Tea bags can be used in a variety of ways in the garden as they hold some hidden benefits you might not be aware of
Ellen Jenne U35 Spare Time Writer
10:01, 21 Oct 2025
Tea bags can be used in a variety of ways in the garden as they hold some hidden benefits you might not be aware of(Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)
Tea ranks amongst Britain’s most beloved beverages, but before discarding those used tea bags after your next brew, gardeners should pause and reconsider. Budding gardeners ought to explore various applications for tea bags in their outdoor spaces, as these humble items possess remarkable hidden advantages that many overlook, reports the Express.
Whether utilising spent tea bags or emptying their contents directly onto soil, tea leaves can assist with numerous gardening challenges, from nourishing plants to repelling unwanted pests, and even serving as a natural weed killer.
According to Chris Ware from Climbing Wild Gardeners, tea bags contain abundant tannic acid and nutrients that enhance soil quality. He said: “Tea bags contain beneficial compounds that improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide plants with essential nutrients.”
Tea bags can be used as an effective natural fertiliser(Image: Getty)Natural fertiliser
Tea bags function as highly effective plant food since they supply vital nutrients to earth as they break down, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These elements can enhance soil composition, boost moisture retention, and marginally reduce soil pH levels, benefiting plants that thrive in acidic conditions.
The tannins present in tea can additionally help repel particular pests whilst preventing fungal development.
The Art of Tea noted: “As the tea leaves and bag begin to break down and decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that helps plants retain water and thrive.”
Pest deterrent
Positioning used tea bags around cherished plants and blooms can help protect against ravenous pests. They prove particularly useful for deterring creatures like slugs and snails that enjoy feasting on foliage.
Place used tea bags directly on the soil in your flowerbeds and vegetable patches, and the tea’s potent aroma will deter them. They can also be used to target larger pests, such as cats and foxes.
To prevent the animals from digging up plants and destroying any roots or bulbs, place the tea bags in the areas where they would likely dig. Lightly cover the tea bags with a sprinkle of soil to conceal them while they work to deter pests.
Composting
Tea bags can also be used to help create compost for the garden. This is because the tea is rich in nitrogen, which aids organic matter in decomposing faster, and they add nutrients like potassium and phosphorus.
You’ll need to ensure that the tea bags themselves are fully compostable, or you can pour the tea leaves directly into the compost pile. As tea leaves contain very concentrated amounts of certain nutrients, they’re best used for plants that thrive in acidic soil.
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