If you think beer is only for barbecues, football, and Friday nights, think again. This golden liquid has another mysterious power – when you pour it on your plants (not yourself), magic happens. And no, this is not a joke from a gardening forum, but a really effective trick that even some gardening experts swear by. How does the combination of beer and plants work?
Beer and plants? Lovers of flowers and lush greenery often resort to expensive fertilizers and vitamin supplements in the summer to help their potted plants survive the sun and drought. But while we waste euros on artificial solutions, the answer is often hidden in the refrigerator - regular beerUsed correctly, it can act as a real vitamin bomb for plants, promotes growth, renews foliage and even repels some pests.
If you have any beer left unfinished, don't throw it away. It's where the real treasure trove of nutrients, which can provide your plants with more health, resistance and a lush appearance.
Beer and Plants: Why Beer Benefits Plants
Beer is made from basic but valuable ingredients – barley, hops, water and yeast. Thanks to these elements, it contains numerous nutrients that improve soil structure and support the development of the root system.
It contains small percentages of nitrogen, which accelerate growth green parts of the plant. This element stimulates leaf formation and strengthens the stems, which gives the plant better resistance to external influences.
The sugars and carbohydrates present serve as food for microorganisms, that live around the roots. When these beneficial bacteria multiply, they help the plant absorb nutrients. The vitamins contained in the yeast provide an additional boost to the microbial life in the soil, which in the long run means healthier and more resilient growth.
How to properly use beer as fertilizer
Although beer may seem like an unusual solution, it is very easy to use. It is most often used as liquid fertilizerIn this case, it is crucial to dilute it beforehand, as too much concentrated sugars and other substances can cause mold growth or an unpleasant odor.
Mix it up one measure of beer with ten measures of water. Pour the mixture directly onto the soil around the roots. This process is sufficient if you repeat it once every ten to fourteen days. This way the soil will be enriched with all the beneficial substances and the plants will become visibly stronger.
Another use is to clean and care for the leaves.. For plants with smooth leaves, you can use undiluted beer as a natural shiner. Dip a soft cotton or microfiber cloth in the beer, wring it out slightly, and carefully wipe the leaves. The surface will shine and there will be less dust on the leaves.
Using beer as protection against pests
Beer is not only a fertilizer, but also an effective one snail repellent, which often destroy plants in the garden or in pots.
Fill a shallow container with beer and bury it partially in the ground. The smell will attract snails, which will slide into the liquid. This way, you can avoid chemicals and protect your plants in a natural way.
Important instructions for safe use
Never use beer with added aromas or flavors, as these additives can harm plants. Also don't overdo it with quantity, as sugars break down quickly in a warm room and cause an unpleasant odor.
Always use beer room temperatureIf it's cold, plants can experience temperature shock, which weakens their resistance. Before deciding to use beer regularly, test it on one plant first and observe its response.
