Is Aspirin The Secret To A Healthier Lawn?

Did you know that the humble painkiller in your medicine cabinet has a long and impressive history? Dating as far back as at least 3,500 years, salicylic acid, an active ingredient commonly found in willow bark, was used by ancient Egyptian and Sumerian doctors to dull pain and is now found as a synthetic ingredient in Aspirin. But researchers at Curtin University have discovered that this wonder-ingredient has powers far beyond simple pain relief.

The group found that, when Aspirin was applied as a seed coating at the start of germination, there was a marked increase in the growth and subsequent survival of the plants being monitored. While the study was only conducted on perennial grasses native to Australia, there are hopes to test the impressive results on a variety of other plant species. The researchers then aim to employ the method for landscape restoration and natural regrowth in degraded areas. So, how could this help you have a healthy lawn without herbicides or pesticides?

While there are a variety of homemade remedies that purportedly improve lawn health, the study has given credence to the idea that Aspirin could work as an effective growth stimulus in our own grassy areas. The active ingredient in Aspirin may help support the immune system of the grass, making it tougher against extreme conditions, as well as speeding up germination time and even helping to deter pests.

In order to use Aspirin effectively for a healthier, more attractive lawn, it is recommended to dissolve just one or two tablets in a gallon of water; it is vital not to use a higher concentration as too much can actually cause your grass to suffer. Once you have your mixture, it can then be sprayed over your lawn once every two weeks. It is also important to consider the ideal time for watering your lawn to allow the grass to soak up all the water and nutrients. Amazingly, this hack may also be effective in other areas of your garden, too. Aspirin has been used by some people as a spray for growing tomato plants because it has been suggested that it may trigger the plant's systemic acquired resistance (SAR), a natural defense which helps protect it from harmful pests and diseases. It is worth noting that studies have only been conducted on certain plant species, and not all researchers agree that the impact on tomato plants is verifiable. However, if you are up for a little trial-and-error in pursuit of a flourishing lawn and garden this summer, Aspirin may be just the trick for you.