Gardening is a beloved pastime for many of our Seniors Discount Club members, offering not just the joy of nurturing life but also the reward of fresh produce and beautiful blooms. But what if I told you that your next batch of bananas could do more than just provide a healthy snack? That's right, a simple kitchen scrap could be the secret to supercharging your garden's growth!

Carmen Johnston, a green-thumbed guru from New York, has shared a tip that's causing quite the stir among the gardening community. Her claim? That banana peel water can significantly speed up the growth of your plants. And the best part? It's an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that aligns perfectly with our ethos of sustainability and savvy living.

Make your plants grow better with this gardener's banana peel trick. Credit: Shutterstock

Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium – essential nutrients that plants crave for healthy development. By soaking the peels in water, these nutrients are leached out, creating a potent, natural fertilizer that can be used on a variety of plants, from herbs to tomatoes.

Here's how you can replicate Carmen's banana peel water:

1. Take two banana peels and submerge them in a gallon of water.
2. Let them soak overnight to infuse the water with all the goodness from the peels.
3. Use this banana-infused water to quench your thirsty plants.

Carmen keeps a jug of this concoction on the go, continually topping it up with water and adding fresh peels as she consumes bananas. Once the peels have turned brown and served their purpose, they can be composted, ensuring that no part of the banana goes to waste.

The results, according to Carmen, have been nothing short of miraculous. She boasts a spearmint plant that's grown to an impressive size, a dill that's waist-high, and an abundance of green cherry tomatoes and peppers. Her Facebook post showcasing her lush garden has garnered over 2,000 comments, with many fellow gardeners eager to try the hack or attesting to its effectiveness.

However, as with any gardening advice that goes viral, it's important to approach with a bit of caution. Some commenters have raised concerns about using non-organic banana peels due to pesticide residue. To err on the side of caution, opt for organic bananas or thoroughly wash the peels before using them.

Another point to consider is the concentration of the solution. While banana peel water is generally safe for plants, too much of a good thing can lead to issues like root burn. If you're worried about the strength of your banana brew, dilute it further with water.

For those who are inspired by the idea of growing their own herbs, you don't need a sprawling garden or a green thumb. A TikTok user named Martha has shown how easy it is to start an herb garden using supermarket packets of cut rosemary. Her step-by-step guide has inspired many to cultivate their own lifetime supply of fresh herbs.

So, dear members, why not give this banana peel water trick a whirl? It's a fantastic way to recycle, save money on expensive fertilizers, and give your plants a nutrient-rich treat. And who knows, you might just find your garden transformed into a verdant paradise.

Key Takeaways

• Gardener Carmen Johnston from New York shared her banana peel water hack that might help in making plants grow quicker.
• The banana peel solution offers a homemade fertiliser alternative rich in potassium.
• The method involves soaking banana peels in water and then using the water to nourish plants.
• While the hack has received positive feedback from many gardening enthusiasts, some have cautioned about using non-organic peels and the importance of diluting the solution to prevent damage to plants.

Have you tried using banana peels in your garden before? Do you have any other thrifty gardening tips to share with our community? We'd love to hear about your experiences and ideas in the comments below. Let's grow together!

 

[Squizzy1]

The peel or even whole cut banana buried b4 planting has been a tip for some time to encourage growth.

 

[Colette 3799]

My green fingered friend recommended this to me a few weeks ago. I really have to try it

 

[Singomate]

An addition to the garlic water for your Orchids, this will ensure you get flowers every year it is
5 teaspoons of rice
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon.
Put rice in 500ml of boiling water add honey and stir leave overnight add cinnamon and another 500ml of water mix leave3 hours then strain into container use once a week in spray bottle soak all of plant make sure you spray under leaves. Watch it work days

 

[Towing]

This is not directly regarding garden but is about banana skins. Some people travelling through country areas put the skins away from the bins as they think the wildlife will eat them
The problem is they are definitely poisonous to kangaroos. I have heard this a few times including at a Kangaroo Sanctuary in Coober Pedy in SA Far North and at a Zoo.