Vinegar isn’t just for cooking; it can be a versatile tool for gardeners. Here are ten ways you can use white vinegar to enhance and protect your garden:
1. Repel Cats
Keep neighborhood cats out of your flower beds and vegetable rows by spraying vinegar around the perimeter of your garden. The scent will deter them from digging.
2. Natural Weed Killer
Fight pesky weeds without harmful chemicals. Mix vinegar, dish soap, and salt to create an effective and safe weed killer. Spray directly onto the weeds for best results.
3. Clean Rusty Tools
Restore your garden tools by soaking them in a vinegar solution. This will help remove rust and keep your tools in top condition without the need for harsh scrubbing.
4. Test Your Soil
Determine your soil’s pH balance using vinegar. Pour a small amount on the soil and watch for fizzing. This reaction indicates alkaline soil. For acidic soil, the lack of fizz means it’s balanced or acidic.
5. Clean Copper Surfaces
If you have copper decorations in your garden, vinegar can help restore their shine. Use a vinegar solution to clean off any verdigris and bring back their original luster.
6. Restore Clay Pots
Remove unsightly mineral deposits from terracotta pots by soaking them in vinegar. This will help keep your pots looking fresh and new.
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