From the page: A ripe banana is in a hurry — and full of gifts
Idea 9
Peel fertilizer for potted plants
Banana peel is a traditional homemade fertilizer among container gardeners, especially in urban gardens. It works because the peel holds potassium, phosphorus, and calcium — the same nutrients found in commercial bloom formulas — and releases them slowly as the soil's microorganisms break it down.
What you need
- Ripe banana peels (from 1 to 3 bananas)
- Scissors or knife
- A pot with an established plant
- A small trowel or spoon
- Water for watering
How to make it
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1
Cut the peels into small pieces: the smaller they are, the faster the soil's fungi and bacteria can break them down and release the nutrients to the roots.
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2
With the trowel, dig a shallow trench (about 2 inches) in the pot's soil, away from the stem — that way you won't injure the plant's main roots.
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3
Spread the peel pieces in the trench and cover with soil. Burying them is essential: peels left on the surface attract flies and dry out without breaking down.
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4
Water right after to moisten everything, because decomposition only happens with moisture — dry soil stalls the process.
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5
Wait 3 to 4 weeks before repeating: the potassium is released little by little, and overdoing it can compact and acidify the potting soil.
Finishing touches
Roses, tomatoes, peppers, and orchids love this potassium boost during bloom season. If you'd rather go faster, soak the peels in water for 2 days and use that water when watering.
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