Hardly anyone would believe that beer could help plants grow, keep vegetables lush, or make flowers bloom faster—but there’s a remarkable real-life example that proves it works. Meet Mr. Phạm Hồng Bình, a 69-year-old farmer from Phú Yên, Vietnam, whose garden has become the talk of the town.

For over a decade, Mr. Bình, who is the former chairman of the Phú Yên Ornamental Biology Club, has been consistently watering and fertilizing his plants with… beer.

The story began when, after drinking a small amount of beer, Mr. Bình poured the leftover liquid into a pot of ornamental flowers. To his surprise, the flowers thrived, growing faster and healthier than the others in his garden. Intrigued by the results, he researched online about using beer for plants and began applying it systematically. Today, his garden is a lush, vibrant oasis, flourishing even under harsh weather conditions.

According to Mr. Bình, using beer has additional benefits beyond growth. He notes that it helps reduce the presence of harmful insects, so he no longer needs chemical pesticides. By simply adding a small amount of organic fertilizer alongside the beer, the plants remain strong and healthy.

How to Use Beer for Plants

If you want to try Mr. Bình’s method, here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Mix about 3–4 tablespoons of beer with approximately 2 liters of water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Shake well and spray the mixture directly onto the plants.

With just these two easy steps, your garden can transform within a few weeks, showing faster growth, greener leaves, and more vibrant blooms. The cost is minimal—one can of beer can be used multiple times. Even leftover beer works perfectly, and it naturally strengthens the plants, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Note: Any type of beer—cans, bottles, or draft—can be used. For faster results, you can supplement with a small amount of organic fertilizer.

Why Beer Works

According to engineer Đinh Thanh Tịnh, former Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Phú Yên, beer contains nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that are excellent for plant growth. Using small amounts to water plants is a practical way to boost immunity, prevent pests, and accelerate healthy development.

Additional Uses of Beer Against Pests

Beer can also be an effective, natural solution for controlling various pests and small animals:

• Slugs and snails: Fill a wide-mouthed plastic container halfway with beer, bury it in the soil, leaving the opening exposed. The scent attracts slugs and snails, which crawl inside and drown.

• Wasps and hornets: Place several cups of beer around the garden fence to keep these insects away—they won’t dare approach.

• Cockroach traps: Soak a piece of bread in beer and place it inside a jar. Coat the jar rim with grease. Cockroaches crawl in for the bread but cannot escape.

• Rodent control: Pour beer into a metal container. Rodents are attracted to the smell, enter the container, and drown.

In conclusion, using beer in the garden is an affordable, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective method to promote healthy plant growth and keep pests at bay. With a little experimentation, anyone can achieve a thriving, beautiful garden without relying on harsh chemicals.