A recent video by Creative Explained claims that soaking banana peels in water creates a natural fertilizer that can speed up plant growth. But does this trick really work? Let’s dig into the science behind it and how you can use banana peels effectively in your garden.
How to Make Banana Peel Fertilizer
The method is simple: Place banana peels in a blender with a little water and some clean eggshells. Blend until you get a runny paste, and then add it to your soil before planting a cutting.
The idea is that nutrients from the peel, like potassium and phosphorus, will leach into the water, creating a nutrient-rich solution for plants.
If you don’t want to blend the banana, another method is to cut up the peels and place them in a clean jar of water. After steeping for a day or two, use the banana water to hydrate and nourish your plants.
This technique is popular among home gardeners because it’s an easy way to repurpose kitchen scraps. But is it the best way to feed your plants? Let’s take a look at what’s actually happening.
Do Banana Peels Really Help Plants Grow?
Yes! Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium—three nutrients essential for healthy plants. Potassium strengthens roots and helps plants resist disease, phosphorus promotes flowering and fruit production, and calcium supports cell structure. However, simply soaking peels in water may not release enough nutrients to significantly boost plant growth.
A more effective way to use banana peels is to chop them up and mix them into compost or soil. There, they can break down and slowly release nutrients over time. That way, your plants get a steady supply of beneficial minerals rather than a quick (and possibly weak) dose from banana water.
The Right Way to Use Banana Peels in Your Garden
If you want to try banana peel fertilizer, here are the best ways to do it:
- Compost it: Adding banana peels to a compost pile helps enrich the soil with essential nutrients as they decompose.
- Bury it: Chop banana peels and bury them near plant roots to release nutrients slowly.
- Soak it (but don’t expect miracles): Using banana water occasionally won’t hurt, but it’s best paired with other fertilizers for balanced nutrition.
Final Verdict: Garden Hack or Hype?
While banana peels are a great addition to your garden, soaking them in water isn’t the most effective way to unlock their nutrients. Composting or burying them in the soil will do more for your plants in the long run. So, while the Creative Explained trick isn’t a complete myth, it’s more of a fun experiment than a garden game-changer.
