Secret Power of Orange Peels

The Secret Power of Orange Peels and Other Kitchen Scraps as Manure for Your Home Garden

By Dr Anindita Roy ( Ph.D)

Gardening enthusiasts are always looking for natural ways to enhance soil fertility. If you have been throwing away your orange peels, banana skins, and other kitchen scraps, it's time to rethink! These natural waste products can be powerful organic fertilizers for your home and terrace gardens. Let’s dive into the benefits of using peels as manure and how you can incorporate them into your gardening routine.

Why Use Orange Peels and Other Fruit Peels as Manure?

Kitchen waste like fruit and vegetable peels is rich in essential nutrients that plants love. Here’s why they are beneficial:

1. Nutrient-Rich – Orange peels contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—three crucial elements for plant growth. Banana peels are rich in potassium, while potato skins have magnesium and phosphorus.
2. Improves Soil Quality – When broken down, these peels enhance soil texture, increasing aeration and water retention.
3. Natural Pest Repellent – Citrus peels, particularly orange and lemon, help deter pests like ants and aphids from your plants.
4. Reduces Waste – Instead of adding to landfill waste, reusing organic scraps promotes sustainable gardening.

How to Use Orange Peels and Other Peels as Manure

1. Direct Application

Chop the peels into small pieces and mix them into the soil near the roots. This allows them to decompose gradually, releasing nutrients into the soil.

2. Composting with Peels

Composting is an excellent way to convert peels into rich organic matter:

• Collect fruit and vegetable peels and add them to your compost bin.
• Balance with dry leaves or newspaper to maintain the right carbon-nitrogen ratio.
• Turn the pile every few days for even decomposition.

3. Making a Liquid Fertilizer

• Soak orange peels, banana peels, and potato skins in water for 24-48 hours.
• Use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your plants for a quick boost.

4. Peels as Mulch

Spread dried citrus peels around plants to prevent weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

Precautions When Using Peels as Manure

• Avoid Overuse – Too many citrus peels can make the soil acidic, so use them in moderation.
• Remove Pesticide Residue – Wash peels thoroughly before using them in compost or soil.
• Keep Balance in Compost – Mix peels with other compost materials to prevent rotting and foul smells.

Best Plants for Peel-Based Manure

Certain plants thrive when nourished with fruit and vegetable peels:

• Tomatoes (Benefit from banana and orange peels for potassium and calcium.)
• Roses (Love banana peels for phosphorus.)
• Herbs like Basil and Mint (Enjoy the nitrogen from citrus peels.)
• Leafy Greens (Thrive with magnesium-rich potato skins.)

Conclusion

Using orange peels and other kitchen waste as manure is an easy, sustainable way to enrich your home and terrace garden. Not only does it improve soil fertility, but it also reduces waste and promotes eco-friendly gardening. So, next time you peel an orange or a banana, don’t toss it—feed it to your plants and watch your garden thrive!

Are you already using peels as manure in your garden? Share your experience in the comments below!