Hey Crazyplantlady - Eat Bananas & Make Your Plants Happy!

When I feel stressed out, I tell myself: "Hey, crazyplantlady, go eat bananas and make yourself and your plants happy!"


Well, it's actually not such a crazy idea because bananas are recommended natural stress-busters. They are found to contain typtophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin - you know, that hormone relevant to improving our mood and making us feel happy.

It's true, and you might probably already know this: Bananas are packed with vitamins and minerals that do wonders for our body! They are a great source of anti-oxidants and are high in fiber. One banana provides a significant amount of the recommended nutrition our body needs daily - dietary fiber (6%), vitamin C (15%), potassium (11%), and vitamin B6 (20%).

Studies show that bananas are good for the heart, and may help lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke. These are just a few of the many health benefits we can get out of eating raw bananas. Plus, did you know that you can even use the banana peels to make your skin beautiful? When you're done eating your banana, rub the inner portion of the peel on your face, hands, or feet, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with water for a moisturized glowing skin.

But if you're a plantlover like me, those banana peels would come in handy in pampering your plants. Spend a couple of minutes attending to your greenies and you will surely feel so much better after, and your planties will be in glee.

Make Your Plants Happy with Banana Peels

Bananas (yes, even the peels) contain important macronutrients that plants need such as Potassium which helps strengthen plants and build up their resistance to pests and diseases, Phosphorus which is essential in pollination and new growth, and Calcium for healthier roots.

Don't let the those banana peels go to waste. Here are some of the ways you can use them to pamper your greenies.

Make those leaves shine. The plant lady that sold me my Xanadu plant gave me this great tip: Use banana peels to wax plant leaves and they will be shiny like the gorgeous plants you see in interior design magazines. I have tried it and it really does work! And once you're done waxing the leaves of your plant, remember you can still use those leftover peels.

Compost tea. Put the peels in a jar of water and leave it for a day or two.  Use the mixture for watering your plants about once a month.

Organic fertilizer. One way is to simply chop the peels into small bits and bury them just under the surface of your garden soil or pots to speed up the decomposition process. Another way is to let the peels dry in the sun and grind them before adding them to your soil, or combine with other organic kitchen waste like egg shells, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, etc. - for a super nutritious plant food.

Natural Anti-Pest Agent. Banana peels are effective natural protection against Aphids or "plant lice". You can use the banana peels directly or simply mix one part of your banana compost tea with five parts of water, and spray as needed.

Do you have other banana / banana peel tips you'd like to share? Recipes are welcome too!

sources:

http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/library-health-news/4617-10-benefits-of-eating-a-banana

http://michellephan.com/the-beauty-benefits-of-banana-peels-banana-mask-teeth-whitener/

http://themicrogardener.com/diy-fertilisers-how-to-use-banana-peels/

http://thefrugalchicken.com/10-ways-to-use-banana-peels-in-garden/