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Numerous gardeners struggle with the challenge of maintaining a lush, thriving lawn while keeping plant-munching pests at bay. Whilst chemical treatments can prove expensive and occasionally damaging to the environment, there's a shrewd, budget-friendly solution that could help tackle both issues . Used teabags are modest kitchen leftovers that typically end up in the rubbish, but they could also be the key to a stronger, more verdant lawn, as well as a natural pest deterrent, all for under £1 . According to horticultural expert Chris Ware from Climbing Wild Gardeners, teabags are brimming with tannic acid and nutrients that enhance the soil. He said: "Tea bags contain beneficial compounds that improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide plants with essential nutrients." This renders them an excellent natural fertiliser, particularly for lawns, providing a budget-conscious and environmentally-friendly substitute to chemical treatments. He said: "Tea bags are especially beneficial for lawns. Burying used tea bags just beneath the soil's surface helps retain moisture and supports healthy root growth." This straightforward technique can also diminish fungal infections, resulting in a more verdant and healthier lawn over time. And, if that wasn't sufficient, beyond their fertilising qualities, teabags also function as an effective natural barrier against pests, reports the Express . "The strong scent of tea is unappealing to slugs and snails, making it an effective deterrent," Chris noted. By positioning used teabags around flower beds and vegetable patches, gardeners can help ward off these damaging pests and even deter cats and foxes from excavating gardens. Chris also recommended covering the tea bags with a thin layer of soil to conceal them whilst still gaining from their deterrent qualities. A box of 80 Stockwell tea bags from Tesco costs just 88, and a box of 40 PG Tips tea bags from Sainsbury's costs £1.70, making this a budget-friendly choice for any gardener seeking to enhance their garden's state. Teabags aren't the sole household waste that can benefit your garden. Chris also advocates banana peels as a natural fertiliser. "Banana peels are rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which support plant growth and fruit production," he said. By chopping them up and burying them near plant roots, you can enhance your plants' resilience and support overall plant health.
