Three DIY fertilizers with the summer skins that nourish all the plants: a small magic that comes from the waste and becomes nourishment. It is not very enough, really, to transform what normally throws itself into a precious ally for vegetable gardens and balconies.
The fruit skins that abound in summer are not only waste: they hide vitamins, mineral salts and natural sugars which, once returned to the ground, enrich it surprisingly. It is not a new idea: already in the countryside of the past they spread remains of watermelon or banana in the garden, certain that they would have made the most vigorous plants. Today this practice returns, driven by the desire to live in a more sustainable and creative way. And it is fascinating to think that what accompanies a fresh snack can then become a sap for a flower.
If the temptation to try is strong, the good news is that nothing complicated is needed. Just a little curiosity, some summer surplus and the desire to see with your own eyes what happens.
Liquid fertilizer with banana skins
The Banana peels They have almost a fame as a stars among natural fertilizers. They are full of potassium and phosphorus, two elements that give energy to flowers and roots. Preparing a liquid fertilizer is a little question: the skins are soaked in a jar of water for a couple of days and then that water, dark and with a sweet smell, becomes the ideal nourishment to be poured at the foot of the plants.
Someone prefers a different approach: make them dry in the sun, crumble and mix them with the soil. A kind of “magical powder” that is preserved for a long time and is used in spoonfuls. Rose and orchids are said, in particular, they react with more intense blooms. Will it be legend or reality? The fact is that their effect can be seen.
Watercratory peels to hydrate and feed
The Watercratory peels They have a less known but surprising power. Being rich in water, they work like a small reserve of humidity hidden under the ground. Coarsely chopped and buried near the roots, slowly release sugars and liquids that help the plant to resist thirst better.
It is a useful trick especially in periods of extreme heat, when the ground seems to dry in a few hours. Someone swears that, using them in the garden, tomatoes and cucumbers even become sweeter. Maybe there is a little legend, but trying it costs nothing.
A few practical inspiration:
- Cut them into small pieces and mix them with home compost
- Use them as a natural mulching to protect the soil from weeds
- Interly close to summer crops such as zucchini and aubergines
Citrus peel to remove parasites
The citrus peelwith their pungent perfume, have an extra gear. Not only do they release nutrients, but thanks to the essential oils they contain create a natural barrier against some annoying insects. Chop and scattered around the roots, they almost make perfumed guardians.
Another idea is to let them dry and then reduce them to pieces to combine with the soil. So they enrich the substrate and smell the vase. Curious to note that aromatic plants such as basil or mint seem to grow more vigorous when they have these small remains of orange or lemon around. Some say they are also useful against ants: maybe they don’t solve everything, but it certainly does not harm.
A small gesture, a great result
Reusing the summer skins to create fertilizers is a gesture that is good for plants, wallets and planet. Every waste that becomes a resource is a small victory against waste. And then it is spontaneous to ask: if it is so easy, why not do it immediately?
With a little imagination, the kitchen can turn into a green laboratory, where a new life cycle is born from every peel. There is no need to be experts or have special equipment: just observe, experiment and be surprised by the results.
Perhaps from next season thanks will arrive in the form of more colorful flowers and tastiest vegetables.
Photo © Stock.adobe
FOLLOW CASTLI NEWS ON
