Hydrangea blossoms even in coldest winters after being treated with white liquor.
In the world of gardening, keeping hydrangeas blooming profusely is a delight for many. Here's a simple guide on how to use kefir, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice to help your hydrangeas thrive.
According to the "Garden, Orchard, and Vegetable Patch" channel, one method for fertilizing hydrangeas is by using a white liquid fertilizer. This homemade solution is made by mixing 2 liters of kefir with 10 liters of water. While the channel discusses additional methods for hydrangea fertilization, it does not detail the specific benefits of using acidic fertilizers like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Kefir, a probiotic-rich drink, acts as a natural source of beneficial microbes and mild nutrients when used as a fertilizer. Dilute kefir with water (roughly 1 part kefir to 10 parts water) and apply to the base of hydrangeas to enrich the soil microbiome. This can potentially improve soil health and nutrient uptake, promoting bloom growth.
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice, being acidic, can lower soil pH. Hydrangea bloom color and health are influenced by soil pH: more acidic soil favors blue flowers, while alkaline soil favors pink. To encourage abundant blooming and possibly blue blooms, dilute 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in 1 gallon of water and apply to the soil around your hydrangeas. However, do so sparingly to avoid stressing the plant with excessive acidity.
Timing is crucial when fertilizing hydrangeas. Fertilize twice a year, once in mid to late spring and again in mid-summer (when leaves are fully out), to promote strong blooming cycles. Traditional hydrangea fertilizers have a bloom-boosting nutrient ratio, but natural acidifiers like vinegar or lemon juice adjust bloom color and soil condition rather than directly providing nutrients.
It's essential to follow the instructions for using any fertilizer to achieve the best results. For the white liquid fertilizer, after watering, apply the solution to the moist soil around the hydrangea bushes. The specific benefits of using this fertilizer for hydrangeas are not detailed in the provided information.
While the article does not provide information about the effects of acidic fertilizers on other types of plants beyond hydrangeas, it's always a good idea to test your soil's pH to maintain appropriate levels. For blue blooms, aim for a pH around 5.5, and for pink blooms, aim for a pH between 6.5 and 7.
Remember, the white liquid fertilizer is not the only method for fertilizing hydrangeas. The "Garden, Orchard, and Vegetable Patch" channel discusses three methods for hydrangea fertilization. If you prefer alternatives to kefir, apple cider vinegar (20g per 10L of water) or lemon juice (1 tbsp per 5L of water) can be used as substitutes for watering hydrangea bushes.
In conclusion, using diluted kefir as a mild natural fertilizer, diluted apple cider vinegar or lemon juice occasionally to lower soil pH and improve bloom color and abundance, and fertilizing in mid to late spring and mid-summer for best bloom performance can help ensure your hydrangeas bloom profusely all season. However, avoid over-acidifying, and test your soil if possible to maintain appropriate pH levels.
Maintaining a healthy home-and-garden lifestyle includes proper care for hydrangeas, as a delight for many in the world of gardening. Diluted kefir can be used as a natural source of beneficial microbes and mild nutrients to enrich the soil microbiome around hydrangeas, potentially improving soil health and nutrient uptake, which contributes to bloom growth.
In addition to kefir, diluted apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be applied to the soil around hydrangeas to lower soil pH, influencing bloom color and health, as more acidic soil favors blue flowers, while alkaline soil favors pink.
