As a rule, banana peels end up in the organic waste bin. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. Crafty hobby gardeners use them as organic fertilizer. However, this requires proper preparation.

In a nutshell

  • Banana peels contain many minerals
  • Many vegetables, flowering plants and indoor plants love fertilizer made from banana peels
  • However, the origin is important
  • Only use of organic bananas
  • Use dried or as a liquid fertilizer

nutrient supplier

Not only is the banana itself very healthy, but the peel can also be of great service. Experienced hobby gardeners like to use them as organic fertilizer for many vegetables, flowering plants and houseplants. Dried banana peels contain 12 percent minerals, which are important nutrients for plants. This includes:

  • around 10 percent potassium
  • magnesium
  • calcium
  • sulfur
  • phosphorus
  • sodium and
  • a small amount of nitrogen

After the peels have been prepared beforehand, this kitchen waste can be used again as organic fertilizer in the garden. The high proportion of potassium forms a good basis as a nutrient supplier.
Note: However, you should keep in mind that banana peels cannot completely replace the use of conventional fertilizer. A previous basic fertilization is always necessary, since the vital nitrogen is contained only in small amounts. Fertilizer from banana peels can also be used as a source of potassium and magnesium for complete fertilizer.

Pay attention to origin

Now banana peel is not the same as banana peel here if it is to be used as fertilizer. So why is it so important to pay attention to the origin of the bananas? Around 90 percent of the bananas on the market in Europe come from:

  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Panama and
  • Ecuador

For the most part, bananas are conventionally grown in these countries. In other words, they are treated with fungicides until just before harvest to prevent disease. These are preserved in the shell. When using such bowls in the garden, it can happen very quickly that these plant toxins are also distributed in the soil. Not only do these banana peels decompose even worse, the toxins they contain can be absorbed by the plants. Ultimately, these preparations also get into the human body through vegetables. In any case, only bananas from organic cultivation should be used here. These are usually not that much more expensive than regular grown fruit.

Dried or liquid

The use of banana peels as additional fertilization is possible in different ways. So they can be dried, but also used as liquid fertilizer. In order for them to decompose quickly in the ground, it is necessary to crush the shells with a knife or scissors. Alternatively, they can be chopped up in the food processor. The crushed banana peels can now be worked into the soil directly around the plant root area, either fresh or dried.

Tip: The smaller the pieces, the faster the shells will break down in the soil and release the nutrients. Some gardeners also like to mix the peels with coffee grounds before incorporating them.

Alternatively, the peel pieces can be dried on a wire rack in a warm, airy place. Storage can then:

  • dry and warm
  • in tin cans
  • no plastic bags
  • risk of mold

respectively. These pieces of shell can then also be used in the spring to mulch plants along with either grass clippings, leaves or bark mulch. This method is particularly suitable for seedlings and young plants.

Production of liquid fertilizer

Liquid fertilizer is an excellent additional fertilizer for indoor and potted plants. The production is quite simple:

  • crush shells
  • boil 100 grams in a liter of water
  • Let the brew steep for at least 12 hours
  • then strain through a fine sieve
  • Dilute 1:5 with water

Plants love banana peels

When fertilizer from banana peels is given, the plants respond with better flowering. They are healthier and due to the high potassium content, less damage occurs during the winter. At the same time, the potassium content has an effect on the fruit formation, the aroma and the shelf life of vegetables. Many plants that have a high need for potassium benefit from this additional fertilizer, including not only vegetable plants, but also ornamental plants in the garden and indoor plants. Below is a short list.

Tip: 100 g of banana peel fertilizer is sufficient for one plant. Over-fertilization is not possible due to the low nitrogen content.

Plants from A - G

Aubergine, Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

  • Soil: loose, rich in humus
  • Enrichment with compost before planting
  • Location: warm, sheltered from the wind
  • water regularly
  • 14-day fertilization with nettle manure
  • additional incorporation of banana peels in soil

Fuchsias (Fuchsia)

  • popular balcony plant
  • Soil: permeable, rich in nutrients
  • Location: semi-shady to shady
  • Fertilize every 14 days from May to October
  • a lot of potassium is necessary for good flowering
  • Additional addition of "banana liquid fertilizer"

Geraniums (Pelargonium)

  • popular balcony plant
  • Soil: rich in nutrients, loose
  • Location: sunny
  • Fertilize fortnightly from May to October
  • Addition of "banana liquid fertilizer" to the irrigation water

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

  • Soil: loose, rich in humus
  • Enrichment with compost before planting
  • Location: sunny, sheltered from the wind
  • heavy feeder
  • annual change of location
  • water and fertilize plentifully
  • after planting weekly
  • then only 14 days after flowering
  • Additional fertilization in July with "banana fertilizer" (potassium)
  • Application of a mulch layer
  • Incorporate peels of banana as needed

Plants by H - K

Hibiscus, marshmallow (Hibiscus) / Chinese rose mallow (Hibiscus rosa sinensis)

  • Soil: well-drained, nutrient-rich, fresh, moderately moist, sandy to loamy, slightly acidic to alkaline
  • Location: sunny, sheltered
  • water regularly
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • In the case of garden hibiscus, work the peel of the banana into the soil
  • Fertilize every two to three weeks
  • in the case of rose mallow, add liquid “banana fertilizer” to the irrigation water

Hydrangea (Hydrangea)

  • Soil: loose, rich in humus, slightly acidic, pH between 5 and 6
  • Location: prefers semi-shade
  • copious amounts of water
  • Soak the chopped banana peels in the soil
  • once a month from May to the end of August
  • Main fertilization until the end of July with hydrangea or rhododendron fertilizer

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

  • Soil: medium heavy, deep
  • Enrichment with compost before planting
  • Location: sunny, warm
  • Planting only every four years in the same place
  • Watering only in dry periods
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • regular fertilization
  • 14-day potassium supply
  • additionally then administration of "banana fertilizer"
Solanum tuberosum

Pumpkins (Cucurbita)

  • Soil: rich in nutrients and humus
  • Add compost before planting
  • Location: warm, sunny, sheltered
  • heavy feeder
  • only plant every 5 years in the same place
  • keep evenly moist
  • Mulching in the root area with lawn clippings or straw
  • mix in dried banana peel fertilizer
  • occasional fertilization with nettle manure
  • Harvest before the frost
  • more storable through dried banana peels
Cucurbita, pumpkins

Planting of L - P

Carrots (Daucus carota)

  • Soil: loose, loamy-sandy, humic
  • before sowing compost mixed with powder from shells, work in
  • Location: sunny
  • watering during dry periods
  • heavy feeder
  • regular fertilization during growth phase
  • Fertilize every two to three weeks
  • mainly high in potassium

Paprika (Capsisum annuum)

  • Soil: loose, rich in nutrients and humus
  • Enrich with compost or horn meal before planting
  • Location: warm, sunny
  • water sufficiently
  • initially 14-day fertilization
  • Additional fertilization with nettle manure from mid-June to the end of August
  • two to three times during period
  • Mulching with lawn clippings
  • either there mixing in dried peels of banana or
  • incorporation into soil

Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa)

  • Soil: loose, deep, rich in humus
  • Work in enough compost before planting
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • water adequately during dry periods
  • regular fertilization from June to October
  • Fortnightly administration of potassium fertilizer from banana peels
Source: Rasbak, Pastinaca sativa subsp. sativa flowerbuds, Pastinaak bloemeknoppen(1), edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Planting of Q - S

roses (pink)

  • Soil: loose, rich in nutrients and humus
  • Location: sunny, airy
  • Fertilize March/April and late summer with rose fertilizer
  • Soak one cup of banana peel per plant in soil
  • Timing for this: April, June and August
  • thereby stimulating the formation of flowers and abundance of flowers
Pink 'Leonardo da Vinci'

Celery (Apium graveolens)

  • Soil: loose, rich in humus, sandy to loamy
  • Enhance soil with compost before planting
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • regular watering
  • heavy feeder
  • regular administration of potassium fertilizer
  • Addition of banana peel fertilizer
  • Fortnightly from May to September
  • Shelf life increased by “Banana Fertilizer”.

Planting from T - Z

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

  • Soil: rich in humus and nutrients. relaxed
  • Enhance soil with compost and crushed shells before planting
  • Location: sunny, sheltered from wind and rain, warm
  • regular watering
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Fortnightly administration of potassium fertilizer
  • When keeping in buckets, mix soil with compost and crushed shells
Solanum lycopersicum

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo convar. giromontiina)

  • Soil: loose, humus
  • Before planting, incorporate compost and banana peels
  • Location: sunny to semi-shady
  • watering in case of drought
  • heavy feeder
  • Administration of potassium fertilizer from the formation of the flowers
  • 14 days until harvest

frequently asked Questions

Can indoor plants be fertilized with banana peels?

Of course. These plants love this fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer should be used here. This is added to the irrigation water. In principle, it can be used as fertilizer all year round, over-fertilization is not possible. however, the dormant phases of individual plants should be taken into account.

Is it possible to compost banana peels?

Yes. However, the shells must first be cut into small pieces. This speeds up rotting. The peels are then mixed with other kitchen or garden waste. If they just landed on the compost, they would stick together and eventually go moldy. However, you should also pay attention to the origin here. The skins of conventionally grown bananas have no place here.

Do banana peels help against aphids?

There is a widespread opinion that dried and finely chopped shells placed in the ground around the plant drive away aphids. Well, the amount of potassium here is important as a nutrient for the plant, but aphids don't really care about it. The amount just isn't enough to really get rid of the lice. Spraying with black tea steeped for 15 minutes helps better here.

Category:

Garden maintenance