Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:50 pm
Whether in a pot on the terrace, in a window box on the balcony or on the windowsill or of course in the garden, the geranium is very appreciated for its beauty and resistance. In addition, there are more than 200 species and varieties of geraniums that thrive from spring until the first frost. What to flower elegantly its green spaces and to be pleased by inviting beautiful colors and odors there!
The one that should really be called pelargonium also helps to chase away mosquitoes and other pests. However, to see its beautiful flowers bloom in profusion, this plant requires a little maintenance, and in particular good fertilizers, a key element for the good health of plants. After ideas for green fertilizers for roses and natural fertilizers for tomatoes.
No need to buy a special liquid geranium fertilizer at the garden center!
Contents
1) Use milk to have beautiful geraniums
To take advantage of the rapid growth of geraniums while ensuring a maximum of flowers, the use of milk is very effective in watering. To do this, dilute one tablespoon of milk for each liter of water. Then, the gardener can use this mixture to water the soil around each geranium. Effect guaranteed!
Good to know: You can also use milk to chase away powdery mildew on infested plants.
2) Coffee for your geranium
For spectacular flowering, many gardeners use coffee. If you have cold coffee left over from the night before, you can save it for watering your geraniums. Be sure to use unsweetened coffee, however. Otherwise, there is another alternative: coffee grounds. This natural fertilizer is excellent for flowers, starting with geraniums. In addition to adding nitrogen and phosphate to the soil, it will repel worms that attack the roots. Just mix a small amount of it into the soil at the base of the plants. Alternatively, mix coffee grounds with water for a weekly watering. This will give this herbaceous perennial a natural rejuvenation.
3) Be smart: use food scraps
Many food scraps are very beneficial to plants, especially geraniums. This includes pieces of banana peel or eggshells, which will help keep unwanted insects away. Think of reducing your eggshells into powder and spreading them at the foot of the plants, always mixing them roughly with the soil. Otherwise, it is also possible to use certain cooking waters. Of course, salted water (which burns the plants) or even pasta, rice or potato water (too rich in starch for pelargoniums). On the other hand, you can safely use the unsalted cooking water of your vegetables. Once cooled and used for watering, it will bring vitamins and minerals for an efficient bloom.
Good to know: You can also use nettle manure diluted to 5% minimum to water your geraniums. This liquid fertilizer will bring nitrogen and will help repel parasites.
Gardening tips for those with a geranium:
-While no pruning is necessary, remember to remove wilted flowers and yellow leaves as you go. This will prevent the plant from unnecessarily drawing on its reserves and becoming exhausted. The flowering shoots will be even more beautiful and abundant!
-This will give you the opportunity to check the leaves for red spiders. If they do, you can find a remedy here. And if they are attacked by snails, scatter wood ashes around the plants.
-Preferably, apply fertilizer every two weeks on dry soil and always wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
-The geranium needs a lot of water, but you must not drown it. Regular watering should also take place in the morning or in the evening in case of heat to avoid too much evaporation, especially since this plant needs sunlight and its rays tend to dry out the soil.
-In any case, never use water that is too cold, which would cause too much thermal shock.