Cinnamon

A Simple Pantry Staple With Garden Uses

Cinnamon isn't just something to keep in the kitchen.

At Earthkeepers, ground cinnamon is also put to use around the garden and home — from plant cuttings and seeds to plant wounds and unwanted ants.

Cinnamon in the Garden

Root Powder for Plant Cuttings

When taking plant cuttings, Earthkeepers uses cinnamon powder as part of the propagation process.

Place 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon onto a plate or saucer.

Dampen the base of your plant cutting and gently roll it in the cinnamon until the end is coated.

Using a pencil, make a hole in your potting mix and gently place the cutting into the hole.

The original Earthkeepers method uses cinnamon to encourage root development and help protect the cutting from rot and damping-off disease.

Seed Protection & Development

Cinnamon can also be used when planting seeds.

Before planting, lightly toss the seeds in cinnamon powder.

At Earthkeepers, this method is used to support seed development and help protect young seedlings from damping-off disease.

Caring for Plant Wounds

Plants can develop wounds through pruning, breakage or other damage.

Earthkeepers uses dry cinnamon powder directly on these areas.

Using a Brush

Dip a clean, dry brush into cinnamon powder.

Gently brush the powder directly over the damaged area of the plant.

Using a Shaker

Alternatively, keep some cinnamon powder in a shaker bottle and lightly shake it over the plant wound.

The original Earthkeepers method uses cinnamon on open cuts and areas where plant infection may be a concern.

Cinnamon for Ants

Around Plants

If ants are causing problems around a plant, place a thick layer of cinnamon powder around the plant.

The Earthkeepers article notes that ants don't like walking through cinnamon powder.

Cinnamon Spray

You can also make a simple cinnamon spray.

Combine:

1 part cinnamon

9 parts warm water

Allow the mixture to steep overnight.

Strain the liquid and transfer it into a spray bottle.

At Earthkeepers, this mixture is sprayed onto plants where ants are a problem and is also used as part of their approach to caring for damaged plants.

Cinnamon Around the Home

Ants in the House

First, find where the ants are entering your home.

Sprinkle cinnamon powder around their entry point.

It's another simple use for an ingredient you may already have sitting in the pantry.

Mildew

Cinnamon powder can also be sprinkled over areas affected by mildew.

The original Earthkeepers method uses cinnamon to help absorb odour and address fungal growth.

A Little Spice With Another Purpose

Something as familiar as cinnamon can have uses well beyond cooking.

From starting new plants and protecting seeds to caring for plant wounds and dealing with ants, cinnamon is another example of the Earthkeepers philosophy of looking at everyday ingredients differently and making use of what is already available.