Did you know that human hair may actually be used as a plant fertilizer? That little nugget I learned while watching a PBS master gardening show. I also use our pets’ fur in our gardens and get the same effect. Many other benefits of using hair (or fur) to fertilize gardens are as follows:
1) animal repellant for rodents, rabbits, and deer. These critters can smell your scent (or a pet’s scent) and think there is a predator nearby. Hair will keep the scent of a person for about two or three weeks, so be sure to put more on when you get your hair cut or get yourself a furminator.
2) keeps the soil loose and is a natural mulch
3) keeps snails away
4) can be a weed deterrent when mixed with mulch
5) can be helpful in growing juicy tomatoes as chemicals can make the tomato skins thin
Growing organic food is a delicious summertime treat as plants need potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which hair is rich in. So next time you are giving a haircut (I cut my son’s hair) or getting one, keep those hair clippings and show those plants some love. You will be rewarded with healthier plants that will boast beautiful flowers and/or an abundance of fruits or vegetables.