Nurture your geraniums: Homemade fertiliser tips unveiled

Geraniums, once associated with grandmother's gardens, are now extremely popular. Many varieties are available in garden centres, differing in size and leaf colour. Although the plant originates from Africa, it has adapted well to our climate. If properly cared for, it can be a delight for years to come. It is crucial to remember to fertilise it appropriately. If we take proper care of this, the geranium will reward us with beautiful flowers.

To "nourish" geraniums, we do not need to buy fertiliser from the shop. Use waste that we have every day in the kitchen, specifically banana peels. To prepare the fertiliser, wash the banana peels, soak them in water with bicarbonate of soda, and then place them in a jar with warm water for two days. After this time, the solution can be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. This fertiliser can be used for watering geraniums and also as a spray for pests.

It's important not to overdo it with banana fertiliser! It's worth remembering that with artificial fertilisers, we might be too generous, which can end badly for our flowers. Moreover, banana peels are rich in calcium, which helps maintain the proper pH of the soil. The fertiliser can be used every three days, but once a week is also sufficient.

It's best to water geraniums in the morning or evening, avoiding wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. In summer, it's recommended to water them twice a week, and on hot days, even daily. It is important not to let the soil dry out, but also not to water it too excessively.

Besides banana fertiliser, geraniums can be watered with nettle or field horsetail decoctions. Plants grown in pots should have good water permeability, which can be achieved by using expanded clay or by creating holes at the bottom of the pot.