Gardeners urged to bury banana peels in soil this June

June is a great month for gardening. With the longest days of the year and warm weather, plants grow fast. It’s the ideal time to plant quick-growing vegetables, set out delicate summer crops, and brighten up borders with vibrant colours.

During this time of year, both air and soil temperatures are warm, which helps plants get off to a great start. For anyone wanting to give their garden an extra boost, there is one particular type of kitchen scrap that could help transform their plants even more.

Before tossing a banana peel into the bin, gardeners may be interested to know that it can have a positive effect on their plants. Banana peels contain a mix of nutrients that plants require, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Potassium is essential for overall plant health and disease resistance, while calcium supports root development, and phosphorus supports flowering and fruit production. For a garden in June, where many vegetables are actively flowering and setting fruit, these minerals are beneficial.

However, it is important to note that the nutrients in fresh peels are not immediately available to plants. They must first decompose. Potassium is not chemically bound, and while it may leach out, the nutrient concentration is relatively low compared to that of commercial fertilisers. Relying on them as your sole source of nutrition may leave your plants malnourished.