Always on the hunt for the next big gardening secret? Well, you’re in luck. Today, let me share why some gardeners swear by burying a coin in their plant soil.
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Why Bury a Coin in Your Plants?
Ever heard of gardeners doing this age-old practice? You might be wondering, “Why on earth would they?” Turns out, many see a handful of perks, especially with copper coins.
These coins are believed to have unique properties, such as their antifungal capabilities and their knack for warding off some pests. Now, let’s dive into the most popular reasons gardeners are doing this.
The Breakdown: What’s the Deal with Coins in Soil?
Keeping Slugs and Snails at Bay
Slugs and snails – they’re among the most common nuisances in our gardens. We’re always on the lookout for effective ways to fend them off. You might recall that copper can be a trusty ally against these critters.
Now, you might be piecing things together! Burying a coin can create a protective barrier. The coin gives off a static shock that deters these pesky intruders.
Besides scattering coins here and there, you can also glue a few on a ball (about the size of a baseball [or a cricket ball for our non-U.S. pals]) to make a potent barrier. Pop that in a slug-favorite spot, and watch the magic happen!
Boosting Plant Growth: The Copper Advantage
Research suggests that copper is essential for plant health and chlorophyll production. But our garden soil can be either too acidic or too alkaline, often leading to lower copper levels.
The solution? Just pop a few coins into the soil. It’s an easy way to promote healthier plant growth. But here’s a heads-up: don’t go overboard.
Stick to about 3-4 pennies per pot (or pot roughly 6-8 inches [15-20 cm] in diameter). Too much copper might backfire and harm the plants.
And hey, these coins can boost soil quality too!
Warding Off Fungal Diseases
Besides keeping pests at bay, copper also acts as a fungicide. This metal is a trusted friend against bacteria and fungi. So, consider burying some coins in your garden or plant pots.
It’s a preventive measure against fungal diseases. Gardeners often use this trick for plants like tomatoes and lettuce, among others.
Choosing the Right Coin: It Matters
But wait! Not just any coin will do. Even though this gardening tip sounds fun, coin composition is crucial. See, not all coins are created equal. If you’re thinking of giving this a try, you’ll want coins rich in copper.
Your best bet? Go for older coins. Newer ones are made of mixed metals and have less copper content, so they won’t do the trick. Aim for coins from the ’90s or earlier.