Tomato plants should be well on their way to producing a bountiful crop, but without regular feeding, they may not develop as expected
Tomato plants ought to be appearing sturdy by this point, boasting numerous fruits dangling from branches whilst awaiting maturation. Yet without consistent nourishment, these tomatoes might not flourish as anticipated, reports the Express.
Throughout their fruit-bearing stage, tomato plants become exceptionally demanding, needing substantial potassium within the soil – an indispensable element for fruit development. Potassium proves essential for moving sugar, nutrients, and moisture from roots to fruit, whilst its shortage can lead to stunted tomatoes or complete growth failure.
This element also strengthens disease resistance, making it vital for avoiding problems such as blossom end rot or blight, particularly throughout the summer period.
Horticulture specialist and Charleston Crafted co-founder Morgan McBride has disclosed a simple trick for feeding tomatoes during summer using discarded banana skins.
Morgan explained: “Bananas are known to be very high in potassium. Potassium is a key ingredient in many fertilisers. Potassium helps living things move water and nutrients between cells.
“Potassium is an essential nutrient that is said to make plants stronger, flower or fruit more, and more drought-tolerant.
“Bananas are known to be very rich in potassium, which tomatoes need to grow, but is also known to improve the size, yield and even the flavour of tomatoes.”
Banana skins additionally provide phosphorus, which strengthens root development, plus calcium, further diminishing the threat of plant ailments.
This is a natural method to enhance the soil and improve the environment for plant growth, increasing your chances of harvesting larger and juicier tomatoes come August.
How to feed tomatoes with banana peels
You can’t simply toss banana peels onto the soil, as the fruit’s natural sugars may attract pests that could swiftly devour your tomatoes and ruin your plant.
Instead, the optimal way to provide plants with banana peels is by creating a straightforward gardening tea, which can be used to water your tomatoes.
All you need to do is slice up a few banana peels (two peels per plant should suffice) and place them in a lidded glass mason jar.
Fill the jar with tap water, covering the peels, and then allow them to sit at room temperature to ferment. This process should take between two days to a week.
Afterwards, simply strain the peels from the water and pour the banana-infused tea into the soil surrounding your tomato plants.
Administer this banana tea to your tomatoes every fortnight during the summer months. This natural supplement will aid in cultivating healthier and more succulent tomatoes.
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