Monty Don Recommends: You’ll Never Toss Banana Peels Again After Seeing What They Do for Your Garden!

Banana peels are an excellent natural fertilizer that can be used instantly to boost plant health and soil fertility. Rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, banana peels help promote root development, flower production, and overall plant vigor.

One simple way to use banana peels is to chop them into small pieces and bury them a few inches into the soil near the roots of plants.

This allows the nutrients to slowly release as the peel decomposes, nourishing the plant over time. Alternatively, banana peels can be blended with water to create a liquid fertilizer, often referred to as banana peel tea.

To make it, soak chopped peels in water for 24–48 hours and then use the water to water your plants. This method delivers nutrients quickly and is especially helpful for potted plants or vegetable gardens.

You can also dry and crush the peels into a powder and mix it with soil or sprinkle it directly around plants. Whichever method you choose, banana peels are a simple, cost-free, and effective way to enrich your garden naturally.

While banana peels are generally safe and beneficial for most plants, there are a few cases where they might not be ideal, especially if used improperly or in excess.

 Plants That May Not Benefit Much (or May Be Harmed) by Banana Peels:

1. Succulents & Cacti

• These plants prefer dry, low-nutrient environments.

• Banana peels can retain moisture and attract pests like fungus gnats, which is not ideal for succulents.

• Excess nutrients can lead to soft, leggy growth or rot.

2. Herbs like Lavender, Thyme, and Rosemary

• These herbs thrive in poor, well-draining soil with low nutrient needs.

• Too much potassium from banana peels may disrupt the natural balance and reduce essential oil concentration.

3. Young Seedlings

• Banana peels decompose slowly and may harbor mold or bacteria if not buried properly.

• This can harm tender seedlings or cause damping-off disease due to excess moisture.

Potential Issues with Banana Peels (for any plant):

• If used whole or in large chunks, peels can rot slowly, attract pests (ants, fruit flies, raccoons), and create unpleasant odors.

• Excessive potassium may interfere with nitrogen absorption, especially in nitrogen-loving plants.

• Surface-placed peels may become slippery or moldy in humid environments.

Tips for Safe Use:

• Chop, dry, or blend banana peels before use to help them break down faster.

• Bury them deep in soil (2–3 inches) to avoid pests.

• Use in moderation—one peel per plant every few weeks is enough.

✅ Plants That Thrive with Banana Peels

🍅 Tomatoes

• Love potassium for fruiting.

• Banana peels help boost flowering and fruit development.

🫑 Peppers (Bell, Chili, etc.)

• Benefit from phosphorus and potassium.

• Increases yield and strengthens stems.

🌹 Roses

• Potassium enhances bloom size and color.

• Bury peels near the base for best results.

🥔 Potatoes

• Benefit from extra potassium.

• Improves tuber development and disease resistance.

🥬 Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Lettuce)

• Banana peels offer micronutrients.

• Combine with a nitrogen-rich source for better balance.

🥕 Carrots, Beets, and Root Crops

• Phosphorus helps root development.

• Use chopped or blended peels in soil.

🍓 Strawberries and Berries

• Thrive with extra potassium.

• Boosts flowering and fruit quality.

🌻 Sunflowers

• Benefit from potassium for tall, strong growth and vibrant blooms.

🥭 Fruit Trees (Citrus, Mango, Apple, etc.)

• Potassium and calcium help fruit production and disease resistance.