When gardeners harvest tomatoes, the question often remains: what to do with the tops?
Many people simply throw it away, not suspecting that this green part of the plant can be useful and even a valuable resource.
Tomato tops, being rich in nutrients and natural compounds, can find a variety of uses in the garden and around the home.
Composting and soil improvement
Tomato tops are an excellent component for a compost heap. Due to their high organic content, they decompose and enrich the soil with valuable nutrients.
This creates a rich compost that can be used to improve the structure and nutritional properties of the soil.
It is important to remember that tomato tops, like other plant waste, should be finely chopped and evenly distributed in the compost heap to ensure rapid decomposition.
Natural insecticide
Many gardeners use tomato tops to make a natural insecticide.
The alkaloids it contains have insecticidal properties, which allows it to effectively combat pests.
To do this, the tops are poured with water and infused for several days. The resulting infusion can be used to treat plants, protecting them from insect pests.
Mulching and plant protection
Tomato tops can also be used as mulch. Mulching with tops helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents weed growth, and protects the root system of plants from overheating.
By spreading chopped tops around plants, you can significantly improve their growing conditions and increase yields.
Useful infusions and decoctions
Tomato tops can be used to make infusions and decoctions, which are used as fertilizer for plants.
These infusions are rich in microelements and useful substances that promote the growth and development of crops. The use of such solutions is especially useful for vegetable beds and greenhouses.
Protection from diseases
Tomato tops help fight fungal diseases. The prepared infusion can be used for preventive treatment of plants.
This is especially important for gardeners who want to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and maintain the ecological purity of their harvest.
Natural Flavors and Fertilizers
Some gardeners use tomato tops to create natural flavors and fertilizers.
Dried and crushed tops can be a great ingredient for making homemade fertilizers. These mixtures help improve soil structure and promote healthy plant growth.
Earlier we talked about how to use old newspapers at your dacha.
