Banana skins are ripe stuff for toms
I’ve heard banana skins take a while to compost. Is there another use for them? Jarvis, via email
Yes! Banana skins are great in the garden. Hang them in your greenhouse to ripen tomatoes – or use them to feed roses, as they add potassium to the soil.
Bananas take a few months to break down in compost but turning the soil regularly speeds the process – or buy a rotating or heated compost bin for faster decomposition. heart” to grow at home – it will be the cherry on top of this very-romantic cake.
Get these into nutrient-rich soil and prune dead foliage in March for a year of roses at your loved-up fingertips.
LUCKY LILIES
Lily of the valley is a brilliant rose alternative, signifying luck in love and often peering out of wedding bouquets, as with Kate Middleton’s.
Plant in partial shade – under a tree is perfect as they love being dressed with Autumn leaves. Bellshaped flowers will spring into life in April and they’ll produce red berries in summer.
FEBRUARY FAVOURITE
Look no further than uplifting Galanthus (snowdrops) to give to your loved one now. Traditionally they are
pressed in books to give as a token of affection. Buy in pots just after flowering, while leaves are green.
BAY TREE TRADITIONS
Though not known for their colour, bay trees make fantastic garden features – but they’re also steeped in romantic mythology. It is often said