Transform your hydrangeas: Secret pine cone fertilizer revealed
Hydrangeas, along with roses, are among the most popular garden plants. How should you care for them after winter to ensure they bloom lushly, remain healthy, and dazzle with flowers? You can create an effective fertilizer at home.
To ensure that hydrangeas thrive, they need appropriate conditions. Already planted shrubs require proper pruning, fertilization, and adequate water supply.
Watering hydrangeas is crucial for their healthy growth. These plants prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. It's best to water them in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding intense sunlight. During dry spells, it's advisable to mist the shrubs additionally to maintain the proper soil moisture level. Regular watering ensures lush blooming and a healthy appearance for hydrangeas.
Spring care for hydrangeas
Pruning hydrangeas is essential for their aesthetics and health. Garden hydrangeas are best pruned from March to April, removing damaged parts and last year's flowers. Panicle hydrangeas, which bloom on new shoots, should be pruned in March or early April. Cutting above the "fourth bud" encourages abundant blooming.
Hydrangeas require fertile, slightly acidic soil. Fertilization is crucial for their growth. Homemade supplements, such as solutions made from kefir or apple cider vinegar, can provide necessary nutrients. However, these are not the only effective ways to make hydrangea shrubs impressive.
Unexpected uses of pine cones - try it, you won't regret it
It turns out that among the best homemade supplements for hydrangeas is a decoction made from pine cones. Just gather ten cones, pour water over them, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. After that, let the decoction cool, and finally, strain the supplement from the cones. After this process, measure one cup of pine cone decoction and mix it with one gallon of water at room temperature. Water the hydrangeas with the resulting liquid every two weeks.
Pine cones can also be used to prepare fertilizer for cold use. Crush the same number of cones with a hammer. Then pour four liters (about 1 gallon) of cold water over the resulting powder. Cover the mixture with gauze, tie with a string, and place in a shaded area for three weeks. Stir the solution every few days. After the designated time, strain the fertilizer from the pine cone powder through a sieve. Water the hydrangeas every two weeks.
