Throw away the onion skins? Big mistake! They contain a lot of substances that can resurrect even wilting plants. Prepare an infusion from them and forget about chemicals – your seedlings will be stronger, healthier and more resistant to stress and pests.
The effort to grow strong and healthy seedlings often resembles alchemy, in which we try to find the right balance between light, moisture and nutrition. Many gardeners, in their desire for a bountiful harvest, reach for industrial fertilizers, which today – and let’s face it – are already an outdated helper for many responsible people. But we don’t have to despair, because the most valuable raw materials for strengthening plant immunity regularly end up in the trash can. What is it about?
Onion skins as an excellent helper
Ordinary things are magical helpers that can literally do wonders in our garden onion skins, which we normally consider kitchen waste. It is they that concentrate a unique cocktail of minerals and protective substances that can literally resurrect even wilting seedlings. This natural treasure is rich in potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, i.e. elements that plants absolutely need for the proper development of the root system, but also for the strength of the cell walls themselves. Instead of buying chemicals, just open the door to the pantry and don’t throw away what nature offers us in its most natural form.
How about onion skins? Watch the YouTube video on Elli Staníková’s channel:
Minerals, antioxidants and other “magical” substances
The use of onion leachate is not only a means of adding minerals to the soil, but above all it is a matter of using specific organic compounds that the onion creates and stores for its own protection. The peels contain the substance quercetin and others which have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Such properties make them an excellent tool for the preventive protection of young plants against diseases – and we should definitely not miss this.
Better growth and resistance of seedlings
Regular watering with this solution works as a natural growth support and also increases the resistance of the seedlings to the stress of transplanting and to attack by harmful fungi. If we notice that the leaves of plants in the garden are starting to turn yellow, or growth has stopped, this home remedy can be the fastest way to remedy it. In addition, unlike synthetic substances, there is no risk of overdose with onion infusion, which would burn or irreversibly damage the plant.
Two simple ways
The preparation of the mentioned natural fertilizer is very easy and even a complete beginner can handle it, while there are two basic ways to use it. The first method is the so-called cold maceration, where a handful of dry peels are poured with a liter of lukewarm water and left to work in peace for at least twenty-four hours. The second, more intensive variant is the short boiling of the peels, during which the dyes and nutrients are released much faster and a concentrate reminiscent of strong tea is created. After cooling and straining, the solution should have the color of light beer (or amber – according to the preferences of each of us).
Water to the roots
We should then water the plants directly to the roots with the liquid prepared in this way, ideally once every ten to a fortnight. This is exactly the time interval so that the seedlings have enough time to process all the received substances to the last drop and incorporate them into their tissues.
Protects against pests
In addition to nutrition, onion infusion has one more unexpected advantage, which we will appreciate especially when growing indoors or in closed greenhouses. The specific aroma, which remains in the infusion even after dilution, acts as a gentle but effective repellent against small pests such as aphids or midges. This is certainly a moment that we should not forget and deprive our plants of. Applying the solution by spraying the leaves creates such an environment on their surface that insects prefer to avoid them without bringing toxic insecticides into the garden. At the same time, in this way we will add shine to the leaves and support the speed of photosynthesis, which will be reflected in a richer green color and an overall healthier appearance of the whole plant.
Sustainability is not just a modern buzzword
The entire described process fits perfectly into the plan of sustainable gardening, where nothing is thrown away and everything finds its next use in the endless cycle of life. The remaining boiled peels do not have to go to the trash, but can be added to the compost or buried shallowly directly in the substrate in the pots. Each piece of onion will give its maximum for the well-being of your garden…
