key points
- Cornstarch can prevent ants, thicken natural sprays, and combat mildew-it can create a versatile, non-speculative garden tool.
- It also helps preserve seeds and bulbs by absorbing moisture, and can reduce slippery surfaces or loosen dense soil soil.
- Use the cornstarch with restraint and always test first-it can hit when wet and there is not a size-fit-all solution.
Cornstarch cannot be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about garden equipment. But its versatility makes it a valuable addition to your horticulture arsenal, and sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
Even though cornstarch is generally known as a pantry staple, it also serves as a stunning solution in the garden. From stopping insects to treating plants and even seeds, providing a variety of benefits for cornstarch. Eco-conscious gardener,
Below, we share seven talents to use cornstarch in your garden, as well as some tips to consider before starting.
Meet experts
Tammy son TN is the founder and CEO of Nursery.
Stop the ants
Cornstarch is a natural preventive for ants. Just sprinkle a small amount around any ant mounds, garden beds, or insect entry.
TN Nursery CEO and founder Tami Sons and founder suggests, “I sprinkle ant mounds or other insect inserts as well as some other soft-body insects to stop them.”
Fine powder closes their digestive system and prevents them from eating plants. This makes the cornstarch a great non-types of barrier.
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Combat Mildew and Fungal Issues
Fungi diseases like powder mildew can wreak havoc on your plants. To help with it, you can make diy spray using a spoon of cornstarch with a quarter of water. You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the solution for its alkaline properties. Spray this mixture on any affected leaf.
“I have used this mixture (with baking soda) and sprinkled it on the leaf off with fungal issues,” Sons.
The sons also shared that by mixing cornstarch and water, they have helped with powdered mildew in their experience.
Thick natural insect spray
If you already make your own Natural insect spray Using essential oils or garlic, the cornstarch can help improve their effectiveness by thickening the solution.
A thick solution means that the spray will stick to the leaves and will be better, enhances the period that the spray remains in contact with any insect.
Protect bulbs and seeds
“(Cornstarch) is also a natural drying agent for storage of flower bulbs or seeds to help avoid molding,” Sons says.
Since cornstarch absorbs moisture, it naturally helps prevent mold. When storing flower bulbs or seeds, dust them lightly with cornstarch before placing them in paper bags or other breathing containers. This helps them to keep dry and viable for the next planting season.
Solves irritated skin after gardening
Not straight for use in the garden, cornstarch can be the best friend of a gardener after working in the garden after a long day.
If you have faced itching plant or insect bites, a cornstarch paste (mixed with a little water) can help calm the irritated skin. Apply it to the affected area, let it dry, and rinse gently with warm water.
Stop slippery surfaces
If you often deal with slippery Garden And pursuing stones due to algae or moisture, cornstarch is a quick fix. A spraying of cornstarch on these surfaces can help to absorb excess moisture and reduce slippery.
Loose soil
Horrific soil Can become dense and compressed, making it difficult to germinate seeds. To help loose it a little, add a small amount of cornstarch to the soil and maintain moisture more equally. This will give seeds a better start.
Things to consider before using cornstarch in the garden
While cornstarch is an accessories, it is not a cure.
“Just a word of caution: uses (cornstarch) restraint because it can hit moisture and convert a large amount of sticky, starch into a sticky,” sons suggests.
Excessive use can be upside down and if it becomes very wet then mold or attract unwanted insects.
Always test any cornstarch-based solution on a small area of your plant before applying throughout the garden.
“It’s not a magic pill, but it is worth a trying, organic tool in your gardening toolbox,” Sons says. “As I always suggest when using any home remedy: Testing, testing, testing, separate plants on a small part before getting my entire garden soaked, like people, like people, their choice and dislike.”
