Tea Leaves/Bags in Gardening

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by kyleleonard, Jan 14, 2013.

  1. kyleleonard

    kyleleonard Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,428
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Ashton-under-Lyne
    Ratings:
    +950
    Does anyone use used teabags in gardening?

    Does it have any benefits throwing it over plants?

    Cheers :snork:
     
  2. clueless1

    clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2008
    Messages:
    17,778
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Here
    Ratings:
    +19,596
    All our tea bags end up in the compo bin. The gazillion slugs, worms, woodlice, spiders and numerous other miscellaneous bugs don't seem to mind, they just much the lot.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • mowgley

      mowgley Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Aug 16, 2005
      Messages:
      3,564
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Wanna be gardener
      Location:
      Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
      Ratings:
      +6,626
      I empty my used tea bag over any acid loving plants I have in the garden.
      Any left overs go straight into the compost bin!
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Lolimac

        Lolimac Guest

        Ratings:
        +0
        I mostly use loose tea, if i use the bags i empty the tea leaves out and use it as a slug repellent....i've heard say the slugs don't like crawling over it ...same with the coffee from filters....don't have much trouble with our slimy 'friends' so there must be something in it:dbgrtmb:
         
        • Like Like x 2
        • Phil A

          Phil A Guest

          Ratings:
          +0
          The bags themselves are synthetic now, don't rot down so tear them open & put the bags in the non recycling bin.

          I prefered it when they were made out of paper instead of something that will take hundreds of years to break down:sad:
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Val..

            Val.. Confessed snail lover

            Joined:
            Aug 2, 2010
            Messages:
            6,355
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            Hay-on-Wye, Hereford
            Ratings:
            +4,951
            So how dumb is this??? stop using plastic carrier bags but tea bags don't recycle!!!!!!:wallbanging:

            Val
             
          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

            Joined:
            Jan 8, 2008
            Messages:
            17,778
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Here
            Ratings:
            +19,596
            I didn't know that.
             
          • Trunky

            Trunky ...who nose about gardening

            Joined:
            Apr 23, 2011
            Messages:
            2,926
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Professional Gardener (retired)
            Location:
            East Suffolk
            Ratings:
            +10,740
            Don't know what tea bags you're using Zigs, but mine rot down in no time in the compost heap.
            There's something in what Mowgley says about using tea on acid loving plants.
            When I was still using tea leaves instead of bags, I tried emptying the teapot around a Pieris I had growing in a large pot for a while. I've never seen a more healthy looking Pieris!
             
          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

            Joined:
            Jan 8, 2008
            Messages:
            17,778
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Here
            Ratings:
            +19,596
            I've just been googling to see if you can still buy non-posh loose tea. I couldn't find any. I could only find posh companies selling it. A cuppa is supposed to be relaxing, I don't want to worrying about my bank account every time I have a brew:thud:
             
          • clueless1

            clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

            Joined:
            Jan 8, 2008
            Messages:
            17,778
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Here
            Ratings:
            +19,596
            Found some. Ringtons (who deliver our tea bags) apparently sell sensibly priced loose tea. Seems like a good excuse to buy myself a new tea pot.
             
          • Lolimac

            Lolimac Guest

            Ratings:
            +0
             
            • Like Like x 1
            • clueless1

              clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

              Joined:
              Jan 8, 2008
              Messages:
              17,778
              Gender:
              Male
              Location:
              Here
              Ratings:
              +19,596
              Dint see Yorkshire tea on'tinterweb.
               
            • Victoria

              Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

              Joined:
              Jun 9, 2006
              Messages:
              31,244
              Occupation:
              Lady of Leisure
              Location:
              Messines, Algarve
              Ratings:
              +55,156
              I use both tea leaves (mostly mint with me but some Earl Grey) and coffee grounds (from a proper machine).
               
            • Lolimac

              Lolimac Guest

              Ratings:
              +0
              Told you it want posh:biggrin:
               
              • Like Like x 1
              • Grannie Annie

                Grannie Annie Total Gardener

                Joined:
                Aug 7, 2012
                Messages:
                2,880
                Gender:
                Female
                Location:
                Lincolnshire
                Ratings:
                +2,631
                I don't drink tea but do drink lots of filter coffee - great tip about using it to deter slugs - lookout Hostas you'd better start liking coffee (my hostas are always plagued with the little demons).
                 
                • Like Like x 1
                Loading...

                Share This Page

                1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                  By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                  Dismiss Notice