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Chances are high, you’ve seen a video of somebody soaking previous banana peels in a Mason jar of water and pouring it over prime of their houseplants. They declare it’s the most effective fertilizer, and their crops have by no means been happier. However…how true can that assertion be? Right here’s what you may actually anticipate when utilizing banana peels as fertilizer.
You’ll be able to’t consider every little thing you see on TikTok. Or Instagram. Or the web, for that matter.
Daily, I see plant hacks marketed as miracle cures or with mysterious superpowers you need to use in your houseplants and backyard. Even higher, they arrive from kitchen scraps or supplies you have already got in your pantry!
I hate to burst the bubble, however many of those aren’t as superior as they seem—a type of being banana peels.
So earlier than you go bananas for banana peel fertilizer, let’s discuss concerning the proposed advantages and the real looking worth of utilizing banana peels within the backyard.
This publish will discuss…
The Significance of Potassium
Potassium is without doubt one of the three key macronutrients that crops want alongside nitrogen and phosphorus. This implies crops take potassium in massive quantities in comparison with different micronutrients and minerals.
Potassium helps to advertise all-around plant well being, boosting its immune system and illness resistance. A plant that will get sufficient potassium has loads of vigour.
However simply because it’s one of many extra important vitamins, it doesn’t essentially imply your soil lacks potassium. One of the simplest ways to know what your soil wants or could also be missing is to carry out a soil take a look at. It’s simple to do one at dwelling with a soil take a look at equipment.
Banana Peels as Fertilizer. Do They Actually Work?
Everyone knows that bananas are a superb supply of potassium. Our dad and mom inform us to eat our bananas to advertise a wholesome coronary heart and to cease these darn leg cramps.
So, in idea, bananas also needs to be a superb supply of potassium for the backyard, proper?
Nicely, not fairly. The frequent follow I’ve seen is making banana tea by soaking the peels in water after which utilizing the banana water as fertilizer for houseplants and the backyard. This follow is much like compost tea, which is a scorching backyard debate itself.
The fact is that little or no of the banana decomposes, that means there may be little dietary worth within the banana water to your crops.
One other manner folks use banana peels is to only put them proper within the soil. Actually, it takes a very long time for the banana peels to interrupt down. It might additionally end in air pockets and a smelly backyard.
Bananas aren’t some prompt nutrient increase. They’re identical to some other kitchen scrap you toss within the compost pile.
Even when your backyard does lack potassium, in line with a soil take a look at, there are higher methods to get it. Compost and different backyard amendments like alfalfa meal and wooden ash could be nice potassium additions.
Need a greater fertilizer recipe? Attempt my indoor plant fertilizer recipe.
The best way to Use Banana Peels within the Backyard
If you wish to use banana peels within the backyard, deal with them like some other kitchen scraps. As a result of sure, it’s at all times higher to compost your kitchen scraps slightly than put them within the landfill.
Banana peels are thought of greens in a compost pile, alongside different fruit and vegetable scraps. Greens maintain plenty of moisture and usually have excessive nitrogen content material.
Greens have to be mixed with browns, comparable to leaves or cardboard, that are excessive in carbon content material and permit the air to stream so the compost doesn’t get moist and smelly.
So! Simply put your banana peels within the compost bin and make sure you’re following the fitting compost recipe (do this recipe) so every little thing breaks down shortly and with none large stink.
Steadily Requested Questions About Banana Peels within the Backyard
Bananas aren’t unhealthy for the backyard, however they’re certainly not some miracle fertilizer. One of the simplest ways to make use of them is so as to add them to your compost bin alongside your different kitchen scraps.
A well-balanced compost shouldn’t be overly smelly (observe this compost recipe). Stick banana peels in your compost bin slightly than instantly within the backyard, which can assist them break down sooner.
It’s also possible to use a compost tumbler, which is a very lined and enclosed compost system. I used this methodology when rats visited my compost, and it labored like a attraction.
Conventional banana tea is made utilizing the leftover peels. Even then, little or no of the banana decomposes within the water for it to be of a lot worth as a fertilizer. So, your greatest wager is to eat that banana and toss the peel in your compost, the place it may break down and supply some actual worth to your backyard.
Extra Gardening Questions Answered
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