10 Surprising Ways to Use Banana Peels You Never Knew About

7. Fertilize Your Garden

Banana peels are perhaps most famous in the gardening world as a “superfood” for plants. They are incredibly high in potassium, which is essential for root development and overall plant hardiness, as well as phosphorus and calcium. Unlike some fertilizers that provide a sudden, overwhelming chemical spike, decomposing peels release these nutrients slowly, feeding your garden over time.

There are two popular ways to use them: you can chop the peels into small pieces and bury them directly in the soil near the base of your plants, or you can make “banana tea.” To make the tea, soak the peels in a jar of water for 48 hours, then use that mineral-rich water to hydrate your flowers. Roses, in particular, absolutely love the potassium boost and will often reward you with larger, more vibrant blooms.