Use Tea Bags to Give Azaleas the Acid They Love

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated June 13, 2022)

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The word acid usually has a negative connotation. Speaking of acid brings images of things melting away, which is partially true, since things that are really acidic can burn things away, but most acid is not that strong. Acid, however, is usually not a good thing to have in your garden. Most plants want a more basic soil to help them grow, so you want to get the acid out of the soil.

Azaleas are a very different plant. Azaleas, rather than dying with acid, grow better. They love having very acidic soil, but it can be difficult to raise the acid level in the soil, especially without damaging the other plants in the area. If you are trying to raise azaleas, and want a quick and easy way to add acidity to the soil, you have come to the right place.

One common household item that has just about the amount of acid your azaleas need is tea. Tea is great for a warm drink when you are cold, or need something refreshing when you are feeling a little sick. Unfolded tea bags can also be used for some neat tricks. But something that you have probably never thought to do is put a regular tea bag in the soil. The acidity in the tea bag will seep into the soil and raise the level of acid and make the plants happy.

To raise the acidity in the soil, just take the tea bag and cover it just a little bit with soil. One tea bag should raise the acidity of the soil for about a week. Replace the bag every week to keep the acidity raised high enough to make your azaleas grow. If you need to, you can use two tea bags to raise the acidity level even more.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

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What is two more than 4?

2018-07-17 01:57:03

Yan Koek

Definitely will use on blueberries great tip but ive heard that honey made from azalea flowers is poisonous with so many flowers out there why use them bees ussualy keep away from azaleas ?


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