The Benefits of Using Cinnamon in Your Garden: Natural Fungus Control, Rooting Aid & Pest Repellent
You might know cinnamon as that cozy spice you sprinkle on oatmeal or mix into your coffee, but did you know it can actually help your plants thrive? If you’re new to gardening or just testing the waters, this is one of those simple, low-effort tricks that feel like magic.
The Seedling Struggle: What is damping off? (And how to stop it before it kills your seedlings)
Damping-off can be a gardener’s nightmare. It’s a fungal disease that attacks young seedlings at the root, causing them to wilt, collapse, and eventually die. Psssst….cinnamon can fix that.
What It Looks Like:
Seedlings suddenly fall over at the soil line.
Stems look thin, mushy, or discolored.
Leaves may turn yellow or brown before the plant dies.
What Causes It:
Overwatering (fungus thrives in damp conditions).
Poor air circulation.
Contaminated soil or tools.
How to Prevent It:
Use sterile soil and clean pots.
Avoid overwatering—let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Sprinkle cinnamon on the soil (it’s a natural antifungal!).
Ensure good airflow with a fan or by spacing plants properly.
Accidentally overwatered your seedlings? Sprinkle cinnamon to prevent damping off.
But it doesn’t stop there. Cinnamon is useful for so many reasons in the garden:
It helps cuttings root – If you’re trying to grow from scraps or plant babies, a little cinnamon on the stem can encourage root growth.
It keeps bugs in check – Cinnamon can deter ants and some soft-bodied pests. Dealing with fungus gnats? Sprinkle cinnamon on the top soil of your potted plants you might have overwatered.
It boosts plants’ immunity – cinnamon has immune boosting properties that can help new seedlings fight off diseases and infections.
Pro tip: Use cinnamon sticks as mulch for a slow-release effect.
Give your seedlings a head start with immunity boosting cinnamon.
How to Use It:
Just sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of your soil after planting seeds. You can also dust it on plant cuttings before sticking them in water or soil. Ants? Sprinkle in garden beds or herb boxes to interfere with their scent trails, and ants just find it irritating. It’s safe, cheap, and chemical-free.
No Green Thumb Required
This is one of those gardening hacks that doesn’t require any fancy tools or deep knowledge, just a spice jar from your kitchen. It’s easy, natural, and beginner-approved. So next time you’re planting, give your garden a little shake of cinnamon love.
WHO’S TRYING THIS? LET ME KNOW HOW IT WORKS FOR YOU!
