Hydrangeas gardening: thriving with homemade natural fertilizers and optimal planting times

You can plant hydrangeas twice a year — during the transition of September to October, and again towards the end of April. These flowers prefer cooler climates and thrive in lightly shaded areas. Cultivating hydrangeas is genuinely simple and rewarding, provided you maintain the proper conditions for growth. The soil quality plays a crucial role here.

Just like conifers, hydrangeas flourish in slightly acidic soil. The optimal pH range for hydrangea growth lies between 4.5 and 6.5. If the soil where the hydrangeas are planted is neutral or alkaline, acidification is required. But don't rush to commercial chemical fertilizers. A better approach is to prepare a natural, organic fertilizer.

Should you regularly consume whole-bean coffee, hold on to the grounds. Coffee grounds slowly acidify the soil. Combine a small amount of them (no more than 20% of the soil volume) with the soil. Repeat this process at least once per month.

Another effective way to acidify the soil around the hydrangeas is through fertilization. Ideally, use homemade fertilizer made from readily available home ingredients. Required ingredients include citric acid or, in its absence, household vinegar will also suffice.

Creating this fertilizer is a breeze. You require 2.6 gallons of water and two tablespoons of citric acid. Dissolve the citric acid thoroughly into the water. For vinegar, the ratio is 1:8 – one part of vinegar to eight parts of water.

The vinegar solution, as well as the citric acid one, can be utilized right after you've prepared it. Simply pour it directly into the soil where the hydrangeas are growing. Remember, however, that fertilizing is not the same as watering. You should fertilize no more than once every two weeks. Over-fertilization can cause hydrangeas to wither and your hard work will be in vain.