Dried banana peel as fertilizer

The benefits of banana peels for the garden are undeniable, both in solid and powdered form. Over-fertilization is hardly possible. However, not all bowls are suitable.

Applications in fertilizing

Banana peels are not suitable as the sole full-fledged garden fertilizer, because nitrogen and phosphorus in particular are missing. Nevertheless, they can enrich the garden soil. They decompose quickly in the soil, releasing potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulphur, sodium and silicic acid in particular, as well as other minerals and trace elements. This natural fertilizer can be used in different ways.

As dried peel pieces

While banana peels aren't a full-fledged fertilizer, they're a good substitute for traditional magnesium and potassium fertilizers. It is best to cut the shells into small pieces while they are still fresh. It's a bit more difficult when they're dried, because then they're often very fibrous, which could make it difficult to chop them up.

• Cut or chop fresh peel into pieces
• Spread out on a grid, cotton cloth or similar surface
• leave to dry completely in a warm, airy place
• turn several times during drying
• Avoiding moisture could cause mold growth
• Store dried peels in a sealable container
• collect until you have the amount you need
• To fertilize, work it flat into the root area
• ideally in spring as a long-term fertilizer
• Shells should not stick out of the ground

This fertilizer is easy to make and can be crafted in bulk. The dried pieces must be covered with soil and completely rotted before the next fertilization. The smaller the pieces of shell, the faster they will rot.

As a powder

Another way to use the banana Using peel as fertilizer is the powder form. To do this, the shells are crushed into fine pieces or directly in the blender. Then spread it out on a towel to dry. After a few days, the mixed mass has turned into a dry, crumbly and brownish powder. The powder can also be made in advance. The powder that has already been prepared can be stored in paper bags or cloth bags until the amount required for fertilization is reached. The application is similar to that of dried coarser pieces of peel.

For mulching

Banana peels are also very suitable for mulching, especially young plants and seedlings. At the same time, they take on the function of a long-term fertilizer. When drying, you should be careful not to cut them too small, because they shrink a lot during drying.

Because they turn brown when they dry, they can hardly be seen on the bed afterwards. To use the dried pieces of shell as mulch, you mix them with grass clippings, dry leaves or conventional bark mulch. That way you don't need too much banana peel.

Only use organic bananas

• Generally all banana peels can be used
• recommended but only peels of organic bananas
• It is better to avoid fruits from conventional cultivation
• usually with pesticides Treated with anti-mold agents
• are sprayed weekly and over a large area
• usually just before harvest
• to protect plants from diseases
• also preserve the shells
• decompose much more slowly in the soil
• unlike organic bananas

The garden soil is more or less heavily loaded by these fungicides. In addition, they can be absorbed by subsequent cultures. Ideally, only peels from bananas with the Fairtrade seal should be used.

These plants benefit

With this fertilizer, the affected plants are healthier and more floriferous and, thanks to the high potassium content, are also well prepared for the cold season. Roses and flowering perennials such as geraniums and fuchsias respond particularly well to this fertilizer. Potassium strengthens the plants and at the same time improves their moisture balance and winter hardiness. A combination with nitrogenous fertilizers is recommended for the plants mentioned.

Even orchids, which are known to be very sensitive, can be fertilized with banana peels. Not forgetting vegetables, because they too can benefit. These include tomatoes, which, as heavy feeders, have a high nutrient requirement. Zucchini, squash, cucumbers, parsnips and carrots also enjoy an extra portion of nutrients.

Learn more about fertilizing