If you’re looking to upgrade your garden for summer, there’s one unusual gardening hack that could have major benefits. According to Farm Flavour, using soda in your garden will add extra acidity to the soil which could mean your gardenia blooms will grow perfectly. But make sure you don’t overdo it with this garden hack as a little bit of soda will go a long way.
It says you should give them a little drink at the beginning of the season and only repeat once more for the best results. May is the best time of year to get out into your garden and get your outdoor space ready for summer.
The flower of Gardenia is renowned for the sumptuous, rich perfume of its beautiful large white blooms, shown off to perfection against glossy dark evergreen leaves.
Depending on the variety, the flower can grow either as an indoor plant or in the garden.
Originating from China, and named after the botanist Alexander Garden, Gardenia jasminoides has been grown as a greenhouse plant for over 200 years and was once a common house plant.
More recently, with the development and breeding of hardier varieties, gardenia can now be grown as an outdoor plant in sheltered sites or mild areas.
Indoor gardenias can be tricky to grow as they are exacting in their requirements while outdoor varieties of gardenia are more straightforward to grow although still need care in their siting and maintenance.
Gardenias start to decline after about five years old and are best replaced with new plants.
According to Gardenine, you should replace regular water with club soda or flat CocaCola in your watering can at least once every two to four weeks to boost your plant’s growth and vibrancy.
You should use one part soda to three parts water – too much can overwhelm plants. Make sure to water plants one or two times per month with the soda mixture.
Avoid using soda water on newly sprouted seedlings, as it may be too harsh so this could damage the plants.
Benefits may include increased flowers and fruit production, as phosphorus is vital for roots, seeds, fruit, and flowers – CocaCola’s phosphoric acid can boost blooms and yields. However, it’s advisable for acid-loving plants, while alkaline-loving plants need careful pH monitoring if using CocaCola.