Home & Garden expert Neil Mckenzie from Halton Stairlifts has revealed that the leftover dregs of fizzy drinks can be effectively repurposed in your garden rather than poured down the drain.
The sugary remnants can be added to compost bins to speed up the decomposition process, as the sugar content nourishes beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter more efficiently.
Below are ways you can put that leftover coke to use…
Fertilise Plants: Use fizzy drinks to give plants a sugar boost, especially houseplants or acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. The sugar content can help promote microbial activity in the soil.
Compost Accelerator: Pouring leftover fizzy drinks into your compost can speed up the decomposition process. The sugar feeds microorganisms, helping them break down organic matter more quickly.
Slug and Snail Trap: Slugs and snails are attracted to the sugar in fizzy drinks. Pour some into a shallow dish and place it in the garden. Pests will be drawn to it and get trapped.
Bug Spray: Mix fizzy drinks with liquid soap to create a natural insect spray. This can deter aphids and other small insects from your plants.
Weed Killer: Use fizzy drinks on driveways and paths to kill weeds. The sugar in these drinks attracts microorganisms that produce waste, which can kill the plants.
Flower Preservative: Add fizzy drinks to water in a vase to keep cut flowers fresh longer. The sugar feeds the stems, prolonging their life.
Boost Lawn Health: Spraying diluted fizzy drinks on your lawn can promote lush growth. The sugar feeds beneficial microbes in the soil.
Clean Garden Tools: Use fizzy drinks like cola to clean rusty or dirty garden tools. Its acidic properties help remove rust and grime.
Revitalise Compost Pile: If your compost pile is dry or slow, adding soda can introduce moisture and nutrients, helping to break down the organic material faster.
Enhance Soil Acidity: Use fizzy drinks on acid-loving plants to lower the pH of the soil slightly. This is beneficial for plants like hydrangeas, gardenias, and rhododendrons.
Tips for Use
Dilution: It’s best to dilute fizzy pop with water before using it on plants to avoid sugar build-up that can attract pests.
Caution: Avoid using too much pop in one spot, as excessive sugar can attract unwanted insects and animals.
Type of Soda: Regular fizzy drinks work best; diet options lack sugar, and dark “colas” contain dyes that could stain.