Mixing Banana Peels With Soil for a Garden

Potassium, magnesium and phosphorous are among the soil nutrients that plants need for healthy development. Potassium strengthens the plant's immune system, facilitates the production of chlorophyll and helps sugar move through it. Magnesium is necessary as a chlorophyll component. The macronutrient also activates enzymes and helps the plant allocate its supply of energy efficiently. Phosphorous is a major player during photosynthesis and plant respiration. If a soil test reveals a deficiency, apply scientifically formulated fertilizers. Otherwise, maintain the three nutrients at healthy levels by amending the soil with banana peels.

Container
Potting soil
Knife
Shovel
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Bury the peel of one banana in the potting soil for containerized roses. Place the soil with the banana peel below the shrub's root zone. Plant the rose and refill the surrounding space with potting mix. Water the potted shrub until excess runs out of the drainage holes.
- 2
  Cut two or three banana peels in sections. Dig a hole outside for a rose bush. Drop the banana-peel pieces into the hole. Cover them with a thin layer of compost. Plant the rose bush and backfill the hole with topsoil. Mix banana peels with the soil around the base of the rose bush throughout the growing season. Push small pieces into the ground close to the surface gently to prevent root injury.
- 3
  Cut banana peels into small pieces. Dig holes in the garden for tomato and green pepper transplants. Place three or four banana-peel pieces on the bottom of each hole to promote strong stems. Plant the seedlings and refill the hole with topsoil. Water each plant to the root zone.

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