BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
If you’re a regular tea drinker, you might be tossing out your used tea bags without a second thought. But before you discard them, consider this: steeped tea bags have a variety of clever uses beyond just brewing a great cup of tea. From the garden to your houseplants, here are five practical ways to put them to good use.
Keep pests away from your garden
No one likes uninvited guests munching on their garden plants. Instead of turning to chemical-based pest repellents, repurpose your steeped tea bags to naturally ward off unwanted critters.
“Peppermint and citrus-infused tea bags work best,” says Siobhan Shaw, founder of Growing to Give. “Scattering these around your plants or vegetables can help keep pests at bay with their strong scents.”
Enrich your compost pile
Looking to boost the nutrient content of your compost? Steeped tea bags are packed with nitrogen and carbon, making them a great addition to your compost heap.
“They help create the ideal environment for breaking down kitchen scraps into healthy soil,” Shaw explains. Plus, tea bags retain moisture, which aids in the decomposition process.
Just be sure to remove any plastic from the bags before tossing them in, as some brands use non-compostable materials that won’t break down properly.
Create a nutrient-rich seed starter mix
For gardeners who prefer a seed starter mix over regular potting soil, steeped tea bags can be a valuable ingredient. Shaw recommends mixing used tea bag contents with coconut fiber husk, vermiculite, and perlite, along with a handful of worm castings.
“This blend is packed with nutrients and ultra-light, allowing those seedling roots to power the plant,” she says.
Boost your houseplants’ health
Tea bags aren’t just good for the outdoor garden—they can work wonders for your indoor plants, too.
“Bury a used tea bag slightly in the soil, and it will slowly release nitrogen and minerals as it breaks down,” says Rachel Miller, founder of herbal tea company Zhi Herbals.
If your tea bag isn’t compostable, simply open it and sprinkle the tea leaves into the soil instead. Either way, your houseplants will get a gentle nutrient boost over time.
Re-steep for another cup of tea
Why stop at just one brew? Many high-quality teas can be steeped multiple times before losing their flavor.
Miller notes that the number of times you can reuse a tea bag depends on personal taste. “Once your tea starts tasting weak, it’s time to retire that bag,” she advises.
With these creative uses, your tea bags can serve a purpose long after your first cup. Whether you’re enhancing your garden, feeding your plants, or getting more mileage out of your tea, reusing tea bags is a simple and sustainable way to cut down on waste.
