Bananas as a DIY fertilizer: how to feed your plants the natural way
In the cultivation of our plants, one of the essential elements is the fertilizer, which provides the right nourishment and allows plants to grow rapidly and luxuriantly. The use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, however, is not always our preferred choice, since these can be potentially harmful for our health and for the planet.
For these reasons, and to find cheaper remedies, we often look for alternatives. Coffee grounds, pasta cooking water, potatoes, banana peels... there are many solutions we can consider.
Banana peels in particular are a very popular resource used for fertilizing but are they are really effective? And, if so, how best are they used?
How are banana peels used for plants?
The use of banana peels as plant fertilizer is increasingly widespread because not only does it allow one to save money (by recycling vegetable waste), but it also seems to provide excellent nourishment to our plants, enhancing their growth. The reason for this lies in the high potassium content present in the peels, which is released into the soil and is taken up by plant roots. One scientific study in particular evaluated the effect of the use of banana peels on agricultural land, producing encouraging results on the growth and health of plants and reaching the conclusion that banana peels can be a viable alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers.
What is potassium (chemical symbol, K) used for in plants? K is fundamental for various processes related to the survival of the plant, ensuring its stability and regulating numerous growth processes, including the carbohydrate balance. In short, K is vital for the survival of plants
How to make a banana peel fertilizer
So, how are banana peels used to fertilize plants? There are various ways of doing this:
- You can simply use banana peels as a mulch for your pots; the peels must be prepared by putting them into a oven at low temperature with the smooth sides resting on the baking tray (you can put them into the oven while it cools down after you have used it) and, when they are completely blackened, put them in an airtight jar.
- Alternatively, prepare a hot or cold liquid fertilizer. In the latter case, all you need to do is put some banana peels to macerate (steep) in water for 48 hours before using them to fertilize the plants while you water them. In the former case, you will have to cut the banana peels up and boil them for at least 15 minutes. Let the solution cool in the pot, then blend the peels into the water. Use this mixture to fertilize plants by diluting one part with 2 parts water.
Now you are ready to get fertilizing!
