How to rescue browning hydrangeas with homemade remedies
Hydrangeas are some of the most popular garden flowers. When they turn brown, it indicates that care mistakes have been made. If this happens, you can save them with a homemade conditioner like water from cucumber peels.
16 August 2024 18:12
Properly cared-for hydrangeas can adorn terraces and gardens even until early October. Unfortunately, this rarely happens due to improper care, which is related to both watering and the lack of using conditioners or composts. So, how can you save hydrangeas when the flowers start to brown and the leaves dry up?
How to save browning hydrangeas?
If the hydrangeas in your garden have started to brown, there is a chance to save them. Flowers usually react this way when they are too dry and have not been watered regularly. What should you do to restore their charm?
The first step is to water them but avoid over-watering the plant. Next, remove the dry and brown shoots, inflorescences, and leaves. The final step is to spread compost under the bush, which will support the underground part of the plant in late summer and autumn.
In addition to compost, homemade conditioners are worth helping hydrangeas. One is water from cucumber peels – rich in microelements such as phosphorus and potassium- essential for properly developing the bush. How do you make such a conditioner?
Start by peeling 1 kilogram of cucumbers. Place the peels in a jar, pour in about 1 litre of water, seal it, and wait five days. After this time, strain the peels and use the remaining water to water the plant or spray it, especially the undersides of the leaves.
This slurry will nourish hydrangeas
Another way to nourish hydrangeas is to water them with nettle slurry. Although the name may not be encouraging, hydrangeas will surely thank you for such help.
To create nettle slurry, fresh or dried nettle leaves (collected in early summer) and water. Cut around 1 kilogram of leaves and pour 10 litres of water over them. Set aside in the shade, cover with gauze, and stir daily. After 14-20 days, when the foam disappears, the slurry is ready. In a ratio of 1:10, water the plants once every two weeks.