Gardeners urged to scatter used tea bags on lawns

Countless gardeners grapple with the difficulty of sustaining a vibrant, flourishing lawn while keeping away plant-devouring pests. While chemical solutions can be costly and sometimes harmful to the environment, there's a clever, cost-effective remedy that could address both concerns.

Used teabags are humble kitchen scraps that usually find their way into the bin, but they might also be the secret to a healthier, greener lawn, plus a natural pest repellent, all for less than £1. According to horticultural specialist Chris Ware from Climbing Wild Gardeners, teabags are packed with tannic acid and nutrients that enrich the soil.

He said: "Tea bags contain beneficial compounds that improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide plants with essential nutrients", reports the Mirror.

This makes them a superb organic fertiliser, especially for lawns, offering an economical and eco-friendly alternative to chemical solutions.

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 simple method can also reduce fungal diseases, leading to a lusher and healthier lawn over time.

And, if that weren't enough, beyond their fertilising properties, teabags also serve as an efficient natural defence against pests, reports the Express.

"The strong scent of tea is unappealing to slugs and snails, making it an effective deterrent," Chris pointed out.

By placing used teabags around flower beds and vegetable patches, gardeners can help keep these damaging pests at bay and even discourage cats and foxes from digging up gardens.

Chris also suggested covering the tea bags with a thin layer of soil to hide them while still benefiting from their deterrent properties.

A box of 80 Stockwell tea bags from Tesco costs just 88p, and a box of 40 PG Tips tea bags from Sainsbury's costs £1.70, making this a cost-effective option for any gardener looking to improve their garden's condition.