Can I Put Used Tea Bags on Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes need a lot of organic mulch.

Emptying used tea bags into the garden is a simple way to recycle household waste and increase the garden's natural compost. Before adding used tea to tomato plants, however, consider the type of tea being used and the soil's pH level.

Soil Considerations

Tomatoes require soil content high in organic matter.

Tomatoes require fertile soil high in organic matter and are able to tolerate slightly acid soil. However, the soil's pH needs to remain between 5.5 and 6.5. Check the soil's pH levels regularly before and after adding used tea with a pH testing kit. If possible, add the tea to the soil before planting the tomatoes; otherwise, open the tea bags and sprinkle the contents at the base of the plants.

Tea Varieties

Sprinkly used, dry herbal tea leaves at the base of tomato plants.

Herbal, non-caffeinated teas do not have an effect on the soil's pH level and are safe to use in large quantities around tomato plants. Black teas and green teas contain caffeine and vary in acidity. Use these teas sparingly to prevent the soil from becoming too acidic.

Mulch Mix

Tomatoes need a lot of organic mulch, and adding herbal tea to the mulch adds volume and additional organic material necessary for tomato plant growth. Allow the tea leaves to dry before mixing them in with the mulch, and be sure it stays free from mold.

References

• "Ortho's All About Vegetables"; Barbara Pleasant and Katie Lamar; 1999
• "Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills"; Abigail R. Gehring; 2008
• "Homesteading: A Backyard Guide"; Abigail R. Gehring; 2009