Are the plants on the balcony struggling to bloom and do not appear lush? Here is the natural remedy that you will no longer be able to do without.
When it comes to feeding plants, we often think of commercial fertilizers that are expensive and full of chemicals and that sometimes, if not specific, risk not being suitable for the purpose. However, there is a hidden treasure in our kitchen that can turn into a powerful natural fertilizer: onion skins. Let’s see how they can be used to fertilize plants in a simple, cheap and natural way.
Onion skins to make plants bloom on the balcony
Onion skins, generally considered food waste, actually contain essential nutrients and compounds beneficial to plant growth. In this article, we’ll look at how to make a homemade fertilizer by using onion skins to nourish plants and promote lush growth.
As anticipated, onion skins are rich in nutrients and compounds that can improve the health of plants on the balcony. Among the benefits of onion skins as a fertilizer we can find important nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and calcium, which are essential for plant growth and development. These food scraps helpto enrich the soil with organic matter, improving its structure and increasing the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
Among the optimal properties of onion skins we find the antifungal action. In fact, thanks to their composition, they can protect plants from fungal diseases. Additionally, the pungent smell of onion skins can act as a natural insect repellent, protecting your plants from unwanted attacks.
So let’s see how to make a fertilizer that is natural, cheap and ecological using onion skins.
Preparation of fertilizer with onion skins
The essential ingredient is of course the onion skins. While cooking, set aside the peels instead of throwing them away. It is always best to use organic onions to avoid the intake of unwanted pesticides. Once a certain amount of peels have accumulated, it will be time to macerate them.
Take the harvested onion skins and place them in a blender or food mixer. Add a little water and blend until you get a paste-like consistency. The water will help extract nutrients from the peels. Now you will have to further dilute the mixture obtained. The recommended proportion is 1 part onion skin solution and 5 parts water. You can choose to adjust the dilution to suit the specific needs of your plants.
Once the solution has been diluted, it’s time to use it on your plants. You can choose to pour it directly to the base of your plants or use a sprayer to spread it over the leaves. Be careful not to apply too much to avoid the risk of burns.
When to apply fertilizer
Onion skin-based fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 weeks during the plant’s growing season. However, the advice is to observe your plants carefully and adapt the frequency of application according to their specific needs.
The solution can also be made by preparing a decoction of onion skins by boiling them in water for about 20 minutes. After cooling, the decoction can be used as a fertilizer for plants.
Make sure to only use onion skins and not whole bulbs, as the bulbs can damage the roots of your plants. It is also advisable not to use onion skin-based fertilizer on sensitive plants such as orchids or acidophilic plants.
Onion skins are an often wasted treasure in the kitchen, but they can become a natural and beneficial fertilizer for plants. Rich in essential nutrients and beneficial compounds, they can aid for healthy growth, improve soil health, and protect plants from disease and insects.
Try using this homemade fertilizer and you will see the benefits of lush and prosperous plants. Not only will you save money on commercial fertilizers, but you’ll also help create a healthier and more sustainable environment for both your plants and the environment.
