experts at Garden Design agree, noting that acid-loving plants, including hydrangeas and roses, will "benefit from a sprinkling of coffee grounds”.
For best results, Millie recommended: “Mix used coffee grounds with your garden soil or sprinkle them around the base of your plants.” She highlighted the benefits of coffee grounds for soil health, stating: “The organic matter in coffee grounds improves soil structure and helps with water retention, as well as keeping microbes happy.” Moreover, she pointed out that 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”.
Following adverse weather conditions, it’s common for plants to be stressed and lacking vital minerals. To combat this, another household staple, typically found in the bathroom Epsom salts can also aid in revitalising your garden flora. Millie shared her gardening wisdom, saying: “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.
” She added: “This not only enhances the plant's ability to photosynthesise but also strengthens cell walls, making plants more resilient to environmental stress.” By using Epsom salts, gardeners can ensure their plants efficiently absorb nutrients from the soil, thanks to magnesium's role in nutrient uptake. The green-fingered gurus at Gardening Know How have touted Epsom salts as a miracle worker for roses, promising “greener foliage, faster growth, more roses and more cane growth”.
Experts at Backyard Boss have praised Epsom salt for hydrangeas, stating: “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.” They continue to praise the item, highlighting that it's “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”. For an immediate impact, Millie recommends concocting an Epsom salt spray for plants.
She advised: “Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water and spray the solution on your plants' foliage.” According to Millie, this application allows for swift magnesium absorption, offering a speedy and noticeable lift to your plants' recovery. Millie clarified that the magnesium content assists in photosynthesis, ensuring your plants bounce back with vigour and vitality.
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