Tomatoes need more nutrients to produce fruit compared to other crops and one expert has shared a simple and affordable tip to help tomato plants grow bigger and stronger
Tomato lovers, take note. Gardening expert Jim Zamzows, founder of Dr Jim Z fertiliser, has spilled the beans on a clever trick to supercharge your tomato plants this summer using nothing but a common kitchen leftover.
Jim enthuses about the wonders of banana peels for your tomato patch, explaining that they’re a treasure trove of potassium – a vital ingredient for a big harvest. He points out: “Banana peels have become a popular garden fertiliser because they are readily available and one of the highest natural sources of potassium.
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“Potassium is essential because it aids in photosynthesis, helps move water and nutrients between cells, helps with flowering, and strengthens the stem.”
Not just a one-trick pony, banana skins are also packed with a cocktail of other plant-boosting goodies like calcium, manganese, sodium, magnesium and sulphur.
Calcium’s role is crucial as it wards off blossom end rot, a pesky condition that can spoil tomatoes, while magnesium is the secret to a plant’s tip-top condition.
How to feed tomato plants banana peels
Simply dig a trench near your tomato plant, pop in the banana peels, and cover them back up, reports the Express. Seedlings should get a single peel, but more mature plants can handle two or three, ensuring they grow up big and strong.
To give your tomatoes a boost, bury banana peels around the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season. However, feel free to adjust the frequency based on the soil’s quality and how the plant reacts to this natural fertiliser.
To make a liquid banana peel tea for your tomatoes, start by adding several banana peels to a jar. Fill it with water, seal it, and let it sit for about a week.
Once the tea is ready, pour it around the base of your tomato plant. This will promote a bigger, more abundant tomato yield throughout the summer.
For best results, use the banana peel-infused water every two to four weeks. Make sure the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings to prevent the tomato plants from becoming waterlogged.
Jim added: “You can also make larger batches of banana peel tea in a big container over a longer period of time, but be sure to use something covered to prevent a rotting smell and attracting animals.”