Gardening experts have issued stellar advice to garden owners not to toss away their banana peel as it can provide a massive boost to plants as they enter into spring
As the days get lighter and the weather begins to warm, many of us are taking up a bit of gardening. In fact, an estimated 27 million Brits engage in the activity, making it one of the nation’s most popular hobbies. So, if you’re one of them, be careful not to chuck away your banana peel.
The benefits of growing your own garden are massive. Not only is it a brilliant way to get outside and soak up some much-needed vitamin C, being in nature can actually boost your mental health and immune system. Even better, if you’re planning to grow your own fruit and veg, you can save money on groceries while also ensuring you have a delicious supply of fresh produce.
The one downside can be having to buy various tools like trowels and compost. However, according to gardening professionals, there is one sure fire way to create trusty nutrient-dense plant food without breaking the bank. If you’re a fan of chowing down on bananas, make sure not to toss the peel in the bin – it’s actually much better off in your garden.
READ MORE: Locals baffled as prankster leaves plate of peeled bananas on street every month for a YEAR
According to the outdoor experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk: “Tossing banana peels right into your garden will give your plants a nice potassium boost as they break down. This will help to make your plants strong and healthy, allowing them to fight off pests like aphids.”
Potassium is one of the core nutrients that plants need to grow healthily. It also helps them retain water, which makes them considerably more resistant to drought – which may present as an issue in the warmer months. Aside from potassium, the peel contains calcium and magnesium, which promotes root growth and assists with photosynthesis respectively.
Banana peel also contains sulphur, which helps plants develop strong roots and prevent pest infestations. The worst of these can come from aphids, which are small sap-sucking insects that can stunt plant growth, damage leaves and even spread diseases like turnips yellows virus and cauliflower mosaic virus.
When placing the skins in your garden, it’s important to place them in a single layer on the soil, without touching the plant roots. This is because if you pile them on top of each other, it can take them too long to break down, leaving an unsightly mess in your garden. Alternatively, you can use a blender to grind the peel into a fine powder, which will act as an effective slow release fertilizer.
Another method of using banana peels in your garden is by making banana peel tea. It might sound strange, but don’t worry, it’s not meant for drinking. Cut the banana peel into small pieces and place in water for up to two to three days. The nutrients will break down into the water, which you can then pour onto the soil.
It is important to note, however, that not all plants will benefit from an increased dose of potassium. Radishes, daisies and lettuce are all common plants that do not need much of the nutrient to survive.