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Making Banana Skin Fertiliser Powder

Published in Organic Fertiliser 2 mins read

How do you use bananas as plant food?

You can use banana skins as a slow-release organic fertiliser by processing them into a powder and mixing them into the soil.

Creating a fertiliser from banana skins is a simple way to recycle kitchen waste and provide beneficial nutrients to your plants, particularly those that flower. This method focuses on drying and grinding the skins to create a usable soil additive.

Based on common practices for preparing organic fertilisers and the steps outlined in the reference, here's how to create a powdered banana skin fertiliser:

  1. Wash the skins: Begin by thoroughly washing some banana skins. This helps remove any dirt, residues, or potential pesticides that might be present on the surface.
  2. Dry the skins: Dry the skins completely. The reference mentions removing skins from an oven, suggesting a baking or drying process. Baking them at a low temperature until they are brittle helps to remove all moisture, making them easy to grind and preventing mould.
  3. Grind into powder: Once the skins are completely dry and cool, grind the pieces into a really fine powder. A coffee grinder, a powerful food processor, or a mortar and pestle can be used for this step. The finer the powder, the more evenly it will distribute in the soil.

How to Use Banana Skin Powder Fertiliser

This homemade powder acts as a slow release organic fertiliser. Because it's a natural material, the nutrients become available to the plants gradually as the powder breaks down in the soil.

It is particularly noted for helping to encourage blooms. This makes it beneficial for plants grown for their flowers.

You can mix the powder directly into the soil. For example, when potting up cut flowers for your garden, incorporate a small amount of the banana skin powder into the potting mix. This provides ongoing nutrients to support the plant's growth and flowering.

Benefit Application
Slow Release Nutrient Provides food over time as it decomposes
Encourages Blooms Beneficial for flowering plants
Organic Material Adds organic matter to the soil
Reduces Waste Repurposes banana peels

By using this method, you turn potential waste into a valuable resource for your garden, supporting healthy plant growth and abundant flowers.