Aspirin is well-known for helping get rid of that annoying headache or migraine, but did you know it can also work wonders in the garden? While it’s typically associated with pain relief and inflammation reduction, aspirin and specifically its active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, has several benefits for plants. Aspirin can be used in gardens to boost plant growth, improve fruit quality and increase disease resistance.

Acetylsalicylic acid is derived from salicylic acid, which helps plants cope with stress. Plants naturally produce small amounts of salicylic acid when under stress, boosting their immune systems. 

Studies show that aspirin helps plants in the nightshade family like peppers or tomatoes grow more quickly and yield more.

Research from the United States Department of Agriculture has shown that salicylic acid, found in aspirin, enhances a plant’s immune response, especially in the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers, and helps plants fend off microbial and insect attacks more effectively.

Aspirin is also thought to help improve photosynthesis in plants, enhance the plant’s ability to absorb light, and convert it into energy, which can result in better growth and more vibrant foliage.

Studies have also shown that aspirin that tomatoes treated with aspirin have shown significantly higher vitamin C levels, while cherries have been found to grow larger, appear redder, and contain more antioxidants.

Dissolve an aspirin tablet in a gallon of water and spray the solution on plant leaves. 

Use aspirin sparingly, as overuse can harm plants and make sure to dilute it properly and spray in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures are lower.