Many of us use ginger in our kitchen almost every day. We extract juice for health benefits or cooking, and after that, we’re left with the squeezed ginger pulp and the peels. Normally, people throw it in the dustbin or sometimes add it to compost.
But today, you’re going to learn two amazing and surprising ways to use leftover ginger in your garden. These two simple methods will help your plants grow better and also protect them from harmful pests. The best part is, you don’t need to buy anything expensive. You’ll use what you already have at home.
Why Ginger Is Useful for Plants
Ginger is not just good for our health, it also has many natural compounds that are helpful for plants. It contains potassium, magnesium, and other minerals that support plant growth. It also has strong-smelling oils that pests and insects don’t like. So instead of wasting the leftover ginger, you can turn it into something powerful for your garden. This helps reduce kitchen waste and supports eco-friendly gardening.
Preparing the Ginger Solution
To make this simple liquid, take a clean plastic bucket or any container that can hold about 5 litres of water. Pour in warm water—not boiling, just warm. Warm water helps to pull out the good properties from the ginger more effectively. Now, take around 400 grams of leftover ginger pulp and ginger peels and drop them into the warm water.
You can mix it with a wooden stick or your hand if you are wearing gloves. Make sure everything is well mixed. Once done, cover the bucket with a lid or even a cloth. Let it sit for 24 hours. During this time, the nutrients and natural oils from the ginger will slowly move into the water.
After one full day, open the lid and stir it again. You’ll notice a ginger-like smell, and the color of the water may change slightly. That’s a good sign. It means your ginger water is ready. Now you have to separate the liquid from the ginger pieces.
You can use a cloth, strainer, or even an old t-shirt to filter the liquid. Do not throw the leftover ginger pulp. You can put it directly into your compost pile. It will break down quickly now and give energy to your compost.
First Method: Ginger Pest Spray
Let’s use this ginger water to make a natural pest repellent spray. This spray is not like a chemical pesticide that kills all insects, but it works gently to push pests away from your plants. Many insects don’t like the smell of ginger.
When they smell it on your plants, they avoid coming near. To make the spray, take your strained ginger water and add about 5 tablespoons of any mild dishwashing liquid. Choose one that doesn’t have too many harsh chemicals or perfumes. Mix the liquid soap well into the ginger water.
This helps the spray to stick better to the plant leaves. Now pour this liquid into a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Shake it well before use. Spray the liquid on both sides of the plant leaves. Make sure to spray the bottom of the leaves too, because many small pests like to hide there.
You can use this spray once or twice a week. It’s best to spray in the early morning or late evening, not during the hot afternoon sun, because direct sunlight with soap can sometimes burn the leaves. This spray is helpful against aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied insects. Over time, you will see a difference—fewer pests and healthier leaves.
Second Method: Ginger Liquid Fertilizer
Now comes the second method, which is giving this ginger water directly to your plants as a natural liquid fertilizer. Ginger has many nutrients that can help plants grow stronger. After soaking for 24 hours, the water is filled with useful plant food. Simply pour this water near the base of your plants.
Do not pour on the leaves for this method—only the soil. Use around half a litre for medium-sized plants and about one litre for larger plants like tomatoes, eggplants, or chilies. If your soil drains slowly, be careful not to overwater. Give this fertilizer once every two weeks.
It helps in boosting root strength and improves overall plant health. You’ll notice greener leaves, stronger stems, and better resistance to disease. You can even give a little amount to your flowering plants, like hibiscus or rose. The gentle nutrition will support flower growth without burning the plant.
How It Helps Your Garden
Using ginger waste in this way gives your plants a natural energy boost and helps you reduce kitchen waste. You don’t have to buy expensive fertilizers or pesticides. You’re making your own multipurpose garden solution at home, which is better for the environment and safe for your family too.
The spray keeps pests away without using poison, and the fertilizer improves soil health without adding chemicals. Plants love natural nutrition, and you’ll see the results in just a few weeks. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of something we all have in the kitchen.
A Few Extra Tips
Always strain the ginger water properly before spraying or feeding it to your plants. If small ginger particles remain in the spray, they might block your spray nozzle. You can keep the ginger liquid in a cool place for one or two days, but it’s better to use it fresh.
If you make extra, you can also pour it around fruit trees, or even add it to your compost to make it break down faster. For pests like ants, mealybugs, and soft caterpillars, the ginger spray will work well, especially if you use it regularly.
If you want more strength, you can soak the ginger for 48 hours instead of 24, but the smell will also become stronger. For liquid fertilizer, don’t overuse it. Too much of anything is not good for plants. Stick to once in two weeks for best results.