GREENERY in your home can help improve the air quality, not to mention your mood.
But if you have splashed out on indoor plants, the last thing you want is for them to then wither and die.
Five ways to keep your indoor shrubs flourishing this winter[/caption]
Here’s how to keep your shrubs flourishing . . .
PERK UP: Tea and coffee gives us a boost — but it can also revive greenery.
Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are among the nutrients in old coffee grounds that can help plants to grow while tannic acid in tea leaves also has benefits.
Adding these occasionally to soil can act as a fertiliser but it’s best to do this in moderation — just a couple of spoonfuls of grounds or leaves every couple of months or so is enough.
WASTE NOT: You can also use other kitchen scraps to nourish soil. Elise Harlock, brand manager at florist Prestige Flowers, said: “Banana skins are a fantastic, simple way to enrich your soil.
They decompose quickly and provide essential nutrients.
“Or try crushing leftover eggshells and sprinkle them around your plants. They are rich in calcium, which is vital for plant cell walls.”
POT LUCK: It may be easier to keep your plant in the pot it came in, but if it is too small it could cause issues.
You ideally need a pot that gives its roots room to grow.
Ikea has a really lovely range of plant pots with prices starting from just £1.50.
HOT TIPS: Try to keep your plants in a place where there are no big fluctuations in temperature.
So avoid putting them near to any radiators where it can get hot, or windows where it can get very chilly at night.
WATER TIGHT: Try to strike a balance between under or over-watering your plant.
A pot with drainage can help to avoid drowning your greenery with too much water.
You can also help nutrient absorption and boost plant health by dissolving a teaspoon of Epsom salts in one litre of water and using it on plants once a month, Elise says.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
Deal of the day
Save £15 on inflatable pumpkins at Homebase[/caption]
SPOOK your neighbours with this “family” of inflatable pumpkins, which make the perfect Halloween decoration.
It costs less than 1p an hour to run and is down from £50 to £35 at Homebase.
SAVE: £15
Cheap treat
Inventure S’mores cereal is £2.50 at Morrisons[/caption]
SWEETEN up breakfast time with a bowl of Inventure S’mores cereal, featuring chocolate, marshmallow and crunchy crackers, £2.50, from Morrisons.
What’s new?
POUNDLAND has released a new rewards programme through its new app Poundland Perks.
Customers can snap up more than 100 offers through the scheme, plus earn points, which can be exchanged for digital reward vouchers.
Top swap
The North Face 100 glacier zip fleece is £75 from John Lewis[/caption]
But Lidl’s Rocktrail fleece jacket is just £7.99 – in stores now[/caption]
STAY toasty with The North Face 100 glacier zip fleece, £75, from John Lewis.
Or keep the chills away and save a few pounds into the bargain with Lidl’s Rocktrail fleece jacket, £7.99, in stores now.
SAVE: £67.01
Little helper
VAMP up your lunchtime with Ginsters’ limited-edition spicy sausage and red pepper pasty, £1.25, from Sainsbury’s with a Nectar card or £1.95 without.
Shop & save
Save £1.50 on this flamingo mug at Flying Tiger[/caption]
YOUR morning cuppa will be even better out of this flamingo mug, which is down from £5 to £3.50 at Flying Tiger.
SAVE: £1.50
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