How to use orange peels for plant growth
What's the story
Dried orange peels can be an inexpensive solution to boost plant growth. The peels, which are mostly thrown away as litter, are packed with nutrients that can prove helpful for your garden. Not only do you minimize wastage by using them, but you also give your plants an organic kick without shelling out a lot. Here's how dried orange peels can be used effectively to encourage healthier and sturdier plant growth.
Tip 1
Nutrient-rich fertilizer
Dried orange peels are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These elements are essential for plant health and growth. By grinding the dried peels into a fine powder and mixing it into the soil, you can create a natural fertilizer. This fertilizer releases these nutrients gradually as it decomposes. This technique is both economical and eco-friendly.
Tip 2
Pest repellent properties
Orange peels contain natural oils that serve as pest repellents. When scattered around plants or mixed into the soil, they help keep common garden pests like ants and aphids at bay. The strong citrus scent is repugnant to many insects, giving your plants an extra layer of protection without the use of chemical pesticides.
Tip 3
Enhancing soil acidity
If you're growing plants that prefer slightly acidic soil conditions, such as blueberries or azaleas, then dried orange peels can help you balance the pH of your soil. The citric acid in the peels slowly lowers the pH when mixed into the soil. This creates the perfect habitat for your acid-loving plants to thrive.
Tip 4
Compost booster
Adding dried orange peels to your compost pile not only adds nutrients but also speeds up its decomposition due to their high carbon content. As they break down, they release valuable nutrients back into the compost mix, enriching it further before being used in your garden beds/pots.
Tip 5
Natural mulch alternative
Using shredded dried orange peels as mulch retains moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth around your plants' base areas effectively over time. This method costs nothing more than traditional mulching materials available commercially today, which are pricier on a per unit weight basis for overall usage.