You don't have to spend an arm and a leg fertilizing your flower beds.
A gardening pro shared with her followers the free DIY hacks she uses to help her plants grow.
Instagram user Green Garden (@green_garden113) demonstrated a simple trick in her viral video.
She revealed the kitchen waste she uses to nourish her potted plants.
“Don't throw away your banana peels,” the woman with the green thumb told the audience.
She explained that using fruit peels as fertilizer for flowers “works wonders.”
As a first step, she cut a banana peel into small pieces and added them to a large cup.
Horticulturists then poured boiling water over the skins and allowed them to ferment for 24 hours.
Once fermentation was complete, the water was filtered through a strainer.
Next, she added a small amount of distilled white vinegar to the concoction.
“White vinegar quickly breaks down the various nutrients found in banana peels,” she explained.
Finally, she poured the mixture directly onto the potted plants.
She also suggested pouring the solution into a spray bottle and adding it directly to the plant's leaves.
According to the Instagrammer, this movement causes the plant's leaves to turn green.
A study conducted by Brisbane City Council explained the science behind using banana peels to help plants.
“Banana peels contain calcium, which promotes root growth and helps add oxygen to the soil,” says the expert.
They also pointed out that the magnesium contained in the skin may aid photosynthesis.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space and prevent pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells 4 packs of seeds for $1.25.
- To get more out of a small space, try a vertical planter like the Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter ($35) from Amazon.
- To prevent insects from eating your vegetables, use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier ($8) on Amazon.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce pesticide use and keep pests out of your garden. Intentionally growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For those pesky weeds in your garden, Amazon's Grampa's Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles ($45) is a great tool that you can use without having to bend over.
Not only that, the high level of sulfur in the fruit also helps the plant develop strong roots and repel pests.
Instagram users shared their thoughts on this homemade hack in the comments section.
“Oh I put everything in a blender and feed it to the plants. So pretty,” one viewer wrote.
Another follower said: “I used to water my plants with banana peel fertilizer and it really makes the plants grow amazingly.”
“Put some banana peels in a bucket and eat them. After a while, you'll make the best fertilizer,” a third person suggested.
“Then we peel it and compost it. Double win!!!”