Do you often have leftover lemonade that quickly goes stale?
Instead of just throwing them away, there is a surprising way to put them to another use.
Neil Mckenzie, a home and garden expert at Halton Stairlifts, told us that leftover sodas can be effectively reused in the garden.
Even better, this item costs just 49p at Asda or just 49p at Sainsbury’s.
However, it is best to dilute the lemonade with water before applying it to plants to prevent sugar buildup, which can attract pests, reports the Express.
Also, avoid using too much lemonade in one place, as too much sugar can attract unwanted insects and animals.
And finally, regular sodas work best; diet alternatives don’t contain sugar, and dark cola contains dyes that can cause stains. Let’s look at how you can reuse leftover cola:.
Fertilize plants.
Mckenzie suggested, “Use carbonated beverages to give plants a sugar boost, especially houseplants or acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. The sugar content can help promote microbial activity in the soil.”
Weed killer.
Use carbonated drinks on driveways and walkways to “kill weeds.” The sugar in these drinks “attracts microorganisms that produce waste,” which can kill the plants.
Compost accelerator.
Pouring leftover soda into your compost can help “speed up” the decomposition process. The sugar feeds microorganisms and helps them break down organic matter faster.
Snail trap.
Slugs and snails are attracted to the sugar in sodas. “Pour some into a shallow bowl and place it in the garden,” he suggested.
The pests are “attracted” and caught.
Insect spray.
Mix soda with liquid soap to make a “natural bug spray” to keep aphids and other small insects away from your plants.
Flower preservatives.
Add sparkling drinks to water in a vase to help cut flowers stay fresh longer. The sugar nourishes the stems and extends their lifespan.
Improve the health of your lawn.
Mckenzie explained, “Spraying diluted lemonade on your lawn can encourage lush growth. The sugar feeds beneficial microbes in the soil.”
Clean garden tools.
Use carbonated drinks like Coke to clean rusty or dirty garden tools. “Its acidic properties help remove rust and dirt,” he added.
Revitalize compost heaps.
Mckenzie recommends: “If your compost pile is dry or slow to decompose, adding soda ash can add moisture and nutrients and help the organic material break down faster.”
Increase the acidity of the soil.
Mckenzie said, “Use carbonated drinks on acid-loving plants to slightly lower the pH of the soil. This is beneficial for plants such as hydrangeas, gardenias and rhododendrons.”
