Gardeners are always looking for simple, natural ways to boost their blooms and sometimes the answer is already sitting in your kitchen. Synthetic fertilisers are often criticised for contributing to pollution and can also damage the soil. This summer, a single piece of fruit could be the secret weapon to a beautiful bloom in your garden — and it barely costs you money.
A garden expert at PlantIn revealed that banana water is the key component for a natural fertiliser, including succulents, fruits, and vegetables. They shared: “Banana water for plants can be an easy and effective way to give your green pets low doses of nutrients throughout the year.”
What is banana water?
Banana water is considered a liquid compost called “compost tea,” reports PlantIn. It involves placing cut-up banana peels in water and leaving them to sit for a few days.
You then strain the liquid from the peels and place it in your watering can. Banana water can be used for indoor and outdoor plants.
This nutrient-rich mixture contains key elements plants need to thrive and grow strong, such as potassium and vitamin C Using banana water is also a clever way to make use of overripe fruit before it spoils, giving your garden a healthy boost while cutting down on waste.
Other benefits of banana water include adding other essential nutrients to your garden, such as magnesium and calcium, which are important in plant growth. The natural solution can also be used more regularly than store-bought fertiliser
Gardeners should be aware that banana water needs to be diluted with five parts of regular water: “This concentration should be safe for green pets. Water your plants with this mixture just like you usually would,” said the garden expert.
“The best option for storing banana water concentrate is to keep it in the fridge in a clean, closed container. We recommend using the concentrate in two to four weeks.”
If you have a lot of plants that need nutrients, then the experts suggest using fermented banana water. The main difference between the two fertilisers is sugar, which starts the fermentation.
How to make fermented banana water
Start by thoroughly mixing equal parts of chopped ripe banana and dark brown sugar. Transfer the mixture to a container that can be sealed tightly, and let it sit for about two weeks.
During this time, fermentation will occur, gradually breaking down the banana until it reaches a liquid or juice-like consistency. After two weeks, you’ll be left with a concentrated fermented banana extract.
To use it, dilute the concentrate by mixing approximately half an ounce (14ml) with every 33 ounces (one liter) of water.