Despite the black title at the top of this article, this has nothing to do with seminal Manchester group, the Stone Roses! Cinnamon is a great aromatic spice that has been used in cooking for thousands of years, with origins dating back to 2700 BC. Cinnamon has been recognised by many over the years to have medicinal benefits. This pungent spice can be found in most supermarkets making it easy to get hold of. So, did you know… cinnamon has also got plenty of benefits in the garden?Killing Ants:
Ants are common pests in the garden, and it doesn’t take long until your garden is overrun by a colony. Using cinnamon to kill ants is great… no need for harmful chemicals, plus it isn’t harmful to pets or children. The Cinnamon kills ants because it’s a powdery substance, once inhaled by ants will cause suffocation… the aroma can also make it hard for insects to smell food. Overthrow Fungus:
When ground cinnamon is sprinkled on to soil it will eliminate any fungi that it comes into contact with. Unfortunately, this will only work with surface level fungi… so other solutions will be needed for fungi in the soil.Protect Seedlings:
The antifungal properties in cinnamon make it a great tool for protecting seedlings from rot and disease, also known as damping off. Keeping moisture at bay is key; dusting the seeds with cinnamon and using a doming tactic can protect the seeds until they grow.Heal Plants:
Try sprinkling cinnamon on a plant wound (from cutting or other damage) to speed up the healing process and protect it from further damage or disease.Keeping Mosquitos Away:
Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon around your plants to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. They don't like the strong smell of cinnamon, so you can enjoy your garden (even at night) in peace.
