Ways to use banana peels in your garden
Encourage your garden to thrive with these easy top tips.
1. Make a homemade liquid fertiliser and pest spray
Cut banana peels into small pieces and place them in a container. Cover with water and leave for two to three days. Stir now and then.
Strain the mix and use the water to feed your plants.
You can also use this mix as a gentle pest spray. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray it onto leaves and stems.
To boost the mix, you can add crushed eggshells or a small amount of Epsom salts.
You can also add banana peels to your worm farm, bokashi system, compost bin, or bury them in your garden soil.
2. Make a slow-release fertiliser
Chop banana peels into small pieces. Dry them in the sun or in a low oven with the door slightly open.
Once dried, use the pieces as chips or grind them into a powder. Bury the powder or chips in garden soil or mix them into potting mix.
This slow‑release fertiliser is great for plants like staghorn ferns, bird’s nest ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. Use it every few months.
3. Use banana peels as mulch
Banana peels can also act as a simple mulch layer. As they break down, they release nutrients back into the soil.
Place the peels on top of the soil in a single layer. Keep them away from plant stems.
Cover the peels with regular mulch, such as sugar cane mulch, to help reduce fruit flies.
4. When unsure, compost them!
Banana peels are perfect for compost. They break down well and add important nutrients to your compost or worm farm.
Council's compost rebate program can help you start composting at home. The rebate covers approved compost and food‑waste recycling equipment. There is a system for every home, whether you rent or own.
If you cannot compost at home, you can drop banana peels and food scraps at a community composting hub.
