Banana Skins

Don't Throw Them Away — Put Them to Use

Banana skins are another everyday resource that can be given a second life rather than simply being thrown away.

At Earthkeepers, banana skins are used in a variety of ways around the garden and home, from feeding plants and conditioning soil to cleaning household items.

Banana Skins in the Garden

Banana skins can be used throughout the garden to feed plants, condition the soil and make simple homemade fertilisers.

Slow-Release Nutrients for Potted Plants

Banana skins can be added when potting plants to provide nutrients over a period of four to six months.

Cut one banana skin into small pieces.

Add a little potting mix to the bottom of the pot and scatter the pieces of banana skin over the top.

Cover with a thick layer of potting mix before adding your plant.

Top up with potting mix and water well.

Garden Food

Banana skins can be buried in garden beds to feed vegetables, flowers and fruit trees.

At Earthkeepers, garden beds can be prepared for spring by digging banana skins into the soil during winter.

Cut the banana skins into quarters.

Dig a narrow hole approximately 25cm deep, add the banana skins and cover completely with soil.

Water well.

Banana Liquid Fertiliser

Place two to three banana skins into a bucket of water and cover.

Leave the bucket in a shaded area for two to four days.

Drain the liquid and place the softened banana skins around a fruit tree, covering them lightly with straw.

Dilute the banana fertiliser using:

1 part banana fertiliser
5 parts water

This can be used around flower beds, vegetables, berries and fruit plants.

Dried Banana Skin Fertiliser

Banana skins can also be dried and turned into a powdered garden fertiliser.

Place the banana skins into a slow oven for approximately one hour.

Check that they are completely dry. If they are still moist, continue drying them in the oven.

Once dry, place the skins into a blender and grind them into a powder.

Store the powder in a sealed container.

To use, sprinkle the powder around plants and water it in.

Alternatively, sprinkle it over a garden bed and lightly turn it through the soil.

Foliar Spray

Banana skins can also be incorporated into a homemade foliar spray.

You will need:

1 dried banana skin
4 dried eggshells
1 tablespoon Epsom salts
Water

Grind the dried banana skin and eggshells into a powder.

Add one tablespoon of Epsom salts and transfer the mixture to a medium-to-large spray bottle.

Top up with water and shake until dissolved.

At Earthkeepers, this spray is used on plants that are looking unhealthy or lacking vigour.

Fruit Trees & Berries

Fruit Fly Trap

Place banana peel into a sealable plastic bag and leave the bag open.

Secure the bag in the forked branch of a fruit tree.

Check the bag approximately every 30 minutes.

When fruit flies are inside, seal the bag and dispose of it.

Blueberry & Strawberry Tonic

Place two large fresh banana peels into a large jar with a lid.

Add enough water to completely cover the skins.

Lightly screw on the lid and leave the mixture to stand for one week.

After one week, remove the banana peel and place it around a fruit tree.

Replace the lid and leave the liquid for another four to five weeks.

The water will turn white as it converts to vinegar.

When ready to use, add some of the tonic and one cup of water to a small watering can.

Stir together and use immediately.

Around the Home

Banana skins don't have to be limited to the garden. They can also be put to use around the home.

Leather Conditioner

Use the inside of a banana peel to wipe over leather.

Leave for approximately one minute, then wipe clean using a soft cloth.

This can be used on items such as jackets, wallets, handbags, shoes and boots.

Houseplant Leaves

Fold a strip of banana skin in half with the soft white side facing inward.

Gently slide a houseplant leaf between the folded banana skin and wipe along the leaf.

At Earthkeepers, this is used to remove dust while leaving the leaves clean and shiny.

Wooden Furniture

Wipe the inside of a banana skin over wooden furniture.

Wipe clean and buff using a soft cloth.

Ink Stains

The soft white inside of a banana peel can be rubbed over an ink stain.

Scratched CDs

Rub the soft white portion of a banana skin over the scratches using a circular motion.

Wipe the surface dry using a clean, lint-free cloth, continuing with a circular motion.

Animal Wellbeing

Dried banana skin powder can also be added to chicken, duck and pig feed.

To make the powder, dry the banana skins thoroughly in a slow oven before grinding them in a blender and storing them in a sealed container.

Making the Most of Banana Skins

Something as simple as a banana skin doesn't necessarily need to end up in the rubbish.

From feeding plants and making homemade fertilisers to cleaning around the home, banana skins are another example of how everyday materials can be reused and given another purpose.

It's a simple Earthkeepers principle: make the most of what you already have.