The homemade fertilizers They are an extraordinary way to provide nutrients to our indoor and outdoor plants so that they can grow strong and healthy. In addition, these products are completely free of chemicals, so they also take care of our health and the environment.
The good thing about making fertilizers of this type is that you can make them from waste that is generated in all homes, such as fruit peels. Without a doubt, this is a great idea to reduce food waste.
What are homemade fertilizers?
The natural and homemade fertilizers They are organic or natural products that we can make at home, and that are responsible for enriching the soil and providing nutrients to the plants.
They are an ecological and economical alternative to commercial fertilizers and, precisely for this reason, they have become so popular in recent years.
Some of the most typical examples of homemade fertilizers are composted manure, homemade compost, banana peel infusion, compost tea, seaweed fertilizer, the water resulting from cooking eggshells, and the one made from of coffee grounds.
Benefits of homemade fertilizers made from fruit peels
The fruit peels that we normally throw away can be an important source of nutrients for our plants. That's why, we want to explain all the benefits of these homemade fertilizers.
Nutrient supply
As we just said, fruit peel is rich in nutrients that are essential for plant growth, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
The decomposition of the husks slowly releases these nutrients into the soil and provides a constant food supply for the plants. That's why, Fruit peels are a staple when making homemade compost.
Soil enrichment
As the fruit peel decomposes, it provides organic matter to the soil, helping to improve its structure and fertility.
As a result, the substrate has a better capacity to retain moisture and is more aerated, which is very good for the vast majority of varieties of plants and trees.
Stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms
The peel of the fruit becomes food for microorganisms that live in the soil. Beneficial bacteria and fungi They feed on the shells and contribute to their decomposition, releasing nutrients that plants can use.
soil acidification
Some fruit peels, such as citrus peels, are capable of adding a little more acidity to the pH of the soil. This is interesting for varieties such as azaleas and rhododendrons.
They repel pests
There is research that states that certain components of citrus peels function as natural repellent against some pests.
An economical and sustainable product
As if everything we have seen were not enough, the last great advantage of homemade fertilizers is that they are easy and economical to obtain. Besides, They help us reduce the amount of waste we generate in our home, and this is beneficial for the environment.
How to make homemade fertilizers with fruit peels?
Let's see some examples of Organic fertilizers with fruit peel that you can make at home:
Banana peel fertilizer
- Collect some banana peels and cut them into small pieces.
- Put them in a large jar or container and cover them with water.
- Let the mixture sit for a week, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the solution and discard the peels.
- Dilute in a proportion of one part banana peel solution and between five and ten parts water.
- Water with this mixture once a week.
This fertilizer is rich in potassium and calcium. The first promotes flowering and improves resistance to diseases, while the second plays an important role in the development of plant tissues.
Fertilizer from banana or plantain peels and egg shells
If you want to get even more out of the waste generated at home, you can make this powerful homemade fertilizer with a high content of calcium, magnesium and potassium.
- Collect banana or banana peels and egg shells.
- Grind separately in a food processor, with a blender, or in a mortar. Until you get a fine powder.
- Mix banana peel powder and eggshell powder in equal parts.
- Store in an airtight container until time to use.
To use this homemade fertilizer, sprinkle a little of the mixture at the base of the plants, or mix it directly into the soil in which you are going to plant. You can also add it to compost to enrich it even more.
Citrus and Coffee Peel Liquid Fertilizer
- Collect peels from citrus fruits and coffee fruits.
- Crush the citrus peels and put them in a container.
- Then add the coffee grounds that you have previously allowed to dry.
- Fill the container with water and shake the mixture well.
- Cover that container and let the mixture sit for a week. Shaking again occasionally.
- Strain the solution and discard both the peels and the grounds. If you have a compost bin, you can dispose of them there.
- Dilute in a 1:5 or 1:10 ratio, so that there is always more water than citrus and coffee solution.
This homemade fertilizer provides potassium, and the coffee adds nitrogen, for healthier growth and leaf development. Also includes other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, although in smaller quantities than the previous two.
Homemade fertilizers made from fruit peels, or combining these peels with other kitchen waste, are a good solution for your plants to grow strong and healthy. As you just verified, They are very easy to make and will not take up any of your time.
Dare to try them during the active growth season of the plants (spring and summer) and tell us the results. Yes indeed, Remember to adjust the concentration of the solution used depending on the needs of your plants. To do this, observe how they respond to these fertilizers.