Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Banana Peel Tea for Plants


Banana peels are loaded with nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, and when used as a fertilizer, help improve overall plant strength, stronger stems, stronger root development, and more robust fruits. Making banana peel tea is an effective way of delivering those needed nutrients to your plants.

 

To make banana peel tea:

Step 1: Save your banana peels

After you eat a banana, put the peel into a large pitcher or jar and cover two thirds of the peels with water. To help the peels break down faster, try cutting them up into one inch squares before adding to the jar. Keep adding peels until you run out of space. Remember to cover the jar to prevent odors and mold.

 

Step 2: Brew the banana peel tea

Once the jar is full of banana peels, put it in a cool, dark place and allow the banana peel tea to steep for two to three weeks. You’ll know the tea is made when the peels have turned black and the water has darkened. You may notice a slight odor while your tea is brewing, but this is normal.

 

Step 3: Remove the banana peels and dilute

After steeping the tea, strain out the solids and dilute this concentrated liquid solution 5:1 (five parts water to one part tea). The strained out solids and peels can go into your compost bin.

 

Step 4: Water your plants

Banana water can be applied to most indoor and outdoor plants on a weekly basis as part of your regular plant watering schedule. Simply fill up your watering can with banana peel tea, and water your plants as usual. Just be sure to pour the water at the soil line to avoid damp leaves and mildew. This mixture is good for potassium loving plants such as tomatoes and peppers.

 

Bonus: Adding banana peel tea to your garden is also great for deterring aphids, as they detest the smell of bananas!

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