TRADITIONAL TRICKS

Plant tonic

Plants have the wonderful ability to draw specific types of minerals from the soil, so why not capture these and put them back into the soil to feed your plants again and again?

Make this great plant tonic using grass cuttings and vegie leaves. It’s a great way to recycle your green organics and return the nutrients to where they belong and are most needed.

Ingredients
Large bucket or drum with lid
Cabbage leaves
Lettuce leaves
Grass clippings
Water

Method
Fill one-quarter of the drum with cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves and grass clippings, then fill the remaining bit of the drum with water to the rim. Cover with the lid and allow it to stand for two to three weeks. Remember to stir it every couple of days using a garden stake or similar.

To use on your plants, simply dilute one part drum liquid with nine parts water and apply to your plants fortnightly. Be careful to not apply it directly over the foliage, especially on a hot day, as it may cause leaf burn.

Once you have used up all the tonic, throw the old cabbage and lettuce leaves into the compost bin for the worms to enjoy.

Read more articles on Complete Home for advice on pruning fruit trees, tending to your vegetable garden and much more!