Banana peels offer an abundance of repurposing opportunities, and they aren’t all about creating classic comedic moments. In a home where bananas are a staple, around 6 peels could be discarded every week. However, these seemingly useless remnants can provide your garden with a nutrient boost, enhancing the vitality of your plants. It’s a simple, cost-free practice, suitable for both outdoor gardens and indoor plants.
Brew Banana Peel Tea for Plants
No, this tea isn’t for you, but your green friends will love it! It nourishes them and encourages growth. Simply steep a banana peel in a container of water for 48 hours and use this concoction for watering your plants.
Inter the Peels in Your Garden
You can directly bury fresh peels or those you’ve previously used to brew tea. Ensure to cut them into smaller pieces and tuck them just beneath the top layer of the soil or deep below the seeds before you start planting. This ensures that the peels won’t impede root development. Chopping the peels aids in quick decomposition, releasing beneficial vitamins and nutrients that enhance the wellbeing of your plants.
Turn the Peels into Compost
If you despise wasting food, begin composting your banana peels. Gradually add other organic waste to create high-quality compost.
Create a Dry Fertilizer
For this, simply dry out the banana peels and grind them into a powder. This nutrient-dense powder can be utilized to enrich the soil prior to planting.
Plant the Whole Peel
Perhaps the most straightforward method, this technique works wonders. Dig a trench about 10 cm deep and place the peel in it, then cover it with a bit of soil before sowing the seeds. As the peel decomposes alongside root growth, the plants receive a fantastic nutrient infusion.
Prepare a Fertilizer Spray
This is essentially a banana peel extract with some additives. Combine ground eggshells and a touch of Epsom salt to incorporate some magnesium into the blend. Use this mixture as a spray to boost the nutrient intake of both your garden plants and houseplants.
Deploy a Natural Insect Trap
If you’re in search of an organic pest control solution, this method fits the bill. Soak a banana peel in apple cider vinegar and place it in a plastic container with holes poked in the lid. Insects, drawn to the aroma, get trapped inside. This chemical-free solution is perfect for maintaining a healthy garden and safeguarding your pets.
Make Banana Vinegar
This is an excellent option for plants that prefer acidic soil conditions. Ferment the banana peels in water, then utilize the resultant water for irrigating your plants. Allow it to ferment for about 4-6 weeks to create your homemade vinegar.
In addition to garden applications, banana peels can be repurposed within your home.
Here are some practical tips:
- Employ a banana peel to treat warts over a 1-2 week period.
- Brighten your teeth by gently rubbing them with the inside of a banana peel.
- Buff your shoes with the interior of a banana peel to clean and shine them.
- Use the inside of the peel to soothe bruises.
- Applying the inside of a banana peel on acne can help alleviate the condition.
