━━ Muscari are relatively undemanding and hardy flowers.
( Source: Jana Milin / iStockphoto )
Muscadines are popular flowers that beautify balconies and planters. They are bursting with beautiful colours and make the spaces around your house cheerful. But do you still fail to achieve abundant blooms? Look for help at home, because one thing in particular can be an unexpected and, above all, abundant fertiliser for them.
Among ornamental flowers, geraniums play a vital role. They can be seen in many gardens during the summer. Not surprisingly, they have many beautiful colours, can bloom for several months and are hardy. At the same time, they do not require frequent watering and, if planted in well-drained soil, they grow without problems.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of geraniums to the full, or to encourage the seedlings to grow early, it is a good idea to provide a suitable fertiliser. However, you do not have to resort to chemical mixtures, but instead can choose the natural way. It may sound strange to you, but potatoes work well to encourage flowering, especially their skins, which you normally get rid of immediately. Don’t do that anymore.
Potatoes excel because they contain valuable nutrients. Three in particular. For proper growth and inflorescence, you need to ensure the quality of the soil. This role is fulfilled by starch, which provides energy for the soil micro-organisms. Potassium then strengthens the stems and influences the quality of the flowers. Finally, phosphorus, which supports geraniums from the roots and helps them to grow.
━━ Potatoes are rich in starch, potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients support the growth and inflorescence of the muscadines.
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There are several ways to make potato fertiliser. The first option is to make a topping, simply prepare the water in which you boiled the potatoes, but without salt. Alternatively, grate the peeled potatoes, cover with a litre of water and boil over a low heat for 15 minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, strain through a sieve and dilute with water, preferably rainwater, in a 1:1 ratio. Another option is to soak the peels in water in a container with a lid. Leave to infuse for at least three days, stirring every day. Then strain the liquid. Apply each of the dressings to the geraniums.
Water at least once a week. Ideally in the early morning or evening to avoid direct sunlight. Although the mixture may smell, regular application will ensure your flowers have abundant blooms as well as the health of the individual plants.
If you don’t want to opt for the liquid form, simply take potato skins and use them as mulch around your geraniums. You can also encourage their growth right from the start. Prepare your potatoes by making a small hole in each one and inserting the stems of each plant. This will encourage their growth before you plant them in pots.
Potato fertiliser can be a great help in promoting the growth of geraniums. However, be sure to use it sparingly. Overdoing it could harm the flowers. Also consider using rainwater when mixing your watering can, as it contains natural organisms.
