There’s a handy ingredient probably sitting in your pantry just waiting to provide an array of super benefits: vinegar. You likely know that this handy ingredient works wonders for cleaning inside the home, and that this acidic ingredient is good at eliminating odors. But did you know you can safely use this ingredient in the garden too?
Check out a few clever ways you can use vinegar (white and apple cider) where your veggies and plants spend their days.
1. Kill weeds: Forget spending a lot of money on toxic chemicals to get rid of the weeds in your garden. Poor vinegar directly on the weed several times. Vinegar contains acetic that will not kill the roots, but will make the weed grow week and die.
2. Get rid of ants: Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar. Spray equal parts of water and vinegar on the infested ant area.
3. Freshen flowers: Want to keep those fresh flowers around for longer? Simply add a Tablespoon of both vinegar and sugar to a vase of water.
4. Clean rust from tools: If your rake, hoe or water spigot is getting a bit grimy. Soak tools in 1 part water 1 part vinegar for 1-3 days, this will help break down the rust.
5. Clean the birdbath: Empty any standing water then fill with 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water and let soak for several minutes. Next wipe clean and dry.
6. Feed your plants: Some plants (like gardenias, holly, and begonias) thrive on acidic soil.
7. Test the PH level of your soil: The acid levels in your soil can affect how well plants grow. Your soil can be tested by taking a sample and placing it in a small container. Once the soil is in the container pour in 1/2 cup vinegar. If the mixture bubbles and fizzles you know that your soil is too alkaline and you must add peat moss or sulfur.
8. Clean pots: Fill pots with 1 part water and 1 part distilled white vinegar and let sit for 1 hour. Rinse
9. Kill slugs and snails: Fill a spray bottle with 1 part water and 1 part vinegar, spray the slugs/snails and they will dissolve.
10. Remove allergens from your hands: If you’ve been digging in the dirt with your bare hands.
