Oranges have many fans because of their vitamin C content, but their benefits extend far beyond humans. Experts suggest using the leftover orange peel in the garden. That's a perfect idea! How to use orange peels in the garden? The bowls can be used in many ways!
This gardening concept may seem unusual, but it's actually a great way to maintain your outdoor spaces this spring and beyond. After eating or juicing an orange, you are inclined to throw away the remaining pieces. If you are a gardener, you should know that the pulp is not the only useful part of this fruit. With far less effort, good results can be achieved in the garden with orange peels.
Would you like to use the orange peels in the garden in spring? The easiest way to ensure you always have fresh citrus peels on hand is to freeze them. That's easy! To remove the peel from the citrus fruits, use a vegetable peeler. In order to preserve as much of the bitter, white kernel as possible, it is important not to apply excessive pressure when peeling. Place the shells in the freezer after storing them in a tightly sealable container. This means you always have fresh citrus peels on hand.
Stack peels on top of your compost
Adding discarded foods like citrus peels to the compost pile is a great way to recycle them. Orange peels have a decomposition time of up to two years. This is because the bacteria present in the compost have a very difficult time breaking down the components of the citrus peel. The high nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content of the peels results in soil that is ideal for gardening.
However, because oranges are acidic, they can also make soil acidic if used in an unbalanced ratio with organic materials that are naturally alkaline. Blueberries, potatoes and azaleas are acid-loving plants that thrive in this environment, while asparagus, beans and kale may not cope. If you're composting in large quantities, you should avoid citrus fruits like oranges because of their acidity. Worms, on the other hand, like a neutral pH value.
Important tip: Compost only a small portion of the peels. Chop them finely before continuing. This accelerates the rate of decomposition.
How to use orange peels in the garden? Growing container for seedlings
Orange peels can be used as small containers for seedlings even before you start sowing seeds. To prepare an orange for consumption, cut it lengthwise, remove the pulp, and make a drainage hole in the bottom of the peel. Givesome soil and seedsin and watch them sprout. Transferring it outdoors is just as easy as planting it whole.
Keep pests at bay
To keep garden pests at bay, use orange peels. Rodents, snails, aphids, ants, fruit flies, biting flies and whiteflies are deterred by the pungent turpentine smell of the colorless limonene liquid contained in citrus peel oil. In addition to being effective against many pests, citrus fruits are safe for pollinators, environmentally friendly, and have very little toxicity. Citrus peels can be used in the garden without fear of scaring away beneficial insects such as bees, as citrus fruits do not repel them. Remember that the orange flesh can attract bugs, so you should not use it.
Scatter citrus peels over the garden surface
You can also use a food processor to finely chop the orange peels. You can then sprinkle the shells over the garden surface to repel slugs and other pests. The peels can dry out and lose their repellency after a few days, so you should replace them frequently.
Homemade, natural spray against pests
Boil some water with orange peels for 10 minutes to make a citrus spray. After the mixture has cooled, strain it to remove the peels and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the leaves of the plants and any areas where pests are visible every few days. Pour the liquid into the anthills instead of spraying them. You can also protect your beautiful plants in the house with this spray as it is also effective indoors.
Make your own insect repellent
The peels of oranges can repel biting insects such as mosquitoes. To repel these pesky mosquitoes, you can stick an orange peel on your clothes or scatter the peels around your garden. You can also make your own insect repellent light: For an elegant touch, mix water and orange peel in a mason jar. Place a floating candle on the surface. The oils from the citrus peels give off an odor that repels biting insects when the water is slowly heated. A picnic table and patio can be decorated in this attractive and functional way.
Successfully drive away cats and dogs
You can use citrus peels as a hairy animal deterrent. The scent of orange peels placed at the edge of the garden should deter cats and dogs from venturing into the garden. The smell from the shells in places where animals dig can put them off even more.
Fertilizer for plants
Take advantage of the fact that oranges are rich in acid and important plant nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. In order to carry out a basic measurement before applying soil additives, it makes sense to analyze the pH value and mineral content of the soil. Then add chopped or crushed orange peel directly to the beds of acid-loving plants if necessary. The peels not only lower the pH value, but also have a fertilizing effect. Your radishes, peppers and rhododendrons will really appreciate this.
For an organic fertilizer, you can crush orange peels in a blender or by hand. They are then mixed with boiling water in a 1:2 ratio, kept in a dark place for 24 hours and then filtered thoroughly. Use an equal amount of water to dilute the resulting infusion. Sheyour plants shouldWater with this combination no more than once a week.
Important tip:Due to their acid-forming properties, orange peels can damage soil and plants if used excessively. Avoid using too much citrus peel.
Clean your tools
Citrus fruits are an effective disinfectant due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. To make a cleaning spray that doubles as an insect repellent, simply boil water with orange peels, filter it, and pour it into a spray bottle. After each use, you can rinse your garden tools and used pots with the spray. This will ensure you don't infect the next plants with bugs or diseases.
Also read:Which trees should be cut in winter: January is the best time for pruning the following perennials
