Gardeners urged to scatter curry powder on lawns

When you think of boosting your lawn and turning it a lush, verdant green colour, you probably think of expensive fertilisers, chemical sprays and expensive garden centre solutions that promise a thicker, greener grass in weeks.

But according to gardeners, there is a way you can boost your lawn, and all of the plants growing in your garden by using a common kitchen ingredient. Curry powder is not to everyone's taste. Though some adore a hot, flavour-packed vindaloo, others steer well clear. Assuming you do have some in your cupboards, a bit of curry powder sprinkled in your garden can help banish pests that want to nibble at your plants or eat border flowers along the edge of your lawn.

A gardening spokesperson from Deakin Community Garden explained how curry powder works to keep pests like slugs and snails, as well as insects like moths and caterpillars, at bay.

They said: "This is a trick my Nanna taught me. She swears that adding a circle of curry powder around the base of your plant will help keep the bugs away (sounds like some 17th century witchcraft I know!)

"She also goes a bit crazy with this and sprinkles curry powder all over her plants to ensure nothing eats it.

"So, I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, my kale at home has been invaded by a few too many snails and cabbage moths. First, I pulled the remaining snails off and relocated them to the agapanthus (far away from my vegetables!).

"I then added a small circle around the base of my kale stalks. Because my kale plants are so tall, I also dusted a small amount on the leaves of my plants as well."

According to Fantastic Pest Control, curry powder will also work to stop ants in your lawn - without needing to resort to pesticides.

They said: "Knowing how to get rid of ants in the grass will spare you the need to use pesticides. The latter will not only kill ants, but also useful bugs and other animals.

"Crush and spread some cayenne pepper in a line around your garden to keep ants at a distance. Ants are not likely to cross lines of curry powder. All you need to do is re-apply after rain and every time the line gets damaged."