Bananas are a popular fruit in the United States. Making banana water is an interesting idea. After eating a banana, the peel is left behind. If it’s not composted, the banana peel ends up in household waste and, eventually, in landfills. There are many ideas for repurposing banana skins. One of them is to make banana water and use it as plant fertilizer. Although the idea is admirable, this is an unreliable gardening method. Banana water is not only unsupported by science or research but can also harm your plants.
We’ve learned a lot about banana water, including how it can be harmful and some tips on composting banana peels.
Banana water is made in a variety of ways
It is made from banana peels, which are similar to compost tea. Here’s the most common method of making banana water:
Peel bananas and cut them into 1- or 2-inch pieces.
Immerse peels in water.
The peels should be steeped for 2 to 3 days.
After soaking, strain liquid into a large jar or container.
Pour the liquid around the base of your plant, ensuring that it reaches the roots.
Place banana peels on a strainer and place it over a glass bowl
Making Banana Powder
Making banana powder from peels is a less common, but more labor intensive way to add banana power. Here’s how:
Slice banana peels in pieces that are a few inches long.
Place them in a single, non-overlapping layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Dehydrate the peels by either baking them at 115 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven for up to 8 hours, or outside under direct sunlight. The peels should be dried until they are black and easily breakable. Let the peels cool completely.
Blend or process the dried, dehydrated peels in a blender until they are powdery.
Use 2 cups water and 2 tablespoons powder to water one plant.
Place the dried banana peel powder into an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator.
Banana water is good for plants?
The potassium content of bananas is not very high, despite the fact that they are often touted as being a potassium-rich food. Some fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, kiwis and acorn squash are higher in potassium. Potassium (K), one of three macronutrients essential for plant growth and reproductive, is also known as the nutrient which ensures plant quality. Plants with potassium are more resistant to pests, diseases and nematodes, as well as drought, excess water or extreme temperature fluctuations.
The banana water problem is that the potassium in the peels cannot be extracted to make it accessible to plants. The plants can only take in nutrients that are broken down by bacteria and fungi. Composting banana peels is important because decomposition releases the nutrients. The potassium cannot be released by water alone.
The fungus gnat on the leaves of a houseplant
Banana water can harm plants
Add banana water to your plants and you may end up with a negative result.
The majority of plants require a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. You can only give your plants a small amount of potassium if you use banana water to fertilize them.
Also, keep in mind that conventional banana farming is pesticide-intensive.3 One of the insecticides widely used in production is the neurotoxicant chlorpyrifos.4 The peel prevents the chemical from getting into the edible part of the banana, which is why the fruit is not listed as a pesticide-contaminated food by consumer watch groups.5 Using banana water made from peels that have absorbed pesticides means you may be introducing those contaminants into your plants, causing an undesirable result, especially when used with edible plants and herbs.
Spraying banana water on a houseplant
Alternative Fertilizer Choices
It is better to use commercial organic fertilizer, which will list the exact nutrients that you are adding to plants. Organic fertilizers have a label that is issued by the Organic Materials Review Institute. This makes it easy to identify.
Banana peels can be composted, but it can take them up to an year to decompose into compostable material.
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Banana Peels can be safely composted
The same results can be achieved by adding banana peels to the soil in the trench composting method. The soil and plants will not absorb any nutrients until the peels are completely decomposed. Wait until the peels have completely broken down before planting. You also run the risk of attracting rodents and pests if you don’t bury them deep enough. There is no benefit in trench composting if you do not plan to leave a part of your garden fallow to this end.
Consider composting indoors or adding banana peels to a compost bin. Composting will break down most pesticides that are licensed in the United States and render them harmless. Composting banana peels that are organically grown is best, as most commercially-grown bananas aren’t grown in the United States.
Composting banana peels in a safe way
The FAQ
Does banana water attract insects?
It can also attract insects like gnats, vinegar flies and fruit flies.
What are some household sources of potassium?
Use wood ash (from hardwoods such as oak, ash or birch) to provide potassium for plants. However, do not use it in excess or near leaves, because this can cause plants to burn. Crushed eggshells or coffee grounds are good sources of potassium. However, it is best to compost them and use the compost if the soil needs to be amended with more potassium.
What is the best homemade fertiliser for indoor plants to use?
The high nitrogen content of fish emulsion makes it an excellent home-made fertilizer for houseplants.
