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The Many Ways Sugar Can Help Your Garden Thrive
By AJ ATTIA
Control Nematodes
Nematodes attack the roots of a plant, stunting its growth. When they consume sugar, however, their egg production decreases — excessive intake even kills them.
Simply sprinkle grains of sugar near the infected plants, or dissolve ½ cup of the sweetener in a gallon of water and pour it near the plants. Only apply every 10 to 14 days.
Lure Pollinators
Pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies feed on flower nectar but also relish the taste of sucrose, as it's easy to digest and quick to release energy.
To feed hummingbirds and butterflies, dissolve one part of sugar into four parts of water and put it in a feeder. Bees, however, prefer syrup with even amounts of sugar and water.
Remove Nutsedge
Since pulling out nutsedge plants increases the number of new shoots, wipe them out with sugar, as it causes the microorganisms under the soil to become hyperactive.
The microorganisms then consume the soil's nitrogen and deplete other nutrients around the sedge. Mix a cup of sugar in a gallon of water and apply it near the plant's roots.
Revive Plants
Sugar boosts the number of beneficial microorganisms that feed the plant and acts as a substitute for glucose that the leaves make when processing light.
To revive plants, add one part of table sugar to four parts of lukewarm water and feed the greenery in moderation. Water the area around the base lightly, just enough to dampen it.
Remove Weeds
Sugar can get rid of weeds in your lawn and garden. The granules deplete the nitrogen in the soil, leaving little nutrients for any undesirable plants.
It's more effective against nitrogen-hungry varieties like chickweed. Simply spread a cup of granulated sugar around the roots of the weeds, replenishing the sugar every few days.