Using natural fertilizers is one of the most effective ways to keep plants healthy while protecting the environment. Chemical fertilizers can harm the soil over time, affect beneficial microorganisms, and sometimes even damage plants if used excessively.
Natural fertilizers, on the other hand, provide nutrients gradually, improve soil structure, and promote strong plant growth. One of the simplest and most powerful natural fertilizers you can make at home involves ingredients that are often discarded—orange peels and compost tea.
Why Orange Peels Are Beneficial for Plants
Orange peels are more than just kitchen waste. They contain natural oils, potassium, and other nutrients that plants thrive on. The citrus oils in orange peels also act as a mild insect repellent, keeping common garden pests away from leaves and stems.
The high potassium content helps improve flowering and fruit development, while other compounds in the peel boost overall plant health. Using orange peels in your garden is a way to recycle kitchen waste and turn it into something highly beneficial for plant growth.
Preparing the Orange Peel Liquid
To extract nutrients from orange peels, start by collecting fresh peels from oranges. Rinse them briefly to remove any dirt or wax if necessary. Cut or tear them into small pieces and place them in a blender. Add a small amount of water—just enough to help the blender process the peels smoothly. Blend until the peels turn into a thick, smooth liquid. This juice contains the essential oils and nutrients needed to feed plants and repel pests naturally.
Once blended, pour the orange peel liquid into a bucket containing a little warm water. Warm water helps extract the oils more efficiently and speeds up the infusion process. Mix thoroughly to ensure the liquid and water combine evenly. Cover the bucket with a cloth or loose lid to prevent insects from entering while allowing some air circulation. Let it sit for 24 hours to allow the oils and nutrients to infuse fully into the water.
Straining and Diluting the Fertilizer
After 24 hours, the orange peel infusion is ready for straining. Take another container and fill it halfway with clean water. Place a cloth over the bucket with the orange peel liquid to act as a filter. Pour the liquid slowly through the cloth into the new container, removing any solid pieces. This step ensures the fertilizer remains smooth and won’t clog spray bottles or irrigation systems.
Diluting the concentrated orange peel extract is important. A properly diluted mixture allows plants to absorb nutrients safely without causing stress. Once the liquid is strained, it can be mixed with other natural fertilizers such as compost tea to enhance its nutrient profile.
Adding Compost Tea for Extra Nutrients
Compost tea is a liquid extracted from compost that contains beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and enzymes that improve soil health. When combined with the orange peel liquid, compost tea adds microbial life that helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. Pour a jug of compost tea through the same cloth into the container with the orange peel liquid and mix thoroughly. This combination creates a well-balanced, natural fertilizer that supports both the soil and the plants above it.
Compost tea can be made easily by soaking mature compost in water for 24 to 48 hours and straining it before use. Even simple homemade compost tea works effectively when mixed with the orange peel infusion.
How to Apply the Fertilizer
This natural fertilizer can be used in two main ways: as a foliar spray or as a soil drench. When used as a foliar spray, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply directly to the leaves, including the undersides where insects tend to hide. This method provides nutrients to the leaves quickly while also acting as a mild insect repellent.
When applied as a soil drench, pour the liquid around the base of the plant. This approach strengthens the roots, encourages microbial activity in the soil, and improves nutrient absorption. Both methods are safe for vegetables, houseplants, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.
Benefits of Using Orange Peel and Compost Tea Fertilizer
Using this natural fertilizer offers multiple benefits. First, it provides essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and natural oils that promote healthy growth. Second, it supports beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which in turn enhances nutrient uptake and soil structure. Third, the citrus oils act as a mild insect repellent, helping to keep pests away naturally. Finally, it’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and uses ingredients that would otherwise be wasted.
Best Practices for Using Natural Fertilizers
Timing and frequency play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of natural fertilizers. For foliar sprays, it’s best to apply early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid direct sunlight, which can stress the leaves. For soil drenching, apply when the soil is already slightly moist to prevent root burn and ensure even absorption. Using the fertilizer once every 7 to 10 days is sufficient for most plants. Always observe the plants after application and adjust the frequency if needed.