GIVE your houseplants a healthy boost with kitchen leftovers and cupboard staples.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on plant food to help indoor flora flourish.
Fiona Jenkins, gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk has some genius hacks to use up food waste and help your greenery grow . . .
POTATO WATER: “Leftover water from boiling potatoes contains potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which all help houseplants thrive,” says Fiona.
“Simply let the water cool before using it to water your plants.”
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But make sure the water is unsalted, as this can harm your plants, she warns.
CINNAMON: “Cinnamon is a natural fungicide and has antibacterial benefits for plants, so is great for repairing broken stems,” says Fiona.
“Make a clean cut on the broken stem and sprinkle cinnamon powder on it, this will stop it from becoming infected.
“Mixing cinnamon powder into the soil of your houseplant will also help to prevent mould and fungus.”
EGGSHELLS: “Mixing crushed eggshells into the soil of your houseplants is a quick and easy way to provide them with extra calcium,” says Fiona.
“Use a food processor or a pestle and mortar until they’re almost a powder.”
The best time to incorporate them is when you’re repotting a plant, to avoid disturbing it unnecessarily.
But if it’s not the time for that, instead just sprinkle the powder on the top of the soil.
MAYONNAISE: “Take a piece of kitchen roll with a small amount of mayonnaise on it and rub this on the leaves. It should have them shining for weeks,” says Fiona.
“But don’t use too much or the residue could clog the leaf pores.”
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BANANA SKINS: For a natural fertiliser, place a banana skin into a jar of water and leave for 24 hours, Fiona suggests.
“Then use this water to feed your plants, it will give them nutrients including potassium, phosphorus and calcium — which will make them stronger as well as deterring pests.”
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