Banana peels are often seen as kitchen waste, but they’re actually a goldmine for gardeners.
Packed with essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, banana peels are an eco-friendly way to nourish your plants, repel pests, and improve your garden’s overall health. Best of all, they’re free and biodegradable!
Here are 12 genius ways to use banana peels in your garden and maximize their benefits.
1. Natural Fertilizer
Banana peels are rich in nutrients that plants love, especially potassium and phosphorus, which support healthy root and flower development.
How to Use:
Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them in the soil near your plants.
Allow them to decompose naturally, releasing nutrients into the soil.
2. Banana Peel Tea
Banana peel tea is a liquid fertilizer that provides a quick nutrient boost for your plants.
How to Make:
Place 2–3 banana peels in a container with 1 liter of water.
Let them steep for 24–48 hours.
Strain the liquid and use it to water your plants.
Benefits:
Great for tomatoes, roses, and other potassium-loving plants.
3. Compost Booster
Banana peels break down quickly in compost, adding valuable nutrients that enrich the soil.
How to Use:
Toss banana peels into your compost pile or bin.
Chop them up to speed up decomposition.
Tip: Combine banana peels with other compost materials like leaves and grass clippings for a balanced mix.
4. Pest Repellent
Banana peels can help keep pests like aphids, ants, and caterpillars at bay.
How to Use:
Chop banana peels and bury them just beneath the soil surface around your plants.
The smell of decomposing peels repels pests naturally.
Caution: Avoid leaving peels on the soil surface to prevent attracting larger pests like raccoons.
5. Rooting Hormone
Banana peels contain natural compounds that encourage root growth, making them a great alternative to commercial rooting hormones.
How to Use:
Blend banana peels with water to create a paste.
Dip the cut ends of plant cuttings into the paste before planting.
Best for: Propagating roses, pothos, and other plants.
6. Soil Enricher
Adding banana peels directly to your garden improves soil texture and nutrient content.
How to Use:
Cut peels into small pieces and mix them into the topsoil.
Let them decompose over time to improve soil health.
7. Banana Peel Mulch
Using banana peels as mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and slowly release nutrients.
see continuation on next page
