Why Are Banana Peels Used as Fertilizer?

Phosphorous and Potassium

• Plants need phosphorus to transfer and store energy to promote fruit, flower and root development. Without enough phosphates, the plant will not mature and produce buds, flowers and fruit. Potassium helps with the movement of sugars in the plant and starch formation. Seed formation depends on potassium. Strong stems and flowers depend on potassium.

Adding to Soil

• Cut the banana peels into small 1-inch pieces. Mix the peels into the soil. Use a hand shovel to turn the peels over into the soil around the base of flowers, bushes and even trees. The banana peels will decay rapidly and provide the soil with potassium and phosphorus.

Liquid Banana Peel Fertilizer

• Place cut-up banana peels, small enough to fit into the hole, in a spray bottle. Fill the spray bottle to the top with warm water. Place the cover on the spray bottle and place in an out-of-the-way location such as a garage. After three to four weeks, the peels will have fermented and turned into a fertilizer to spray on the soil around plants. Banana peel spray is well suited for use on lawns.

Blending and Composting

• You can make a blended mixture to add to the soil around flowers and bushes, including rose bushes. Cut up banana peels into 1-inch pieces. Pour the peels into a blender and add warm water. Blend the mixture together. Pour the mixture on top of the soil to fertilize plants. Adding banana peels to compost piles will produce a potassium- and phosphorous-rich compost that can be used on garden or indoor plants.