Bananas, Coffee Grounds, and Epsom Salts

Most of you know that chemicals are kept to a minimum in my yard .. simply because I feel mother nature is a much more effective nurturer than I! Not to mention that unnecessary chemicals leaching into the soil then ultimately, the ground water, is a negative as far as I'm concerned. If you're interested in organic gardening, here are some tips you might appreciate.

Do you have some overripe bananas and don't have time to make banana bread? Here's your solution. Rather than toss them in the trash or on the compost pile, mash them up and 'plant' them around your roses! There have been times when I'd even buy overripe bananas that have been marked down just to feed my roses.

And since hubby no longer can have potassium nor carbs; no longer can I make banana bread. waaawaaa!!!! My self-control is not all that great when it comes to good food; therefore, should I break down and make the bread, I KNOW who'd eat it . .then we'd have to install double doors all over the house - and since I'd rather spend those $$$$ on plants and shrubs, I just let the roses have the overripe bananas instead!

Roses LOVE the potassium that the bananas and their peels provide! And if you want to provide a really good meal for the roses, mix some used coffee grounds into the bananas. . .you'll make your roses very, very happy. And if you really want to pamper those roses, add about two teaspoons of Epsom Salts into the mixture. ALL flowers and blooming shrubs love the magnesium that the salts provide.

Used, dried coffee grounds are great for many of your plants and shrubs. I use mine mostly on the hydrangeas that flank my back door steps. The coffee grounds supply a constant source of much needed nutrients. Simply let the grounds dry (sometimes I use the microwave for this) and sprinkle them around your shrubs . .mother nature will take them down into the soil. While the grounds are providing nutrients for you prized hydrangea, the grounds will keep the soil soft and pliable which allows for nutrients and moisture to be absorbed more readily.

Nikki Hydrangea (Margo)

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

Many experts advise against this practice, but many more approve of as well as recommend it. As long I have have hydrangeas like this, I'll continue the practice!

One more thing - If you drink your coffee black, dump your cold coffee into your African violets rather than the sink. They'll LOVE you!