Who knew that cinnamon had so many great uses in your garden? Believe it or not, ordinary cinnamon can help repel a surprising number of garden pests while also protecting plants from several common diseases.
When insects or plant problems appear, it’s easy to reach for a commercial spray or insecticide. But with so many different products on the shelves, figuring out which one works – and whether it’s safe for beneficial insects, pets, children or even your vegetable plants – can quickly become confusing.
That is one of the reasons we rely on as many natural solutions as possible. And when it comes to simple, inexpensive garden remedies, cinnamon ranks near the top of the list. Its strong aroma naturally discourages many troublesome insects, while its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties can help protect plants and even aid in healing small cuts and damaged stems.
Best of all, cinnamon is easy to apply. Whether you’re trying to keep pests out of your vegetable garden or protect flowers in your landscape, this everyday spice can become one of the most useful tools you have for healthier, stronger plants!
The Amazing Power Of Cinnamon In The Garden
3 Great Ways To Use Cinnamon In The Garden
There are three easy ways to use cinnamon to help protect the plants in your garden and flowerbeds. No matter which method you choose, be sure to reapply it after a heavy rain or about every two weeks to keep it working effectively.
The simplest option is to sprinkle ground cinnamon directly around the base of plants or lightly over the foliage. Cinnamon is completely safe for plant leaves. In fact, because it contains natural antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds, it can actually help protect and seal small cuts, broken stems, and other minor plant wounds.
Another effective option is to make a simple homemade cinnamon spray. Combine two teaspoons of ground cinnamon with four cups of warm water and let the mixture steep overnight.
The following day, strain it through a coffee filter and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Add two or three drops of mild liquid dish soap, then shake well. The soap helps the spray cling to leaves and stems instead of running off. Use it to spray the soil around plants or apply it directly to the foliage whenever needed.
Using Essential Cinnamon Oil
A third method is to use cinnamon essential oil. A few drops can be diluted and used as a spray or mixed lightly into the soil surrounding plants. If you choose this approach, be sure to purchase 100% pure cinnamon essential oil for the best results. Affiliate Link: 100% Pure Cinnamon Oil
Now that we’ve covered the three great ways to use cinnamon – here is a look at some of the pests and issues they can help prevent!
Stopping Slugs
Slugs may move slowly, but they can destroy plants surprisingly fast. These nighttime feeders chew large holes through leaves and can spread diseases as they travel from one plant to another. They especially enjoy crops such as lettuce, cabbage, strawberries, and tomatoes, but few plants are completely safe from their appetite.
Cinnamon offers a simple, natural way to discourage them. Sprinkle a generous band around the base of susceptible plants or along the border of your flowerbeds and garden rows.
As slugs crawl across it, the cinnamon clings to their bodies, creating a barrier they prefer to avoid. It is an inexpensive, chemical-free way to help keep these destructive pests away from your plants.
Using Cinnamon To Stop Ants In The Garden – Or Anywhere!
Although ants are small, large colonies can quickly become a serious problem in both vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. They feed on tender foliage, blooms, and stems, and young seedlings are especially vulnerable to heavy infestations.
Much of the real damage, however, happens underground. Ants build extensive tunnel systems beneath plants, disturbing and exposing root systems in the process. In some cases, they will even feed on fine roots, reducing a plant’s ability to absorb the water and nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
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Fortunately, ants strongly dislike both the smell and gritty texture of cinnamon. Sprinkle a ring of cinnamon around the base of plants, work a light dusting into the surrounding soil, or create a protective border around the edge of an entire flowerbed.
Plants that commonly attract ants, such as peonies, can also be sprayed directly with the homemade cinnamon solution. The scent helps disrupt the ants’ pheromone trails, making it much harder for them and other ants to return.
Using Cinnamon On Other Garden And Flowerbed Pests
While most insects are deterred by cinnamon, there are some larger garden pests that also hate the scent of the spice. Rats, mice, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, moles, and weasels will also stay away when the strong scent of cinnamon is around.
Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon around the edges of your flowerbeds or garden to help deter these larger rodents and pests. The scent will cause the animals to find a different location for their next meal.
Other Benefits Of Using Cinnamon Besides Repelling Pests
Since cinnamon will not harm plants, you can take advantage of its antibacterial qualities and the fact that it’s a natural fungicide. Simply sprinkle the cinnamon directly on the soil, as well as the plants themselves if desired.
The cinnamon will help prevent mildew and mold from appearing on the soil’s surface. It is also noted as being able to help prevent damping off – a fatal issue that attacks new seedlings right after germination.
With all of its benefits, it’s no wonder many gardeners turn the cinnamon to help deter pests and help prevent fungus in their gardens and flowerbeds! For more tips on getting rid of pests with cinnamon, see our article: How To Use Cinnamon To Keep Mice Out Of Your Home, Shed & More!
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Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.