One of the components can be used to care for plants in the best possible way.
Matches were a very important invention for humanity as they made it easy to light a fire in any situation. And although that is their main function, they can also be used for other things, such as caring for plants.
Putting matches in a flower pot can prevent one of the biggest problems when caring for plants. However, there are a few steps to follow to do this correctly, as well as being careful with an object that can be dangerous in some situations.
In the past, matches were made with phosphorus during the manufacturing process. This element was used to fertilise plants. With the change in their components, this is no longer their function in pots, but they do have another function that is very helpful.
With the new way of manufacturing them and the mixture of components used for matches, a sulphur smell is produced that manages to keep away the small flies that often attack plants, causing them to deteriorate.
The only step to follow to achieve this result is to place several matches in the soil of the pot with the tip for lighting them inside and the stick sticking out. It is important that these matches are unused; they must be new in order to have this effect on the flies.
What matches are used for: changes in their components and manufacturing process
Matches have been used for centuries to light fires in different situations. However, matches as we know them today date back to the early 19th century, although there were quite a few differences compared to today’s matches.
The main difference is that the first matches were made with white phosphorus, until scientific studies determined that it was toxic, so its use was banned and that component was replaced by red phosphorus, which did not present a toxicity risk when used.
Currently, there are integral matches and safety matches. The main difference is that the former can be lit on any surface, while the latter can only be lit by rubbing them against the matchbox.
Many of the brands that sell this product no longer manufacture it with real phosphorus. The process has been changed and components such as vegetable oil have been added to make it less toxic, while maintaining its main function, which is to light a fire.
When purchasing matches, it is important to understand the danger of having this product near minors or in hazardous situations such as places with gas leaks or near easily flammable substances. Although their use is usually safe, a moment of distraction can cause a fire and result in significant damage.
Putting matches in a flowerpot: other home remedies for garden care
We often spend an unnecessary amount of money on commercial garden care products when, in some cases, natural and homemade solutions can be used to achieve the same result.
Mixing coffee with banana peels is an example of reusing products to make a homemade fertiliser. Instead of throwing them away after consumption, you can save them and combine them to make a homemade garden care product.
Banana peels provide various minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are vital for proper plant growth. Coffee, on the other hand, is high in nitrogen, which strengthens roots.
Another way to reuse used coffee is to mix it with eggshells, which will absorb the acidity of the soil and can be a natural ally in eliminating pests and improving plant fertilisation.
Finally, if you boil onion skins and allow the liquid to cool, it can be used to provide different nutrients to plants, helping their leaves to grow with greater vitality and colour.
