- High Nutrient Content: Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and other micronutrients that can help feed plants and enhance soil health.
- Reduce Waste: Turning kitchen scraps into a useful product is a budget-friendly, sustainable practice that diverts organic matter away from landfills.
Step-by-Step: Making Banana Peel “Fertilizer Water”
- Collect Banana Peels
- Rinse off any residual fruit or sticky residue.
- Cut the peels into smaller strips or pieces for easier decomposition.
- Place in a Bottle or Jar
- Choose a clean plastic or glass bottle/jar with a lid.
- Fill it at least halfway with the banana peel pieces.
- Add Water
- Pour in clean water until the peels are fully submerged.
- Leave an inch or two of space at the top for air circulation if you plan to let it sit for a while.
- Steep
- Short-Term (2–3 days): For a mild, quick plant “tea,” let the peels soak for a couple of days.
- Longer Soak (1–2 weeks): The nutrients have more time to leach into the water, resulting in a stronger fertilizer solution. (It may develop a stronger odor, so keep it in a well-ventilated area.)
- Use the Infused Water
- Strain out the banana peel pieces and dilute the remaining liquid with fresh water (about 1 part banana peel water to 2 or 3 parts plain water).
- Water the base of your plants or garden soil with this mixture. Avoid directly spraying leaves if you’re concerned about any residue or odor.
- Compost or Reuse the Peels
- After soaking, the peels can still be composted. If you have a compost bin or pile, add them there to break down further.