Join The Newsletter Today

And Get a FREE Garden Planner

 

Fill in your details below for:

– A free 2-page garden planner, with questions to guide you and space to sketch out your ideas

– A weekly newsletter with news and tips on backyard birds, animals, plants, and pests

Spicing Up Growth: Hidden Plant Benefits of Your Spice Rack

This post may contain affiliate links. See our full disclosure here.

Did you know your spice rack holds secret weapons for plant care?

Some everyday spices can boost growth, fight off pests, and even prevent disease!

Let’s find out how to use some of these kitchen staples outside.

The Secret Life of Cinnamon: Rooting for Your Roots

More than just a baking essential, cinnamon helps prevent seedling rot and encourages root growth. Its antifungal properties protect young plants from harmful fungi.

A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, like this one, on the soil can keep your seedlings strong.

Turmeric Triumph: Brightening Up Plant Health

This golden spice isn’t just good for you—it’s great for your plants too!

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural antibacterial and antifungal compound that can help fight off soil-borne diseases.

Mix turmeric powder with water and give your plants a healing boost.

Pepper Power: Spicing Away Pests

Pests hate black pepper, making it a natural insect deterrent. Sprinkling it around your plants can keep unwanted bugs at bay.

And a simple spray of finely ground black pepper mixed with water is an easy, chemical-free way to protect your garden.

Untapped Rosemary: Balancing the Bloom

This fragrant herb is a powerhouse for plant health. Its antioxidants improve soil quality, and its strong scent helps repel pests.

Sprinkle dried rosemary around the base of plants, especially those that seem to be struggling to thrive or those that get attacked by pests often.

As a bonus, growing rosemary in your garden will make your outdoor space smell amazing.

Groundbreaking Garlic: Year-Round Defender

A natural defender, garlic contains sulfur compounds that work as an antibiotic and antifungal agent for plants. It also keeps away insects with its strong aroma.

Crushed garlic mixed with water makes a powerful homemade pest repellent spray.

Ginger Genius: Rooting for Resilience

This spicy root isn’t just for tea—it’s a plant booster too.

Ginger strengthens roots, helps plants withstand stress, and fights off harmful bacteria.

Adding a bit of water infused with minced ginger to your garden can work wonders.

Thymely Interventions: Protecting the Precious

Small but mighty, thyme contains thymol, a natural antiseptic that protects plants from bacterial infections.

Steep fresh or dried thyme in boiling water to make a strong brew. Let it cool, and spray it on your plants to help prevent disease and keep pests away.

Plus, its scent confuses pests, keeping them away from your garden.

Sage Wisdom: Nurturing Naturally

True to its wise name, sage has antimicrobial properties that help prevent fungal diseases.

Adding ground sage to your garden can naturally strengthen plant defenses and keep your blooms healthy.

Next time you’re in the kitchen, think about how a dash of spice could help your backyard thrive. Try these simple, natural tricks and watch your plants reap the benefits!

Shopping List

Want to stock up on all these herbs and spices for your yard? Here’s a complete list with clickable links to Amazon:

Craving more?

We think you’ll love these blog posts:

The Surprises In a Jar of Dirt after 200 Days

Fennel Pollen: The Tiny Spice That Packs a Huge Punch in Your Cooking

Why You Really Have to Watch This Story of a Little Farm and Big Dreams

Save to Pinterest

Want to save this post for later? Simply click on the image below to save it to your favorite Pinterest board!

Backyard Pests participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, the ShareASale affiliate program, and other affiliate programs. This means that if you buy a product or service through one of our links, we may receive a small commission from the sale for referring you. Thank you for your support!

Bird Wings vs. Human Engineering: The Ultimate Flight Off!

Bird Wings vs. Human Engineering: The Ultimate Flight Off!

Who wins the battle of the skies when it comes to speed, efficiency, and design: nature’s feathered flyers or human-made marvels? Birds have been soaring for millions of years, while humans took just over a century to master the art of flight. So how do we compare?...

read more
🐦How to Transform Your Yard into a Bird Paradise

🐦How to Transform Your Yard into a Bird Paradise

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen. Imagine your yard alive with the sounds of cheerful chirps and fluttering wings. Research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology confirms that a well-planned yard can dramatically increase bird visits. So, let’s roll up...

read more
Why do Birds Love Standing in the Street?

Why do Birds Love Standing in the Street?

You’d think birds, with their wings and all, would have better places to hang out than smack in the middle of the street. But nope—there they are, loitering like they own the place. Even my toddler calls out to them: "Watch out, birds! Cars are coming!" And yet none...

read more