The advantages of banana peels for the garden cannot be denied, both in solid and powder form. Over-fertilization is hardly possible. However, not all bowls are suitable.
Possible uses in fertilizing
Banana peels are not suitable as the sole full-fledged garden fertilizer, because they lack nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. Nevertheless, they can enrich the garden soil. They rot quickly in the soil, releasing in particular potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfur, sodium and silica, as well as other minerals and trace elements. This natural fertilizer can be used in different ways.
As dried peel pieces
Even if banana peels are not a full-fledged fertilizer, they are a good substitute for conventional magnesium and potassium fertilizers. It is best to cut the peel into small pieces while they are still fresh. This is a little more difficult when dry, because then they are often very fibrous, which makes chopping difficult
could.- Cut or chop fresh peel into pieces
- Spread out on a grid, cotton cloth or similar surface
- Let dry completely in a warm, airy place
- Turn several times while drying
- Avoiding moisture could cause mold growth
- Store the dried bowls in a sealable container
- collect until the required amount is collected
- work flat into the root area for fertilization
- ideally in spring as a long-term fertilizer
- Bowls shouldn't look out of the ground
This fertilizer is easy to make and can be made in advance. The dried pieces must be covered with earth and completely rotted before the next fertilization. The smaller the shell pieces, the faster they will rot.
Tip: Remnants of dried banana peels can also be added to the compost and thus serve indirectly as fertilizer.
However, it only works in a weakened form via humus and not directly on the plant.As a powder
Another possibility to use the banana or Using husk as a fertilizer is the powder form. To do this, the shells are chopped into fine pieces or directly in the mixer. The whole thing is then spread out again on a cloth 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. Until the amount required for fertilization has been reached, the powder that has already been produced can be stored in paper bags or cloth bags. The application is similar to that of dried, coarser pieces of shell.
For mulching
Banana peels are also very good for mulching, especially young plants and seedlings. At the same time, they take on the function of a slow release fertilizer. When drying, you should be careful not to cut them too small, because they will shrink a lot while drying.
Because they turn brown when drying, they can hardly be seen on the bed afterwards. In order to use the dried peel pieces as mulch, they are mixed with grass clippings, dry leaves or conventional bark mulch. This means that you don't need too large quantities of banana peel.
Use only organic bananas
- Generally all banana peels can be used
- recommended but only peel from organic bananas
- It is better to avoid fruits from conventional cultivation
- usually with pesticides or Treated anti-mold agents
- are sometimes sprayed weekly and over a large area
- mostly until shortly before the harvest
- are supposed to protect plants from diseases
- also preserve the shells
- this means that they decompose much more slowly in the soil
- in contrast to organic bananas
The garden soil is more or less heavily polluted by these fungicides. They can also be picked up by successor cultures. Ideally, only banana peelings with the Fairtrade seal are used.
These plants benefit
This fertilizer makes the plants in question healthier and more blooming and, thanks to the high potassium content, they are also well prepared for the cold season. Roses and flowering shrubs 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. The plants mentioned can be combined with nitrogenous fertilizers.
Even orchids, which are known to be very sensitive, can be fertilized with banana peel. Don't forget vegetables, because they too can benefit. Including tomatoes, which are heavy consumers and have a high need for nutrients. Zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber, parsnips and carrots also enjoy an extra helping of nutrients.
