Have you ever thought about using cinnamon when you’re seed starting tomatoes? Most of you probably think the thought is ridiculous, but the truth is, cinnamon is for more than just sweet treats. Yes, cinnamon can also be used to make sure the tomato plants you start from seed grow into strong, healthy, fruit-bearing plants.
What Kind of Cinnamon Should You Use?
By far, this is what is so exciting: you use the same cinnamon that’s in your cupboard right now. You don’t need to run out and buy cinnamon specials for gardening. If you have cinnamon in your spice rack, you’re good to go.
Why Should You Use Cinnamon?
It’s hard to believe, but cinnamon can really help your garden, particularly for your delicate tomato seedlings. This potent spice acts as a natural antifungal agent, helping to prevent diseases that commonly plague young plants.
Cinnamon works well due to its active compounds, which have proven antifungal and antibacterial properties. The magic of these compounds is they create an inhospitable environment for harmful fungi and bacteria.
How Do You Use Cinnamon on Your Seedlings?
Your box of cinnamon probably has two parts: one that you can use a spoon to dig into the can and another like a salt shaker. You want to open up the part with holes to shake the cinnamon onto your seedlings.
The goal here isn’t to turn everything red like a massacre but to lightly sprinkle the cinnamon around. If you turn the ground red, you’ve used way too much. A little cinnamon goes a long way; you don’t need to use much.
You need to be careful here because you can use too much cinnamon. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a light dusting that barely changes the color of the soil. Think of it as a gentle snowfall rather than a blizzard.
How Often Should You Apply Cinnamon?
You don’t want to apply cinnamon every day. If you go that route, you’ll end up causing harm to your tomato plants. A little dusting of cinnamon is good for your tomato plants once a week. You don’t want to go overboard, but less than once a week, and it’s almost as if you’re not doing anything.
The best way to remember to apply cinnamon is to make it a part of your weekend gardening routine. If you have other things you do on the weekend in your garden, add one more task. Applying cinnamon only takes a few minutes and won’t add too much headache to your already bustling routine.
Don’t Apply Cinnamon If You Notice Adverse Effects
If you notice s wilting, discoloration, or signs of stress in your tomato seedlings after applying cinnamon, it’s essential to stop using it immediately. Flush the soil immediately with plenty of water to get rid of any cinnamon that’s left over. Be careful not to flood your tomato plants, but you do want to ensure that the cinnamon is long gone.
Cinnamon Isn’t Just for Baking Anymore
As you can see, cinnamon has one more use that you never knew of. If you’re curious, give it a shot and see what you think. The worst thing that could happen is that you notice some adverse effects that will leave immediately after you remove the cinnamon.
