Nobody likes unnecessary kitchen waste – but there are lots of innovative, simple tricks to reduce your carbon footprint, like throwing your food scraps into a compost bin or converting plastic takeout containers into planters for seedlings. Another eco-friendly trick is to use your leftovers, like banana peels, directly in your vegetable garden. To find out why they are underutilized powerhouses for plant growth, Food Republic spoke with Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery.
“Banana peels are a great source of potassium and phosphorus, which contribute to both healthy roots and flower production,” Sons explained. These are two compounds commonly found in most fertilizers sold commercially. Potassium supports strong stems, aids water regulation and flowering, and phosphorus promotes healthy roots and supports photosynthesis. Additionally, you will find that banana peels contain small traces of other important plant nutrients such as magnesium and calcium. Bananas are naturally biodegradable and as they decompose, these nutrients are released into the soil over time. As the shells break down, they also improve soil structure, which promotes soil aggregation and aids air and water movement.
“I like to soak the peels in water for a few days to make a fertilizer tea,” Sons told us. “Another option is to bury the banana peels in the ground, but be sure to cut them into small pieces so they will decompose.” You can also mix the shells for faster decomposition, or add them directly to your compost bin along with other scraps like eggshells for an extra boost of nutrients.
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Do's and Don't's for banana peels in the garden
Banana peels, banana tea and plants – MaskaRad/Shutterstock
Although the nutritional benefits of bananas are numerous, we are not the only ones who enjoy these benefits. “I've found that some plants like roses, tomatoes and peppers really seem to love the extra boost,” Tammy Sons told us. These particular plants benefit from the potassium-rich peels as they all use a lot of potassium. The visible positive effects of potassium include healthy flowering and fruit development. Other fruit and flowering plants that benefit from the potassium boost include citrus plants and berries. Because banana peels decompose and improve soil structure, they are also excellent for hardy root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, which thrive in good soil structure for healthy development.
“The biggest mistake I’ve seen with this method is using the shells whole,” Sons told us. “Not only does this decompose slowly, it can also attract bugs or mold.” Pests can spread very quickly and once a pest infestation begins it is very difficult to control and can spread to other plants in your garden. Over time, pests and mold can damage or even kill your plants. Therefore, it is important to prevent this. Sons also points out that while bananas are a good addition to fertilizers, “your plants still need a full range of nutrients.” So in addition to potassium and phosphorus (and the very small amount of magnesium and calcium), your plants also need other micronutrients, especially nitrogen. For this reason, banana peels are most effective in a homemade compost or as part of a balanced, organic fertilizer mix.
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Read the original article on Food Republic.