Almost everything has an expiration date, but some can be used for the betterment of plants. Read on to learn all about Expired Baby Food Uses.
Rich in energy, protein, fats, carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, and sodium, baby food is a powerhouse of nutrients that remains potent even after it is old and is not advised to use for kids. Here are some helpful Expired Baby Food Uses in the garden that will benefit your plants greatly!
Here’s all the information on using expired medicines in your garden
How Baby Food Can Be Helpful for Plants?
Baby food formulas are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Panthothenic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin k, Nicotinic Acid & Vitamin E.
- They also have fat content ranging from 18.0 to 27.7 g/100g.
- Their protein content ranges from 13.5 to 24.7 g/100g.
- Carbohydrate, the major energy source, is rated at 55g/100g in baby food.
All this can prove a vital source of energy for the plants, and instead of throwing an expired baby food away, you must definitely use it in your garden!
Expired Baby Food Uses
1. Use it As a Fertilizer
As mentioned above, baby food is rich in many nutrients, so you can try feeding your plants with it in the following ways:
- Add 1-2 scoops in the planting hole when transplanting.
- Add 2-3 scoops in 2 liters of water, stir well, and use this solution to water the plants once in 4-6 weeks.
Learn some brilliant DIY fertilizer recipes here
2. Get Greener Leaves By Using it as a Foliar Spray
The rich calcium content in baby milk can help plants prevent rotting and grow well, directly impacting the health and color of the foliage.
- Add 1-2 scoops of baby food powder to a liter of water, mix well, and spray this solution evenly on the leaves. Let it sit for 20-30 mins, and then wash the remaining solution with water. Do this once a month and notice the results.
Note: It is essential that you wash/wipe the excess solution off the leaves to avoid attracting pests. Also, do not expose the plant to direct sunlight during this procedure.
Find some fantastic uses of milk in the garden here
3. Treat Calcium Deficiency
Plants require calcium for overall growth and fruit production. Any calcium deficiency can cause stunted growth and no to less fruiting. Baby food contains vitamin B, calcium, and some other beneficial proteins that boost plant growth.
- Add 1-2 scoops of baby food powder to the growing medium, mix well, and water as usual. Do this once a month.
- Add 2-3 scoops in 2 liters of water, stir well, and use this solution to water the plants once in 4-6 weeks.
Learn more on amending the soil with calcium-rich compounds here
4. Use it to Get Rid of Pests
As we all know, using milk is one of the best ways to prevent the growth of major pests in the growing medium. Baby food powder has milk as the main content; it can work similarly.
You can also use it on roses to battle black spots caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae.
You can also use it to cure blossom end rot problem, which occurs in the tomato family plants.
For this, add 2-3 scoops of baby food powder in 2 liters of water, stir well, and spray this solution on the affected areas of the plant.
Learn more about treating black spots on rose plants here
5. Keep Your Plants Shining
Use expired baby formula to keep your houseplant leaves shining. Make a solution by mixing 1 scoop of baby food powder in a liter of water. Spray onto the leaves, wait for 20-30 minutes, and then use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves squeaky clean.
Want glossy leaves? Learn more here
6. Use it to Boost Soil Health
Research by Bridgett Jamison Hilshey and Sid Bosworth states that soil sprayed with milk stays disease-free even in the presence of seasonal pathogens and destructive soil insects.
As baby food is rich in milk content, it would be a wise move to treat the garden or potting soil every once in a while. To do so, add 1-2 scoops of baby food powder to the growing medium when planting. You can also add 1-2 scoops in the topsoil and aerate well.
Alternatively, add 2-3 scoops of baby food powder to 2 liters of water, stir well, and use this solution to water the soil once in 6-8 weeks.
