GIVE your houseplants a healthy boost with kitchen leftovers and cupboard staples.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on plant food to help indoor flora flourish.
7
Fiona Jenkins, gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk has some genius hacks to use up food waste and help your greenery grow . . .
POTATO WATER: “Leftover water from boiling potatoes contains potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which all help houseplants thrive,” says Fiona.
“Simply let the water cool before using it to water your plants.”
But make sure the water is unsalted, as this can harm your plants, she warns.
CINNAMON: “Cinnamon is a natural fungicide and has antibacterial benefits for plants, so is great for repairing broken stems,” says Fiona.
“Make a clean cut on the broken stem and sprinkle cinnamon powder on it, this will stop it from becoming infected.
“Mixing cinnamon powder into the soil of your houseplant will also help to prevent mould and fungus.”
EGGSHELLS: “Mixing crushed eggshells into the soil of your houseplants is a quick and easy way to provide them with extra calcium,” says Fiona.
Most read in Money
“Use a food processor or a pestle and mortar until they’re almost a powder.”
The best time to incorporate them is when you’re repotting a plant, to avoid disturbing it unnecessarily.
But if it’s not the time for that, instead just sprinkle the powder on the top of the soil.
MAYONNAISE: “Take a piece of kitchen roll with a small amount of mayonnaise on it and rub this on the leaves. It should have them shining for weeks,” says Fiona.
“But don’t use too much or the residue could clog the leaf pores.”
BANANA SKINS: For a natural fertiliser, place a banana skin into a jar of water and leave for 24 hours, Fiona suggests.
“Then use this water to feed your plants, it will give them nutrients including potassium, phosphorus and calcium — which will make them stronger as well as deterring pests.”
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
7
CUT down on transport costs with the Apollo Excelle bike – was £175, now £140, at Halfords.
SAVE: £35
Cheap treat
7
ENJOY a Terry’s Chocolate Orange, usually £1.95 but currently only £1.50 with a Tesco Clubcard.
SAVE: 45p
What’s new?
TURN up the volume! Vix Leyton, consumer expert at Hotdealsuk, co-hosts the brilliant podcast titled False Economy.
On the business talkshow, they discuss all things retail, rip-offs and bargains with amazing guests. Give it a listen.
Top swap
7
7
LOOK wide awake thanks to Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: Chocolate, £25, Boots.
Or try the same look for less with Barry M Stormy Eyes mascara in dark brown, £5.99, Barrym.co.uk.
SAVE: £19.01
Leah’s little helper
FOR International Women’s Day, women who sign up to Your Juno in March will receive free year-long subscriptions, worth £29.99.
The app has over 350 money lessons and an online community. Visit yourjuno.co
Shop and save
7
PLANNING some DIY? The Black+Decker 13mm 500W Corded Hammer Drill was £37, now on sale for £28.80 at Homebase.
SAVE: £8.20
Hot right now
GET 15 per cent off the popular Kallax shelving units at Ikea.com until April 9.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
7
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
