Banana peels fertilizer contain nutrients that are essential for healthy potted plants. As they decompose, banana peels add potassium as well as small amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium to the soil in a similar fashion as a slow-release fertilizer.

Bananas are rich in both phosphorus and potassium which are important macro-nutrients plants need. All potassium fertilizers are extremely expensive. Banana peels are a natural source of the phosphorus and potassium found in expensive fertilizers, but why buy when making your own banana fertilizer is as easy as tossing the skins.

Preparation method of Banana peel fertilizers

1. Banana Peel Tea

Like compost tea, this fertilizer uses nutrients leeched from banana peels to give your plants a mineral boost.

To make it, fill a mason jar with water, and add a banana peel. Let it sit for 48 hours.

After 2 days, discard the peel, leaving the water in your mason jar

Water your plants as usual with your banana tea.

2. Chop the peels, then add to your garden’s soil directly

If you made the banana peel tea above, you’ll have leftovers to use up. Consider adding them to your garden directly.

Here’s one way to do it:

To do so, chop your banana peels into 1/4 inch pieces – by chopping them, you kick start the composting process, and release some of the beneficial vitamins and minerals in the peels.

Bury them anywhere from 4 inches down to just beneath the surface of the soil.

If you choose to bury them inches below the soil, do so before you plant your vegetables at that location, or where you aren’t in danger of hitting your plants’ roots.

As the peels decompose, all the valuable vitamins in the peels will reach the roots, giving you plants a nutrient bump that will make them happy.

3. Toss leftover banana peels into a compost pile

If you want to feed your red wigglers and indirectly use banana peels in the garden, toss your leftover peels in your compost pile. 

It’s not the most inventive way to use the peels, but it’s a valuable method, nonetheless.

Over time the peels will decompose and turn into rich compost.

When preparing your beds for planting, or when your plants begin to flower, side dress with the compost to aid in fruit and vegetable development – your plants will love the extra nutrients.

4. Dry the peels, then grind them into a fertilizer 

Similar to the spray version, you can dry your banana peels and grind them into a fertilizer. If you only have a few peels to use up, but want to use them effectively on many plants, this is a great option. Once dry, grind the peels in a coffee or spice grinder. 

Add to your garden soil directly, either by sprinkling as a side dressing or gently incorporating into the dirt, making sure to avoid your plants’ roots.

5. Add the whole peel to your garden

A very straight forward way to use banana peels in the garden is to add the whole peel to the soil when planting.

The seeds will get a nutrient kick at the start of their lives, which will translate into healthier plants and a better harvest.

Here’s how to do it:

When you plant your seeds, dig a trench a couple inches deep.

Lay the peels flat in the trench, and add your seeds on top. Fill the trench in when you’re done laying the peels and the seeds.

As the seeds germinate, form roots, and continue to grow, the peels will decompose, creating a rich fertilizer.

6. Create a banana peel spray

A step-up from banana peel tea, this spray is a fertilizer that also uses eggshells for a calcium boost and Epsom salt for magnesium. 

If your plants are established, and you just want to give them a nutrient boost, try making a fertilizer spray.

Why?

Because you can hit many plants at once without needing a ton of banana peels (and without having to chop them all up).

Here’s how to make it:

To create the fertilizer spray, you’ll need banana peels, egg shells, Epsom salt, and water. 

Dry the banana peels and egg shells, then once they’re dry, grind them together. Add the peels and shells to a spray bottle, along with the Epsom salt, and fill the sprayer to the top.

Spray on your plants as needed.

7. Create an insect trap

You can create a simple insect trap with banana peels and apple cider vinegar.

If flies are a problem, and you’re looking for a non-toxic solution that’s pet friendly, creating this trap might be for you. It’s also a great way to reuse a disposable plastic container and keep it out of the landfills.

how to do it:

To make an insect trap using banana peels, combine small pieces of the peels with the vinegar, and shake to mix and release the scent of the banana. 

Drill holes large enough to allow bugs to get through into your plastic container, and pour your banana mixture (peels and all) into the container. 

Place outside in your garden to keep down the insect population (great for gnats). 

8. Keep Aphids Away

One reported use for banana peels in the garden is as an aphid deterrent. These little pests can decimate a garden before you can say “tomato sauce,” so keeping them away is important.

To use banana peels to prevent aphids, place chopped peels just under the soil line. I’m not sure why, but there’s something in the peels that aphids hate.

You’ll also be adding fertilizer to your garden, since as the peels decompose, their nutrients will unlock and release into the dirt.

9. Ferment Peels For Bigger Blooms

For bigger blooms and healthier plants, use fermented banana peels in your garden. This is particularly good for healthy roses, but any flowering plant will benefit. 

How do you ferment banana peels?

Put your peels in a mason jar, and cover with enough water so they’re submerged. You’ll want to put some sort of weight on the peels so they remain under the water. Cover with cloth and rubber band or a loosely fitting top.

Let the mixture sit for a week while the good bacteria does its job and unlocks the nutrients in the peel. If you see a cloudy must, that’s ok. If you start to see black mold, you’ll have to throw it away and start again. 

As long as the peels are below the surface of the water, you’re probably okay. Let your nose and your judgement be your guide.  After a week, put the peels in a blender and puree (save the water for other plants). 

Side dress your blossoming plants with the puree, being sure to incorporate it into the soil gently so it doesn’t attract unwanted critters like squirrels and raccoons.

If they’re a particular concern, dilute the puree in water to help it distribute into the ground better.

10. Create banana peel vinegar (for acidic soil-loving plants)

You’ll also be adding fertilizer to your garden, since as the peels decompose, their nutrients will unlock and release into the dirt.

if you’re looking to give your blueberries a nutritional boost, create some banana vinegar for them – it will give them the acidic soil they crave while unlocking the nutrients in the bananas for a healthier plant.

To create banana vinegar, follow the steps above to ferment the peels.
After a week, remove the peels, and allow the water to sit, covered, until the mixture ferments into a vinegar. This can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks, depending on conditions such as temperature.

Let your nose tell you when it’s turned to vinegar – it will have that unmistakable vinegar scent.

If the mixture seems especially potent (you’ll know by the scent), dilute it with water right before using so you don’t accidentally burn your plants.

How to Dry Banana Peels

You can either dry peels whole, or cut them into strips (1/8″ – 1/4″) and place them so they’re not touching on a cookie sheet.  

For both methods, dry them at 140 degrees, leaving the oven door open 1-2 inches, until they’re dried through.

Poonam Singh