Gardeners urged to plant flowers with surprising household item for best blooms

Spring is around the corner, bringing warmer weather and longer days. With the new season approaching, it’s time to think about the gardening tasks needed to keep our outdoor spaces tidy and welcoming. Who knows, you might be appointed as the next host for a friends or family gathering!

Although some might believe that gardening is an expensive hobby, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, there are household items that are just as effective as anything purchased from a store. An example is a good old-fashioned match. Matches are a perfect example as they can be used to revitalise and feed plants. They’re also good to deter any pests like gnats, which are a plant’s worst enemy.

Matchsticks aren't as common in households due to the use of lighters. Nonetheless, the possibility of them being tucked away at the back of cupboards is possible. Still, they make a great tool for gardening beyond their primary use. According to gardening experts, burying used matchsticks in your plant’s soil can help them flourish. This is because they contain various benefits such as potassium chlorate, magnesium, phosphorus, ferric oxide and sulphur, contributing to the development of strong roots and vibrant foliage.

How to use matchsticks in your plants

Using matches in the garden is straightforward, and doesn’t require much effort. Once you’ve used a match to light your stove or a candle, remove the heads of the matchsticks and bury them in the soil around the flowers. It’s best to break them into smaller pieces to ensure they decompose evenly.

Then, place them two to three inches deep and a few inches away from the base of the plant. As they break down, the nutrients will release into the soil, providing the best of blooms in your garden.

Using matches is easy and an eco-friendly way to improve the flower’s growth. The nutrients that will be released will create strong roots, vibrant foliage and gorgeous blooms. So, instead of throwing your used matches, remember that you can re-use them for the goodness of your plants.

Incorporating used matches into your gardening routine will not only make another use of a common household item, but it’s also a natural and cost-effective way to nurture the plants. The next time you’re preparing your garden for spring - which should be now - keep this easy gardening hack in mind for a healthier growing season and beautiful flowers.