Use of onion peels
Onion is used daily in the kitchen. When we cut onions, its peels are often thrown in the dustbin. But if you have pots or plants, think twice before throwing away onion peels next time. These dried peels can be used to make a simple liquid fertilizer for plants at home. Recent gardening reports have suggested using a solution prepared by soaking onion peels in water for plants.
How to make liquid fertilizer from onion peels?
To make this liquid fertilizer, you will only need dried onion peels and water.
First, almost two handfuls of dried onion peels Take it. You can use red or white onion peels. Put these peels in a clean glass or plastic container.
Now it has approximately one liter water Add and mix well. Cover the container and keep it in a place where direct sunlight does not come.
In summer this mixture is approximately 48 hours Can be kept till. After this, the color of the water may turn light pink, red or brown and there may also be a slight onion smell. After 48 hours, filter the solution and discard the remaining peels.
Now you have a liquid solution prepared from onion peels.
How to use in plants?
Instead of applying this solution directly to the plants, it is better to dilute it with water first.
First method- put in soil
If you want to add it to the soil near the plant's roots, add equal amount of clean water to the prepared solution.
For example, One cup onion peel solution and one cup clean water Mix it and put it in the soil of the plant around the roots.
Recent gardening advice also emphasizes using onion peel solution diluted with water.
Second method- spray on leaves
Some gardening experts suggest spraying it on the leaves. For this, a light solution is prepared by mixing the prepared solution with more amount of water.
It would be better to test a small amount on a few leaves of the plant before spraying. If burns, stains or any other damage appear on the leaves, discontinue use.
In an agricultural study, various concentrations of onion peel solution were used as foliar spray on crops and improvements in some growth parameters were observed. However, its results may not be the same in every plant and situation.
Use dry peels also
If you don't want to make liquid fertilizer, dried onion peels can also be added to compost. It is better to mix these with other organic materials in the compost rather than adding large amounts of them directly into the soil.
In this way, organic waste from the kitchen can be reused and useful material can be prepared for the garden.
Things to keep in mind while using
Onion peel solution should not be considered a substitute for complete fertilizer for any plant. Fertilizer with different nutrients may be necessary according to the needs of the plants.
Always use the solution diluted and use small quantities in the beginning. If the solution has a strong odor, is moldy, or shows signs of spoilage, do not use it on plants.
So the next time you cut onions, keep the peels aside instead of throwing them straight into the dustbin. If used properly, this kitchen waste can be beneficial for your garden.