Throwing away banana peels is such a waste when you can easily use them to boost plant growth. Banana peels are full of nutrients that act as a natural fertilizer when the peels are soaked in water. This banana peel “tea” provides plants with a nutrient-rich drink they love.
Banana peels are high in potassium, which is essential for plant growth. Potassium helps transport carbohydrates, strengthen plant stems, produce flowers and fruits, and build overall plant immunity. The peels also contain other nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen.
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By soaking banana peels in water, these nutrients are released into the liquid to feed your plants. It’s a simple, inexpensive way to boost plant growth without using harsh chemicals. Best of all, you likely already have the main ingredient – banana peels! – in your kitchen.
Banana Peel Water Can Boost Plant Growth Quickly
How to Make Banana Peel Water
All you need are banana peels and a container for soaking. Here’s the simple process:
1. Collect banana peels as you eat bananas. You can store them in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Add 3-5 peels to a jar or container and fill with water. Make sure the peels are submerged.
3. Seal the container and let it soak for 5-7 days. The longer it steeps, the stronger the nutrient concentration will be.
4. After soaking, strain out the peels and pour the rich, brown liquid into a watering can or storage container.
5. The tea can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Give it a good shake before each use to redistribute the nutrients.
How to Use Banana Peel Tea
Dilute the banana peel water with regular water at a ratio of 1 part tea to 4 parts water. This diluted mixture is safe for most houseplants. You can experiment with stronger concentrations for outdoor plants.
Use the tea every time you water plants, either by itself or mixed with regular water. Plants will perk up noticeably after just a few waterings. You may also see increased flowering, fruiting, or leaf size over time.
The tea works great as a foliar spray too. Just dilute it more at a ratio of 1:10 with water before misting leaves. This puts nutrients directly onto leaf surfaces for fast absorption.
Plants That Benefit Most from Banana Peel Tea
Almost any plant will enjoy extra potassium from banana peels. However, some plants respond especially well and see more dramatic effects:
– Tomatoes: Speeds fruit production and yields larger crops.
– Peppers: Produces more and spicier peppers.
– Citrus Trees: Encourages flowering and heavier fruit loads.
– Houseplants: Boosts growth and leaf size of pothos, philodendron, spider plants, and more.
– Vegetables: Nourishes carrots, potatoes, squash, beans, and other veggies.
So don’t toss those peels – put them to use watering your plants! It’s a simple way to boost growth without buying expensive fertilizers. Your plants will thank you with bigger, healthier growth.