Cornstarch is a natural product used in cooking, but what’s surprising is there are Cornstarch Uses in the Garden. Find them in this article!
Cornstarch is a fine powder obtained from corn. It’s a popular thickening agent in recipes, and you can find it on almost every kitchen shelf. Beyond the kitchen, it’s also used in many home hacks. But do you know this natural ingredient is useful in your yard as well? Continue reading Cornstarch Uses in the Garden below to find out!
Check out our article on Vicks vapoRub uses in the garden here
Cornstarch Uses in the Garden
1. Repel Garden Pests
Sprinkle a layer of Cornstarch on the leaves of plants to get rid of worms. This chemical-free method will suffocate and make it difficult for insects to crawl on stems and leaves.
2. Grow Seeds Faster
If you have planned to grow corn, tomatoes, or beans, then dip their seeds in a corn starch paste before planting. This cornstarch solution will keep the seeds warm and helps seeds to sprout quickly.
3. Improve Sandy Coastal Soil
According to research at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, soil amendment such as corn starch, corn stalk, and cotton meal improve the soil structure and boost root growth.
Corn starch contains the highest amount of dissolved organic carbon leached and soil penetration resistance.
4. Reduce Water Usage
Adding corn starch to container plants helps in restoring the moisture and minimizes the frequent watering needs.
- Mix two tablespoons of corn starch in a one-gallon pot.
- For a five-gallon pot, add 1/4 cup of corn starch.
5. Control of Nitrogen Pollution
High urea inputs in the garden work as a pollutant and damages natural resources. According to a study, using corn starch can reduce the reactive nitrogen pollution caused by the urea application.
6. Effective Against Ants
Cornstarch can be very effective against ants. They get attracted and eat it but can’t digest it and die slowly. Plus, ants’ habit of taking their food back to their colony could ensure the rest of the ants are taken care of too. But it’s a slow process.
See more effective and natural ant killer ideas here
7. Cornstarch Fertilizer
Cornstarch can be a great lawn fertilizer as it contains 10 percent nitrogen – a component that grass wants the most. Take ten pounds of cornstarch or corn gluten and spread it on 1000 square feet of area. Water well and enjoy a lush green lawn with this kitchen ingredient.
8. Treat Powdery Mildew on Plants
Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of non-detergent, liquid soap in one gallon of water and you can use this generously to spray your plants. It would not only rid your plants of the powdery mildew but also help prevent them in the future.
Note: Check the solution on a leaf before using it on the entire plant.
9. Make your Own Clay Garden Stakes
You can use a fun way to label your plants by making your own Cornstarch Clay Garden Stakes!
10. Calms Irritated Skin
If you have a sunburn or any skin irritation from working long hours in the garden, then you can calm it with a cornstarch mixture. Mix three tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a thick consistent paste.
Use a cotton ball to even apply on the affected area and allow it to dry before you wash off with lukewarm water.
11. Soothes Bug Bites
Have you got an itchy bug bite and struggling with the same? Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to form a paste, and apply to the affected area using a cotton ball.
12. Improve Grip
If you need to have a better grip on the handles of all your gardening tools and equipment, you can try dusting them all with some cornstarch and see the grasp get only better!
13. Freshen Rubber Gloves
Sprinkle a little cornstarch in your rubber gloves both before and after gardening. It will make it not only easier to put them on and off but will also prevent the moisture from building up inside and save you from any stinking smell.
14. Get Rid of Oily Stains from Driveway
How to use cornstarch to get rid the ant? Do you just sprinkle the cornstarch to the soil?