Apple cider vinegar for gardening

Top tips for using ACV in the garden!

How is apple cider vinegar made?

Made from the process of fermentation, the juice of apples is mixed with yeast and bacteria. From this, ethanol is made and then added to acid to further ferment.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for many years for a variety of uses. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are great for easing the symptoms of digestive issues, such as IBS and bloating. ACV has also been commonly used for lowering cholesterol levels and encouraging healthy weight loss.

Amongst its many health benefits, apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for cleaning and gardening. The great Greek doctor, Hippocrates, even used ACV to clean the wounds of many as a result of its antibacterial properties.

Due to its antibacterial properties, apple cider vinegar is often a popular choice to use as a natural alternative for cleaning.

How to use apple cider vinegar in the garden?

Use ACV for fertilising your plants

As a result of our ACVs low acidic content, it’s great to use as a fertiliser. Using organic, raw and unfiltered ACV, such as Willy’s, is great for your plants due to it containing pulp which has the highest amount of nutrients for your plants! Simply mix water with your apple cider vinegar and pour it into a sprayer or watering can. Spray this solution at the base of the plant, avoiding watering the leaves as this can often lead to wilting.

Apple cider vinegar for cleaning plant leaves

Did you know that a build-up of dirt on the leaves of your plants can affect growth and photosynthesis? Try mixing a small amount of ACV with water and gently applying it to the leaves with a soft cloth. Not only will this clean the leaves but the smell of the ACV is likely to prevent pests from eating them.

Create an ACV fruit fly trap

Is you garden is constantly getting crowded with fruit flies? Mixing ACV, molasses, sugar and water can act as a fruit fly trap. Place these traps strategically to catch the fruit flies, as the mixture will work as a lure to the insects. Just be sure to periodically remove the dead flies from the trap!

Slug deterrent

Stop slugs taking over your garden by spraying them with ACV! Mixing a small amount of water with a larger amount of vinegar and spraying on the slugs will essentially melt the insects but try to avoid drenching any foliage with the ACV as this could kill the plants.

Clean your rusty garden tools with apple cider vinegar

It’s very common for your garden tools to go rusty over the years and to reduce your temptation to go and purchase some new tools, simply spray some apple cider vinegar to the rusted areas and wipe with a clean cloth. If there is a bigger build of rust, create an ACV soak and leave your tools in it overnight.

ACV weed killer

Our last ‘ACV in the garden top tip’, is that it’s great to use as a weed killer! A safe and effective way to be rid of weeds, add a few cups of apple cider vinegar and some Epsom salt to gallon of water and mix. Spray this mixture directly over the weeds to get the job done!