Crestview Garden Club - Crestview, Florida

Crestview Garden Club - Crestview, Florida We are a garden club based in Crestview, FL with a focus on educating through community partnerships. All experience levels welcome. Come join us!

We meet monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 1PM at the Okaloosa Extension Office.

Here is some useful information on using banana peels in your garden as fertilizer to help with growing your plants. Pla...
09/04/2026

Here is some useful information on using banana peels in your garden as fertilizer to help with growing your plants.

Plants That Thrive With Banana Peel fertilizer.

Here are some ideas to boost your plant’s growth using everyday kitchen scraps.

Using banana peels as fertilizer can be a good idea. It turns out these slippery leftovers are packed with nutrients that some plants absolutely adore.

The Benefits of Banana Peel Fertilizer

Banana peels are more than just compostable waste they are nutrient-rich boosters for garden plants. Incorporating them into your garden not only recycles kitchen scraps but also enhances plant health and growth.

Rich in Potassium

Banana peels are famously packed with potassium, essential for plant health. This mineral plays a critical role in various plant processes including water uptake, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis. When you use banana peel fertilizer, plants like tomatoes and peppers show notable improvements. They exhibit stronger root systems, improved flower quality, and enhanced fruit production. For example, tomato plants with banana peel additions tend to produce juicier and more abundant tomatoes.

Other Nutrients and Benefits

Besides potassium, banana peels contain important nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. These contribute to the overall health of plants by supporting cellular production and helping in photosynthesis.

Magnesium for instance is vital for chlorophyll production, which is essential for photosynthesis. Using banana peel fertilizer not only promotes healthier greener leaves but also increases resistance to diseases.

Phosphorus helps in flower and root development, boosting the blooms in plants like roses and marigolds. The eco-friendly aspect of using banana peels as fertilizer aligns with sustainable gardening practices, reducing waste and chemical inputs.

How to Prepare Banana Peel Fertilizer

Transforming banana peels into an effective fertilizer is a process that capitalizes on the nutrient-rich nature of these common household scraps. Here’s how to prepare and use them in your garden.

Composting Banana Peels

Composting banana peels is a fantastic method to enrich the compost with essential nutrients. Start by ensuring the peels are chopped up to speed up their decomposition process in the compost bin. Here they break down and release potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, which collectively improve soil fertility and structure.

For best results mix the peels with other compost materials like dry leaves, vegetable scraps, and garden clippings, maintaining a balanced mix of green and brown components to support effective composting.

Direct Application Methods

For a more immediate impact apply banana peels directly to the soil. One technique involves drying and grinding the peels into a powder to sprinkle around the base of the plants.

This method is particularly useful for feeding specific plants that favor potassium such as tomatoes and orchids.

Soak fresh banana peels in water for about 48 hours to make a nutrient-rich tea. After removing the peels use the liquid to water your plants providing them with a healthy dose of nutrients instantly.

Plants That May Benefit from Banana Peel Fertilizer

Banana peels provide a rich source of nutrients making them excellent fertilizers for various plants. Here are the top plants that thrive with this natural and eco-friendly option.

Roses

Roses flourish when fed with banana peel fertilizer as it enhances photosynthesis and promotes vibrant healthy blooms. By burying banana peels around the base of rose bushes, they absorb essential nutrients that contribute to their overall vitality.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes require magnesium to prevent blossom end rot, a common issue that banana water effectively mitigates. The added magnesium from banana peels when used as a liquid fertilizer ensures strong cell growth and fruit development.

Peppers

Peppers, much like tomatoes greatly benefit from the magnesium in banana peel fertilizer. This nutrient supports photosynthesis and helps in the production of healthy fruits. Regular application can lead to robust pepper plants full of vibrant pods.

Snake Plants

Known for their hardiness, snake plants respond well to the potassium and magnesium from banana peels. These nutrients aid in strengthening the plant’s structure and improving overall resilience.

Pothos

This tropical houseplant can benefit from the additional nutrients provided by banana peel water.

Monsteras

Monsteras enjoy the phosphorus and potassium found in banana peel fertilizer, which are crucial for their flowering and overall growth. These nutrients help maintain the lush tropical look that makes Monsteras so popular.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons use the rich mix of nutrients from banana peels to support their health and enhance flowering. The slow-release properties of the fertilizer ensure a long-term benefit keeping the plants happy and vibrant.

Ferns

Ferns, especially varieties like the staghorn, thrive on the slow-release properties of dried banana peels. These provide a consistent supply of nutrients, which is perfect for the consistent growth needs of ferns.

Air Plants

Air plants benefit from the potassium in banana peel tea which can be sprayed directly onto their leaves. This method helps in enhancing nutrient absorption without compromising the plant’s air-based root system.

Okra okra

Okra plants respond well to the high potassium content in banana peels, promoting strong stem development and faster growth. Utilizing banana peel mulch around okra can significantly increase yield and overall plant health.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants may benefit from the potassium and other small amounts of nutrients released as banana peels decompose. Potassium supports normal plant strength, water regulation, and flower production, making it especially useful during the active growing and blooming season.

For the safest approach, add chopped banana peels to your compost pile and spread the finished compost around the plant. Avoid placing fresh peels directly against the stem, and continue using a balanced hibiscus fertilizer because banana peels do not provide all the nutrients these heavy-blooming plants need.

Additional Tips for Using Banana Peel Fertilizer

Using banana peel fertilizer offers a sustainable and efficacy-driven approach to nourishing various plants.

Frequency of Fertilizing

Determining the right frequency for using banana peel fertilizer depends on the type of plants you’re nurturing. For indoor plants, such as monsteras and philodendrons, integrating small chunks of banana peel into the soil once a month effectively enriches the soil without overwhelming the plants with nutrients.

Conversely outdoor plants like roses and tomatoes thrive with more frequent applications. Using banana peels every two weeks during the growing season maximizes their bloom and fruit production.

It’s crucial to monitor the plant’s response and adjust the frequency accordingly to prevent nutrient overload which might hinder growth.

Precautions to Consider

While banana peels are beneficial there are some precautions to keep in mind to avoid adverse effects.

First, always use dried and cleaned banana peels to prevent any fungal growth that fresh peels might encourage.

Chop or grind the peels finely to ensure they decompose more quickly and to prevent attracting pests, which are drawn to larger pieces of organic waste.

Additionally, balance the application of banana peel fertilizer with regular soil assessments, ensuring that the soil’s pH and nutrient balance remain conducive to plant health.

This approach helps maintain an optimal environment for plant growth without the risk of nutrient toxicity or pest issues.

This weeks seed information is on Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach. These grow very well in our area and have many uses....
09/01/2026

This weeks seed information is on Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach. These grow very well in our area and have many uses. You can check out these seeds out from the Crestview Garden Club seed library located at the Crestview Library.

Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach (spinacia oleracea) is a classic slow bolting heirloom variety prized for its dark green heavily crinkled leaves and rich flavor and is very popular with fine chefs. It does better growing in hot weather.

Quick Facts

Days to Maturity:

40 to 50 days (baby greens in 20 to 30 days)

Planting Depth:

1/2 inch deep

Plant Spacing:

4 to 6 inches apart

Light Requirement:

Full sun to partial shade

Soil Temperature:

Best between 45°F and 65°F for germination

Growing and Care Tips

Timing:

Sow seeds directly in the ground in early spring or late summer for a fall/winter harvest.

Watering:

Provide about 1 inch of water per week, keeping the soil evenly moist.

Harvesting:

Snip outer baby leaves as needed, or harvest the entire head by cutting just above the soil line before the plant bolts in hot weather.

Some interesting information on Black Eyed Susans. They will grow in our planting zone and fairly easy to grow. When do ...
08/30/2026

Some interesting information on Black Eyed Susans. They will grow in our planting zone and fairly easy to grow.

When do black-eyed Susans bloom? And how to extend their flowering season?

Experts share their insights on when black-eyed Susans flower and why these vibrant blooms are worth the wait

Are you waiting... and waiting for your black-eyed Susans to bloom and wondering if it will ever happen?

For those who haven't yet discovered these beauties, black-eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia hirta, are native to North America particularly in zones 3 to 9 and produce beautiful yellow petals with a distinctive black center which gives them their name. Their pleasing looks aside, they are also a great addition to your yard if you want to plant a garden for pollinators such as butterflies, bees and birds.

But when do they flower?

We asked leading gardening experts when black-eyed Susans bloom, how long for and what you can do to prolong their flowering period.

Typically, black-eyed Susans bloom from July through to the first frosts. However, some cultivars, such as the aptly named ‘Early Bird Gold’ will bloom from spring.

Note: some black-eyed Susans bloom twice a year, once in summer and again in fall. According to Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nursery, 'their peak bloom time is often during July and August when their bright, yellow-gold petals fully unfold around a dark black-brown center, enhancing gardens and landscapes with their vibrant color.'

How long do black-eyed Susans bloom for?

Good news black-eyed susans have a blooming period much longer than most other flowers. They typically first bloom in either early or mid-summer and then they’ll continue to flower up until the first frost when the time comes to cut black-eyed susans back.

Black-eyed susans are incredibly tolerant of mistreatment and neglect. These flowers are also known for still blooming abundantly even when not deadheaded or cared for as well as they should be.

How to prolong the bloom period of black-eyed Susans?

To ensure abundant and long-lasting blooms, plant black-eyed Susans in a spot with full sun exposure for at least six hours a day and give them plenty of space to grow.

They are adaptable plants that can thrive in different soil conditions, although well-drained soil is preferable. Regular watering and deadheading of faded flowers will help prolong the blooming season, as removing spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers.’

To deadhead, cut out any spent blooms at the base of the stem. This should encourage a second flowering period towards fall.

When watering black-eyed Susans, be careful to aim for the base of the stem where it meets the soil. If you wet the leaves you may find that the plants develop a powdery mildew.

Do Black Eyed Susan’s come back every year?

Black-eyed Susans are perennial so they do flower every year. Annual varieties will sometimes return for another year's flowering if they haven't been deadheaded. Bear in mind that black eye Susans are enthusiastic self-seeders so you may find that you have to remove or divide plants over time to give them and other plants enough space.

Black-eyed Susans tend to grow to around 1 to 3 foot tall and are wonderful planted amongst other prairie plants such as ornamental grasses. Relatively late bloomers, they will reward you with a long flowering season and self-seeding that can result in an abundance of blooms.

This is a really great club. We do a lot of good projects and are always looking for new people to join our club. If int...
08/26/2026

This is a really great club. We do a lot of good projects and are always looking for new people to join our club. If interested please contact us.

This weeks seed information is on herb Rosemary. It has a lot of good uses. These seeds are in the Crestview Garden Club...
08/25/2026

This weeks seed information is on herb Rosemary. It has a lot of good uses. These seeds are in the Crestview Garden Club seed library located in the Crestview Library and are available for check out.

Rosemary herb is a fragrant woody evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae.

Uses

Cooking:

Used for flavoring roasted potatoes, meats like lamb and pork, soups, and stews.

Aromatherapy:

Used in essential oils, perfumes, soaps, and hair products.

Gardening:

Grown as an ornamental or companion plant to deter certain pests.

Potential Benefits

Memory and Focus:

Aromatic compounds in rosemary may help boost concentration and cognitive function.

Digestion:

Traditional uses include easing minor indigestion and bloating.

Antioxidants:

Rich in plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress

Quick Care Guide

Sunlight :

Full sun (6-8 hours daily)

Watering: Low.

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil:

Well-draining, sandy, or gravelly with a neutral pH.

Hardiness:

Perennial in USDA zones 7-11; grown as an annual or brought indoors in colder climates.

Here is some great information on growing strawberries. In our area they seem to grow really well. How to Grow Strawberr...
08/21/2026

Here is some great information on growing strawberries. In our area they seem to grow really well.

How to Grow Strawberries:

Your Expert Guide to a Thriving Patch

Fall is an ideal time to start your garden to ensure delicious fruit come spring

Once you know how to grow strawberries, a bowl of the juicy, sweet-tart fruit is all the more enjoyable. And the best part is that it doesn’t take a green thumb to see red.

Easy to grow in containers or vertical planters. Think specialty towers and chic back-deck container garden. Strawberries don’t require much space, making them perfect for urban plots or small raised beds. Really, all you need is plenty of sunshine. And with temperatures dropping, now’s the time to start. Late summer to early fall or August to September gives the strawberry plants enough time to establish themselves throughout winter and fruit properly the first summer. So, delicious, homegrown strawberries are soon within your reach.

How to Grow Strawberries

Step 1: Choose your plants

Start by deciding what type of strawberry you want to grow. They’re grouped into three main categories based on when they fruit:

June-bearing:

One main crop throughout a three to four week period in late spring or early summer.

Popular varieties include Jewel, Honeoye, Allstar, and Chandler.

Everbearing:

Produce two main harvests, one in late spring and another in late summer. Ozark Beauty and Eversweet are popular varieties.

Day-Neutral:

Fruit consistently throughout summer and fall as long as temperatures are mild. Common varieties include San Andreas and Seascape.

You’ll also want to consider how you want to start your plant. You can grow from seeds though it is a slower process and the plant likely won’t fruit in the first season. Instead many gardeners opt to use bare-root plants, which are dormant crops that can be replanted.

Step 2: Choose a sunny spot

Once you’ve purchased your strawberries pick a sunny spot in your garden you’ll need to find a location that gets full sun for at least eight hours no matter what strawberry variety you have.

You can grow strawberries in the ground or in pots.

Growing in the ground is ideal but it’s possible to grow strawberries in a container if you lack ample space, just be sure to aim for a nice wide pot or planter box with space for strawberries to spread out.

Step 3:

Add compost, dig, and plant.

If you are planting in the ground, work two to three inches of compost or other organic matter into the top layer of soil. “Or add compost to the container if planting in a container.
Then you’re ready to dig. Dig a wide, shallow hole and spread the roots out then backfill so that the crown, the thick knobby base where the leaves emerge, sits right at soil level. You want the strawberry roots fully buried but the crown fully exposed. Space the plants at least one foot apart from each other giving the strawberry plants plenty of room.

Step 4: Water

Water the strawberries well and continue to give them a good drink every day. Water earlier in the morning when it’s cool to start. You can then taper off the amount of water to every other day once the plants are well established. Water consistently when the top inch of the soil becomes dry.

Step 5: Add mulch

As fall turns to winter, if your plants are in the ground and not in containers apply mulch to prevent the strawberries from sitting on wet soil that will turn to ice once temps drop. Mulch also helps suppress weeds and dissuades strawberry pests like slugs. And finally, amend the soil with more compost again once the plants begin to fruit in spring and summer.

Step 6: Pinch off the first flowers

When the plant first starts to bud pinch off the plants flowers. Doing this will encourage growth of the strawberry runner vines or “daughter plants” to take over from the “mother plant. Pinching the flowers feels wrong but you’re trading a few mediocre first-year berries for a plant that actually supports root growth, and next season’s crop will be dramatically better.

Frequently asked questions

When is a good time to grow strawberries?

In regions that get a hard frost, plant strawberries in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about four to six weeks before your last frost. In mild regions fall is a good time to plant them.

What are the best strawberry varieties?

The best variety depends on how many strawberries you want in a season. June-bearing varieties for example, will produce one large crop over a several-week period. Day-neutral varieties will produce all season long steadily.

Are strawberries better planted in pots or in the ground?

Strawberries grow great in the ground, but they’re also a wonderful container crop for gardeners without abundant space. If using a container, opt for one that’s at least ten inches deep with drainage.

Is it too late to plant strawberries in the fall? Why or why not?

It’s not too late to plant strawberries in the fall. In a mild climate this allows roots to get established before spring. For a colder climate it’s important to plant four to six weeks before a hard freeze. Also, bare-root plant crowns are usually sold in the winter and early spring so you would need to opt for potted plants if you choose to grow them.

Is it possible to grow strawberries indoors?

Yes it’s possible whether it’s in a greenhouse or on your kitchen counter but growing outdoors is ideal because there the plants are exposed to direct sunlight, elements, pollinators like bees, and fresh air. If the plants are inside in a pot, they’d have to be pollinated by hand and you’ll need a full-spectrum grow light running at least 12 hours a day.

How many strawberries do you get from one plant per year?

A healthy strawberry plant can produce 20 to 30 strawberries per year. This is why it’s good to pluck the blossoms off the first year, so the plant can spread out and produce more berries.

Will I need to overwinter the plants?

If you have potted strawberries, they’ll need to move indoors for overwintering. Move them to an unheated garage or shed which will allow the plants to enter a dormancy stage. You will still need to occasionally water them lightly just enough so the plants do not dry out.

Today the Crestview Garden Club went to Richbourg School to redo the flower boxes at the front entrance. We had school c...
08/19/2026

Today the Crestview Garden Club went to Richbourg School to redo the flower boxes at the front entrance. We had school children come out and help. After completing the project we then set up a table where the kids could plant seeds and take their project home. It was a very good day and the results will be wonderful for years to come.

08/18/2026

Our August meeting is tomorrow (Wed Aug 19) morning at 9AM. We will demonstrating and discussing container planting while we restore the planters at the Richbourg School. Please check your email for details, or respond here if you'd like to be added to our email list. Looking forward to seeing you!

This weeks seed information is on Red Orach flower seeds. They can be used for ornamental plants and are edible. The Cre...
08/18/2026

This weeks seed information is on Red Orach flower seeds. They can be used for ornamental plants and are edible. The Crestview Garden Club has these seeds available at the Crestview Library for check out.

Red orach (Atriplex hortensis), also called mountain spinach or French spinach is a tall striking annual plant grown for both its edible dark burgundy leaves and its decorative reddish flower spikes. It acts as a great heat-tolerant substitute for traditional spinach and doubles as an ornamental cut flower.

Plant Features

Height:

They grow upright from 4 to 6 feet tall.

Leaves:

Deep ruby-red, magenta, or dark wine-colored leaves with a mild slightly salty flavor.

Flowers:

They produce small delicate reddish-green or deep red flower clusters and seed bracts on tall vertical spires by late summer.

Growing Guide

Sunlight:

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil:

Adapts to most well-drained soils and will tolerate poor soil and mild drought once established.

Sowing:

Plant seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked as it prefers cool weather to start.

Spacing:

Space plants about 6 to 12 inches apart.

Uses culinary:

Harvest young 1-to-2-inch leaves for raw salads or cook mature leaves like spinach.

Floral Design:

The tall colorful seed and flower stalks (Red Plume varieties) are widely used fresh or dried in floral arrangements.

Here is some interesting information about our area for garden growing. Our area here in the panhandle of Florida sits i...
08/12/2026

Here is some interesting information about our area for garden growing. Our area here in the panhandle of Florida sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8B to 9A, featuring long, hot summers and mild winters. Vegetables like peppers, okra, and tomatoes, herbs like rosemary and parsley, citrus trees, and landscape staples like dwarf azaleas, coreopsis, and centipede or bahiagrass thrive in this climate.

Vegetables and Fruits

Warm-season crops:

Tomatoes, peppers (jalapeño, cayenne), okra, corn, beans, and cucumbers
Melons and squash:

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and zucchini do very well when planted after the last spring frost.

Fruits:

Citrus (like satsumas, kumquats, and navel oranges) and figs handle the regional climate with ease.

Herbs and Perennials

Hardy herbs:

Rosemary, parsley, and sage withstand most winter dips.
Perennials: Dune sunflower, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and Mexican bush sage stand up to high summer heat and humidity.

Vines:

Crossvine, trumpet creeper, and passion flower grow aggressively and bloom heavily

Trees and lawns

Native trees:

Southern magnolia, eastern redbud, and river birch.

Lawns:

Centipede grass and bahiagrass adapt best to the sandy soils common to the Florida Panhandle.

Essential Care TipsSoil Prep:

Amend sandy or clay panhandle soils generously with organic compost to boost nutrient and water retention.

Mulching:

Apply a 2-to-3-inch layer of pine straw or wood chips to keep roots cool and block weeds.

Address

Crestview, FL
32539

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