Never throw away your used tea bags as expert tells of surprising usage (2025)

Tea bags can be repurposed to benefit plants and flowers, helping to reduce waste.

Around 100 million cups of tea are drunk every day in Britain. This equates to an average of three cups per person per day for individuals aged 10 and older.

For every brew made, comes a used tea bag. Despite many tea bags now being classed as biodegradable, some are still damaging to the environment because they often contain non-biodegradable plastic.

The plastic, often polypropylene, doesn't break down easily in nature and can contribute to plastic pollution.

So, instead of tossing your teabags in the bin after your cuppa, gardening experts are now saying they could help our plants thrive.

Experts at gardening company Crown Pavilions found that leftover tea bags can give indoor plants a new lease on life, allowing them to flourish even with fluctuating spring temperatures.

Instead of discarding your bags, they can be repurposed to benefit plants and flowers, helping to reduce waste.

Herbal teas are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, which can improve soil fertility.

They can help hydrate plants, boost growth rates, and enhance root development, which is especially important for houseplants, as they often face inconsistent temperatures due to central heating.

Tea at room temperature is great for plants in spring, as it provides hydration and nutrients without shocking them with cold water. This gentle approach is especially beneficial during the recent sunny weather.

The experts at Crown Pavilions recommend that herbal teas will provide your plants with the most benefits without any risk of harm. There are numerous benefits that tea bags can give your plants, some of which are:

• Soil amendment: Used tea bags can be mixed into potting soil to improve its nutrient content and structure.
• Natural fertiliser: Brewed tea can be used as a natural fertiliser, providing essential nutrients to houseplants.
• Pest repellent: Weak tea can deter pests, such as aphids and spider mites, while nourishing plants.
• Moisture retention: Brewed tea can help retain moisture in the soil, benefiting plant health.

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Herbal teas offer the most benefit for plants because they are free from additives and chemicals that might harm plant health. The experts recommend:

• Chamomile tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy growth.
• Peppermint tea: This can provide a mild boost to plant growth.
• Ginger tea: Ginger tea can help improve soil health and support plant growth.

The experts advise adding herbal tea to plants once every two to four weeks, adjusting based on the plants’ response. This is because too much of these additions can affect the soil’s acidity or have other adverse effects, such as yellowing foliage or brown leaf tips.

Luke Dejahang, Gardening Expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions, said: “Herbal teas can be valuable additions to your plant care routine, especially during the important start to spring.

"By following our tips and monitoring your plants, not only will you be helping them stay healthy, but it is a great way to boost your own mood and mental well-being through a calming daily ritual.”