What exactly is hydroponics? Generally speaking, hydroponics is the process of growing plants in hydroton (clay pellets), gravel, or sand, instead of using soil. There …
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Can I Water My Plants With Tea? Read This First!
Have you ever been sitting out in your garden enjoying a cup of tea and when your finished there’s some left in the tea pot. You could put it down the drain however that would be a waste of water. You maybe wondered “Can I water my plants with tea?”
Let’s find out…
Can I Water My Plants With Tea?
What benefits are there in watering with drunken tea? If you conduct a chemical analysis of tea, you can find in the composition of the drink minerals and organic matter, as well as tannins, that will acidify your soil. Not all houseplants need such acidification.
We can certainly say that ferns that suffer from the action of carbonate salts in soil or water as well as cacti that love hard water and the tannins it contains, respond well to tea.
The rest of the houseplants, however, react to the watering of the teapot with a lot of disdain or probably disgust. More so, there is no reliable experimental data that would prove the obvious benefit of such a fertilizer.
There is an opinion that regular mulching of the soil with tea residue helps to retain moisture, and if you make tea leaves under flowers indoors and gently store them in a flowerpot, the plants will receive a fertilizer with an extended lifespan.
Disadvantages of Watering Your Plants with Tea
Flavored tea with additives can lead to dramatic consequences for flowers including root rot and imbalance of soil nutrients.
Watering plants with tea leaves that contain sugar provokes the appearance of a fungus mosquito in the pot, black midges, and other pests that are not easily eliminated. These pests will start a toxic relationship with your flower and will require a huge chunk of alimony to severe the marriage.
When using moldy tea, you can introduce bacteria, mold in the soil (apparently) and cause soil contamination.
For cases of domestic greenhouses that prefer acidic soil, such addition can only do more damage than good.
Top Tip: You can determine the acidification of the soil by such signs as a greenish coating on the soil, which gives off an unpleasant smell, rotting of inflorescences and leaves, as well as mold on the petioles of plants.
These arguments will make the supporters of the “grandmother” methods reflect and think deeply. But if you are a cultured person and can’t be dissuaded by what neighborhood folks think, you might as well go ahead with teeing up your flower, pun intended.
How to Use Tea Leaves for Irrigation and Fertilizer?
This option may be acceptable to supporters of organic floriculture, as natural remedies have recently become widespread.
Top Trick: Any tea can be used for watering: black, green, herbal. The main thing is that it does not contain additives and flavors of synthetic origin.
How to Water Plants With Tea Infusion?
Make sure your flowers need soil acidification. Plants like tomatoes, oxalis poinsettia, and east lily thrive in acidic conditions. A simple soil test can be performed with a litmus test.
You do not need to constantly pour this fertilizer under the flowers, several times a month is enough. Avoid watering your plants with tea that has added sugar, acidic or moldy solution. You can use a cool, weak, unsweetened solution at room temperature.
Top Trick: If, in addition to watering, the tea leaves also flow under the flowers, then it is necessary to strictly fix the amount of them, mixing them with the top layer of the soil. This method will help maintain humidity, which will require you to water the plant less often.
Some Other Ways to Use Tea Leaves.
If you are a tea addict like many of us, then you might be “elated” to discover that there are other means to use them.
A large amount of waste after drinking tea can be turned into a drainage layer when planting a flower in a new pot.
To do this, lay the tea leaves on the layer of expanded clay, sprinkle with earth and plant a flower. When it reaches the roots of the lower soil layer, part of the tea leaves already decompose and serve as organic fertilizer.
Instead of a drainage layer, the dried tea leaves are mixed with the flower soil when a plant is transplanted into another pot. This additive is acceptable if the soil is dense, then it acts as a baking powder.
Wrapping Up
So, if you use tea for watering, then you should do it following all the rules, do not use additives and flavorings, or moldy raw materials. This method is best for plants that prefer acidic soil and hard water with tannins.
When adopting this method, try to regularly loosen the soil under the flowers indoors and monitor the condition of the plants. When midges and other insects appear, you need to cultivate the soil and reduce watering.
How To Create Organic Pest Control For A Vegetable Garden
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Are you searching for an effective solution that’ll keep those annoying pests away from your precious vegetables? Are you tired of the regular chemical pesticides and you want something more natural for your garden? Organic pest control has proven to be not just cheaper, but safer and better than many other pest control procedures.
Organic sprays can be made with simple products that can be found right in your kitchen, it’s so easy to make and yet very effective. In recent years, many gardeners have embraced a healthier garden experience with organic pest control. I’m sure you want to be part of this!
And I’m willing to help you as well. Right here, you’ll be learning how to create organic pest control sprays for a vegetable garden. I’ve also included 3 powerful tips that’ll keep you a step ahead of these unpleasant pests.
Which Is Better; Organic Vs Other Pest Controls
If you’ve been searching for ways to control pests and reduce health and environmental risks, organic pest control is for you. These days, a lot of gardeners are fast switching to the organic lifestyle to prevent allergies, grow healthier vegetables and protect their younger children and pets.
Generally, organic pest control methods can be more efficient than regular pesticides. In fact, most pest control companies are now using organic methods in their professional services. In the long run, organic pest control will save you a lot more money unlike the quick fix chemical pesticides will give you.
Although both organic pest control methods and regular pesticides are effective at keeping pests away from your garden, they work differently. While chemical pest control methods may seem to work a lot faster, they may be harmful in the long run. On the other hand, organic pesticides work effectively if given the time and efforts required. That’s why you may need to apply them several times to get results.
But here’s the catch, if you’ve eventually decided to ditch buying vegetables sold in the markets and grow them yourself for you and your family. Won’t it be great to grow them naturally? Won’t it be nice to live that healthier life you deserve? Won’t it make more sense to avoid harmful pesticides?
If you’ve finally realized that a safer and healthier life is completely worth your time and effort, then, I’m happy for you! You can decide to get some of these organic pesticides in the market or simply do it yourself. It’s not a hard task, here’s how you can do it faster.
A Step By Step Guide To Creating Organic Pest Control for Your Vegetable Garden
There are several remedies for different pests. So the key is to find out which pests are bothering you and make an organic pesticide that’ll deal with them. Sounds good right!
There are numerous organic pesticides available. But here, I’ll be leaving you with a recipe that has got a lot of ingredients that’ll work for tons of pests.
We’ll be using household ingredients like onions, mint, and cayenne that repel these pests far away from your garden. You’ll be surprised how these disturbing pests can be easily killed by simple and safe ingredients laying around your home.
Organic all-in-one bug spray
Garlic, onion, and peppermint oil are very powerful ingredients that pests hate. You can use them to create an organic pest control that’ll effectively drive away garden pests such as beetles, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs.
What you’ll need
- Water
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons of natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)
Procedures
Step 1
Peel your garlic and onion, then puree them with the cayenne and peppermint oil.
Step 2
Now, strain the mixture and allow it to stand for a few hours, some gardeners leave theirs to soak overnight.
Step 3
Simply pour the mixture into a fine container and add in the two tablespoons of soap and 2 cups of water. Then, mix the solution very well.
Step 4
Now, pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Your organic pesticide is ready for use! Spray it on the affected areas 1-2 times a week to keep bugs away. You can even reserve the remaining in the fridge.
Organic oil spray
This oil spray would be great to ward off pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies that’ll give anything to suck the saps of your plant. This amazing mixture would make a perfect homemade oil spray that’ll keep your garden pest-free.
What you’ll need
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)
- Baking soda
Procedures
Step 1
Making an oil spray doesn’t require much, simply mix the ingredients properly. Use a cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. After mixing the ingredients, pour in a glass of water and mix thoroughly.
Step 2
Don’t bother letting the mixture sit for some time, you can instantly pour the mixture into a spray bottle and get to work. You should use this spray once a week to keep the pests away.
What you need to know about organic pest control
Before applying organic sprays in your garden, be sure it’s something you want to do and make sure the damage the pests are causing is really a problem. Just like chemical pesticides, organic pest control would get rid of all bugs, this includes other helpful insects like ladybugs and bees that help out in the garden.
Make sure to try out your organic spray on a small portion of your plant first, it could be just a single leaf. Find out if there are any negative results, if there’s none, you can now fully use it on the entire plant the next day.
As at the time you make your organic spray if you’re not ready to use it, keep it in a dry and cool place.
I usually spray my plants before the sun comes out in the morning. You should do this to prevent burning or damaging your plants. You know, sprays with oil don’t go well with intense heat.
Be careful not to apply too much of these sprays to your vegetables. You don’t want to end up with a slightly different flavor. Only use this for the portion of your plant that is mostly affected.
Tips For Keeping Pests Out Of Your Garden
While garden pests are almost unavoidable, there are a few tips that can help you keep them in check. You want to avoid creating a pleasant environment for them by taking the 3 powerful steps I’ll be discussing with you here.
First, give your plants the best growing condition
Water your plants frequently and do it in the morning. This way, you make your plants less prone to pests. Watering your plants in the morning time keeps them healthier and prevents them from being damp in the evening when pests love to strike.
I’ve found out that these pests mostly attack weak plants, frequent watering will keep your plant from wilting and make them yield more. Plus, take your time to remove dead or diseased leaves, if they are not removed they’ll become an attractive site to pests. Do you know what else could be attractive to these disturbing pests?
Weeds! yes, these unwanted plants can provide a convenient spot for pests in your garden. So you should take weeds off as soon as you see them.
Space your plants
I used to own a small garden in my previous home, and I love to grow my fruits and vegetables organically, so then, I always squeezed a lot of vegetables into a small space. I felt I’ll get a lot of yields that’ll last me for a good time. But guess what? I got just what I attracted, a lot of pests- snails, slugs, and more.
If you’ve been doing this and you’re struggling with pests, then when next you are planting try spacing your plants. It’ll do you more good! Trust me, your vegetables will get more airflow and you will easily notice any pest before it causes much damage.
Use plants!
Several plants can deal with your pest problem for you. Aromatic herbs like citronella, lemongrass, and basil will ward off annoying critters and also attract their predators. If you ask me this is a great strategy, find a good spot in your garden where you can plant these herbs, they’ll save you a lot of stress.
FAQ
What is the best organic pesticide for vegetables?
There’s no perfect pesticide, like I said earlier, what is important is choosing a pesticide that’ll effectively drive out the pests you have. However, neem oil is one powerful organic pesticide that seems to work for many pests.
You may want to try it. It acts against a good number of garden pests by disrupting their life cycle and preventing them from feeding on your vegetables. You can find this active pesticide in garden stores, make sure to follow the instructions on the container and effectively spray the affected areas.
What are organic pesticides?
Organic pesticides are mixtures that are made from natural substances or ingredients. They are mixtures made from simple and natural soaps or ethanol.
Conclusion
I’m sure you are so surprised at how simply all of this is. And I’m so happy I’m able to put you up to speed with organic pest control. If you are taking the pain to grow your vegetables, then you deserve the very best of them.
I wish you a healthier and better garden experience. You can purchase already-made organic sprays if you don’t think you have the time to produce one yourself.
Have you been using organic pest control methods? Share your experience! Did you find this step-by-step guide helpful? Share with your family and friends!
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Best Lawn Mower for Hills Reviews & Buying Guide
Sloped gardens are undeniably beautiful, but mowing them can be a tricky task. First, you want to get your lawn to look smooth and neat. Plus, you want to avoid accidents and not put yourself through too much stress while mowing a sloped lawn.
You’ve probably been struggling to achieve all these with a normal mower. However, it can get a lot easier with a lawnmower that is suitable for hilly gardens. Here, we’ve helped you do a thorough search and we’ve brought you the best lawnmowers for sloped gardens.
You’ll find a great option that’ll help you get up and down the hill with ease. There are certainly a few features that make certain mowers more suitable, you’ll learn that here as well.
| Image | Product Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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EGO Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower | ||
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Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc Lawn Mower | ||
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Greenworks PRO Cordless Lawn Mower |
||
 |
Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Lawn Mower |
||
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Troy-Bilt Premium Riding Lawn Mower | ||
  |
Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Mower |
Top 6 Most Preferred Lawn Mowers for Hills
1. EGO Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower
The ego power+ lawn mower is perfect for small or medium-sized gardens. If you’ve got a small yard and you are looking out for a lawnmower that’ll offer a great experience, this is a wonderful option for you.
It is one of the best electric lawn mowers with lithium batteries.It comes with an impressive 21 inches cutting capacity, but then it does not give a smooth even look as a Honda would. It has a sloping nose structure with effective size, making it ideal for hilly gardens. This amazing cordless electric mower comes with bright LED headlights, so you can get to work at any time.
You may not be so impressed with its 45 minutes cut-time, but then, you can easily charge it in an hour. If you, hate to deal with the noise, and fumes of a gas-powered mower, then you’ll appreciate this technology. The ego power+ lawn mower also offers a tri-cutting feature with six different cutting heights
| Pros |
|---|
- Powerful, high-torque magnetic motor
- Three-in-one function including rear bagging, mulching, and side discharge
- Rapid charger minimizes downtime due to battery charging
- Large (20-inch) cut capacity means you’ll cut more grass is less time
- Convenient LED headlines allow anytime mowing
- Folds easily for sturdy, upright storage
| Cons |
|---|
- The lifetime of the battery is rather short for large yards
- The battery charger is great but not durable
2. Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc Lawn Mower
The Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc is a premium quality lawn mower that can be perfect for yards on hilly slopes. The mower is self-propelled. The mower’s engine transfers some of its rotating shaft power to the rear wheels as it operates. This eliminates most of the effort you need to push the machine making your work less strenuous.
The machine gets its power from 4-cycle Briggs & Stratton 163cc OHV 725EXi engine. The engine is efficient and will provide you with years of reliable performance. This walk-behind mower has sufficient power to mow half-acre yard without an issue. Although the engine does not offer electric starting, it features Ready Start starting system. This pull-cord start system allows users to start the engine with minimal effort.
The TB330 provides you with variable speed control. Thus you can adjust the speed of the mower depending on the condition of your yard. In the end, the feature contributes to better results. You can also customize the cutting height via a convenient lever. There are six cutting heights to choose from ranging from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches. The design features a deck wash. The technology aims to minimize the hassles associated with regular cleaning and maintenance.
| Pros |
|---|
- A self-propelled rear drive lawn mower
- Enjoy the performance and reliability of Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle 163 cc OHV engine
- ReadyStart system allows you to start the mower with only one or two strokes
- Variable speed control and adjustable cutting height for versatility
- Deck wash feature makes it easy to clean and maintain the mower
| Cons |
|---|
- Many users would prefer larger rear wheels
- Rear wheels have a tendency to dig in
- A more powerful drive system would the great
3. Greenworks PRO Cordless Lawn Mower
If you want to enjoy the convenience of a cordless lawn mower then you can check out the Greenworks PRO. The machine gets its power from technologically advanced electric motors. The DigiPro brushless motor is reliable and efficient. It will provide you with a performance equal to that of gas-powered models. The motor gets its power from 4AH or 5AH lithium-ion battery. Such battery will provide up to 60 minutes of cut power. However, you will need to buy the battery and charger separately.
The mower features Greenworks so-called smart-cut technology. The technology aims at improving the performance of mower and its run-time. It will allow you to complete your mowing task fast and with ease. Another aspect of performance is the 3-in-1 functionality of the 21-inch steel deck. You have the options to side discharge, mulch or rear bag for grass clippings.
The machine operates up to 30 percent quiet compared to gas models. Unlike the gas-powered models, the Greenworks Pro produces minimal vibration. It means you can mow for as long as the battery allows you without exhaustion. As with most cordless tools, this lawn mower for hill needs no maintenance. You are also free from the inconvenience of cables with a tendency to tangle.
| Pros |
|---|
- Efficient and reliable DigiPro brushless motor
- Gives up to 60 minutes of cut power
- Operates quietly and with minimal vibration
- Smart-cut technology improves run-time and performance of the mower
- Needs no maintenance but delivers optimal performance
| Cons |
|---|
- Charger and battery are sold separately
- May not be ideal for larger yards
4. Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Lawn Mower
Unlock the power of a gas-powered mower for hills in the Honda HRX217K5VKA. Although a gas-powered mower, the model is among the quietest. It features Honda’s patented Versamow System. The unique system allows four-in-one performance. The 21-inch deck can afford you mulch, bag, side discharge or shred grass chippings options.
Even more interesting is the fact that the system allows the combination of functions. You can mulch and bag at the same time by sliding a convenient clip director knob. You can then choose how much grass to mulch and how much to bag. All this you will do without tools or expensive attachments. The machine features twin blade MicroCut System. The technology uses 4-cutting surfaces resulting in thin clippings for perfect mulching. It also results in extra chippings per bag.
It deck features NeXite, an extremely strong and compact material. The material does not dent, corrode or rust with time. It will add to the durability of the mower. The mower features GCV190 engine. Users of Honda products know that GCV190 engines start quickly, are fuel efficient and are powerful. It will give you years of reliable performance. Besides, you can easily adjust the speed of the mower to your stride. You can then engage the Select Drive control for impressive, comfortable speed management.
| Pros |
|---|
- You can adjust speed to match your stride and control speed via Select Drive
- Versamow System is incredibly versatile
- Twin blade MicroCut System results in finer grass chippings and better mow
- Deck is made of durable and corrosion, rust and dent resistant NeXite material
- GCV190 engine provides powerful and reliable performance
| Cons |
|---|
- Handle seems to provide less than comfortable grip
- Set fastest speed setting is a good idea but not necessary
5. Troy-Bilt Premium Riding Lawn Mower
Do you prefer riding lawn mower for hill and you can part with a slightly higher cost? If so, a good choice would be the Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower from Troy-Bilt. The mower boasts of a massive 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine giving in the biggest power of all models in our review. You know that such performance comes at a cost.
The machine equipped a fuel tank that has a capacity of 1.3 gallons. The tanks have a window through which you can check the fuel level. You will easily know when to refill your mower. With a massive 30-inch cutting deck, you can be sure to finish your task fast. You can choose from five mowing height options. This feature will give professional mowing results.
The mower can achieve a maximum forward speed of 4.25 mph. But you can adjust the performance speed of the mower via six-speed transmissions. The adjustable speed option is necessary because hills need low mowing speeds. The large size of the deck makes it wise to ride carefully on slopes.
| Pros |
|---|
- Incredible 18-inch turning radius guarantees superior maneuverability
- Five mowing height options provide great results
- 6-speed transmissions allow you to find the right mowing speed
- Large rear wheels provide good traction on hilly areas
- Comfortable mid-back seat with a soft-grip steering wheel
| Cons |
|---|
- The large size of the mower makes it risky on steep slopes
- The tough and slippery footrest may be risky
6. Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless Mower
This snapper lawn mower is a nice choice for medium-sized sloped gardens. It is an electric cordless walk-behind mower. It comes with a smart and effective system with up to 45 minutes cut time.
It has a height adjustment feature that’s much better than the regular walk-behind mowers. Snapper SXD offers 7 cutting height levels. However, this mower may not be the best option for you if you have a very hilly garden, this is because of its rather large size. Snapper lawn mower is perfect for gardens with smaller slopes.
| Pros |
|---|
- Powerful lithium-ion battery
- 7 cutting height adjustments
- 3-in-1 mowing, bagging, and side-discharge feature
- 21-inch steel mowing deck
- Cordless option
| Cons |
|---|
- Does not come with a charger and battery
- You’ll need to be careful with the handle bolt
- May not work on a very. hilly garden surface
Things to Consider Before Buying a Lawn Mower for Hills
Wowing on a hilly slope can be dangerous. The first step to achieving a successful mow is to choose the right mower for the purpose. A wrong mower may not cut anything or at best deliver poor quality mow. To help you succeed, here is our resourceful buying guide on what to consider before buying a mower for hills.
Wheel Drive Mode
When it comes to the best mower for hills, the drive mode you choose is of utmost importance. In this case, you can choose from a rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. The best choice of mowing on hills is a rear-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive may also be good in a lot of situations but may not be great for hilly yards. Rear-wheel drive has excellent traction. This becomes important especially if you were to lose control of the mower.
Type of Lawn Mower
You can choose between 3 different types of mowers. These include walk-behind lawn mowers, zero-turn lawn mowers and riding lawn mowers. The walk-behind models are the best for hills. This is because they allow you to rapidly position your mass as you move along the hilly slopes. Besides, they are easy to control through press buttons located on the right side of the mower. Zero-turn and riding lawn mowers can tipple easily.
Deck Size
Deck size determines the time you will take to complete your mowing task. For large open yards, the best deck size should range between 42 and 54-inches cutting width. However, narrow lawns and those in sloppy areas will need shorter decks. It will give you better control as you will easily move the mower around obstacles.
Weight
A light lawn mower is ideal for hilly yards. A heavier one will be difficult to the handle especially when you need to move it up and down the hills. However, you have to balance power with weight. Its because most lightweight models do not have enough power necessary for efficient mow. In other words, the mower should be powerful yet light enough for easy handling on slopes.
Possible Attachments
Many models of lawn mowers allow for various accessories to improve functionality. Nevertheless, such attachments add to the overall weight of the mower. It would be wise to avoid unnecessary attachments of your mower cannot accommodate them. It will reduce the weight you can bear and thus make your mower easy to control.
Ease of Operation
Some lawn mowers are complicated and thus hard to control. It may become problematic for new users. If you are new to this machinery, it would be wise to choose a model that is easy to operate. Most of the ones we have included in our top 5 lawn mower for hills reviews are very easy to operate. Look for one with easy operation features. Examples of such features include cruise control. The feature allows the mower to navigate around a given area without cumbersome instructions.
Important Safety Precautions For Lawn Mowers
Mowing sloped gardens can be very risky, but with these safety instructions you should get along well.
- Inspect your garden before mowing, you want to make sure there are no harmful blades, bottles, etc.
- For gas-powered mowers, make sure to let them cool off before re-fueling. This will prevent fire accidents.
- For riding mowers, just a single rider is needed. Avoid anything more.
- When mowing on a sloped area, ensure the mower is straight in the direction of the slope.
Also Read: Best Lawn Mower Lifts
Final Verdict
Make your hilly backyard picturesque by mowing frequently. It’s important that you use the right mower. The most mowers are ideal for mowing flat, open yards. Certain salient features make certain mowers more suitable than others in mowing hills. Our top choice has a majority of these features. The others in the list of top 5 best lawn mower for hills are also great.