Want to give your plants a boost while respecting the environment? The solution is sometimes right under our noses, in our kitchen waste, such as banana peel! Easy to make, banana peel manure is an ecological and economical solution to feed plants in your garden. In this tutorial, discover how to make this banana peel manure, its benefits and our usage tips.
Why use banana peel manure?
Banana peel manure is a natural fertiliser rich in potassium, which you may know as “K” (from the familiar N-P-K trio). This nutrient essential for plants promotes their growth, water absorption, photosynthesis, robust roots, and the colour intensity of flowers and fruit. Moreover, potassium improves efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus. In short, perfect for pampering beloved plants.
This manure is particularly effective at preventing potassium deficiencies, identifiable by yellowing or browning of leaf edges, often accompanied by leaf rolling.
Note: Although banana peel is rich in potassium, I recommend alternating manures to cover different needs of your plants. For example, with nettle manure which is rich in nitrogen.
Preparing banana peel manure
Equipment needed
For 1 litre of manure you will need:
- 100 g of banana peels (equivalent of one to two bananas), preferably organic;
- A large container with lid, such as a glass bottle, bucket or jerry can;
- 1 litre of rainwater;
- A knife or pair of scissors;
- A very fine-mesh strainer or a clean cloth for filtering.
Steps to prepare banana peel manure
1- Using scissors or a knife, cut banana peel into small pieces to speed up decomposition.
2- Place pieces of banana peel in container and cover with one litre of rainwater.
3- Close lid of container and let mixture macerate for about 48 hours, stirring occasionally to encourage even fermentation.
4- Once water has browned and thickened, use a clean cloth or a very fine-mesh strainer to filter the liquid, removing banana peel pieces. These peel remnants can go to the compost.
5- Transfer filtered liquid into a clean container with lid or a bottle. Don’t forget to label it.
Using banana peel manure
Dilution
To use your manure, dilute 10 cl of manure in 1 litre of irrigation water. This dilution can be adjusted according to sensitivity of plants you want to feed.
In case of potassium deficiency (yellowing or browning and rolling of leaf edges), dilute 30 cl of banana peel manure in 1 litre of water.
Frequency and timing of application
Manure from banana peel is particularly beneficial during active growth period of plants, generally spring and summer. Apply this mix once every two to three weeks to support flowering and fruit growth.
Precautions
It is best to apply early morning or evening at base of plants. Avoid applying manure directly to leaves, especially in full sun, to prevent scorching.
Which types of plants?
This manure is ideal for plants requiring high potassium input, such as vegetable plants, notably tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and fruiting plants. It is also beneficial for ornamental flowering plants, such as roses, which appreciate rich soil for abundant flowering.
Storage life of manure
Filtered manure from banana peel can be stored for up to six months if properly filtered, then kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Check manure regularly to ensure it does not develop mould or unusual odours.
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