How to keep winter blooms 'thriving' with help of kitchen scrap - 'effective and sustainable'
Banana peels promote healthy flowering
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Despite temperatures dropping further by the day, certain flowers can continue to thrive with the right care.
Fruit scraps can provide essential nutrients to the Christmas rose during the coldest months of the year, an expert has explained.
Prestige Flowers’ band manager Elisa Harlock described three ways to use the fruit peel for healthier plants.
Hellebores, also known as “Christmas roses” are a winter garden favourite thanks to their ability to bloom in the coldest months.
Some plants need a nutrient boost to thrive throughout winter
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Elise explained: “Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for strong root growth and vibrant blooms.
“Banana peels are not only effective but also a sustainable way to repurpose kitchen waste.”
The expert proposed a three-step routine to get the most from banana peels.
She suggested cutting the banana peels into small pieces and burying them around the base of the plant.
“This allows the nutrients to slowly release into the soil as the peel decomposes,” noted the expert.
Alternatively, gardeners can blend banana peels with water to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser.
“This method is great for giving an immediate nutrient boost,” shared Elise.
The composting method using banana peels is equally effective, according to the expert. Simply adding banana peels to the compost bin will enrich the soil when spread around your blooms.
Elise added that mulching is equally helpful for winter roses, noting: “Mulching the base of your hellebores with organic matter, like leaf mould or bark chips, is essential for keeping hellebores healthy.
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Banana peel is an excellent source of potassium
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“It protects the roots from frost and helps the soil retain moisture, which is crucial in winter.” Watering is another key consideration, according to the expert.
“Even though hellebores are hardy, they still need consistent moisture during dry spells," Elise shared.
“Water them deeply when needed, but avoid letting them sit in waterlogged soil, as that can harm their roots.”
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