Hydrangea flowers truly dazzle in the summertime, and there's a simple trick to achieve even more spectacular and plentiful blooms without spending a penny. expert Katie Femia, founder of The Homespun Hydrangea, has explained that orange peels can be transformed into a homemade fertiliser - giving acid-loving plants like hydrangeas a significant boost.

She explained: "Orange peels will help feed the soil and create a healthy foundation for your plants. Plus, orange peels are great for your budget since they offer you FREE food." Packed with nutrients beneficial to such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, orange peels can aid in cultivating larger and more robust blooms.

READ MORE:

Hydrangeas have a preference for slightly acidic soil conditions to flourish, and orange peels not only enhance soil quality but can also affect the hue of the blossoms, turning them an exceptionally vivid blue.

Yet, perhaps one of the greatest advantages of using orange peels as fertiliser during the summer months is their strong scent, which can deter a variety of pests with highly sensitive noses.

Oranges have long been recognised as a natural and harmless deterrent against garden invaders like aphids, ants, rodents, and even cats, , reports .

What you'll need:

Start by collecting orange peels in a container or bowl, and once you've amassed a sufficient amount, give them a rinse to wash away any potential chemicals lingering on the peels.

Place wax paper on a baking tray to keep the orange peels from adhering to the tray, then spread the peels out in a single layer without piling them up.

Heat your oven to a low setting, such as 140C, pop the tray into the oven, and allow the orange peels to bake for approximately 90 to 120 minutes.

Katie shared: "I like to check on the peels every 30 minutes to see how they are doing. This way you can see if they are ready to come out or need a little more time. Oh, and the house will start to smell really good during the drying process! In about two hours, you will have orange chips."

Following the cooking process, it's time to transform the peels into an ultra-fine fertiliser. Pulverise them using either a food processor or the old-fashioned way by placing them in a sandwich bag and giving them a good pounding with a rolling pin.

Once pulverised, transfer the peels into a sealable container and sprinkle the contents around your hydrangeas or bury them beside the plants.

Katie added: "In no time, your soil will be soaking this stuff right up! It will enrich the soil and add to the acidity, making your plants thrive!"