Scientists coincide: Using this fruit as a fertilizer will improve growth and yield and “your garden will literally flourish”

It’s unlikely you ever think twice about throwing banana peels away, but perhaps you should, especially if you have a garden and care about sustainable waste management.

Experimentation, and science, suggest banana peels are one of the simplest natural fertilizers around, one that ensures “your garden will literally flourish,” according to the popular My Kitchen Tanja YouTube channel. While the channel typically shares quick and easy recipes, it also offers practical, food-related tips like this one.

How to turn banana peels into fertilizer

So, how does it work?

The steps are simple. To create the natural fertilizer, cut the banana peel into small pieces, which helps release potassium faster, and place them in a jar. Fill the jar with water, about half a liter for a single banana peel, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

Strain the potassium-rich water, and there you have your fertilizer.

Those who have tried it say it works best on fruiting plants such as tomatoes, peppers and strawberries, as well as flowers, with once-a-week watering the recommended frequency.

What the science says

On top of that, a study carried out by scientists in South Africa found that a combination of banana and orange peels was even more effective, closely followed by dried banana peels.

According to the study, titled Preparation of Biofertilizers from Banana Peels: Their Impact on Soil and Crop Enhancement, “most of the results revealed that the peels significantly improved the growth parameters of various plants.”

Why it matters beyond your garden

The study also highlights the important role banana peels can play in sustainable waste management. Up to 36 million tons of banana peels are disposed of in landfills annually. When such vast quantities are grouped together, they release methane, a potent and damaging greenhouse gas.

If composted, however, they can be safely broken down into nutrient-rich fertilizers or used in other sustainable ways, including as anti-cancer and antifungal agents, or as natural emulsifiers or binders in cooking.

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