How to Make Fertilizer from Banana Peels

If you eat lots of bananas you end up with lots of banana peels. Instead of throwing them out or even composting all of them you can turn them into a potassium and phosphorus rich fertilizer.

Steps

1
Place a tray in the oven and lay banana peels on it.
- Place the banana peels on the tray with the outer skin facing down so that they don't stick to the tray.
2
Leave the tray with the banana peels in the oven when you cook other food.
- Save energy by piggy-backing on your normal oven usage. Don't turn the oven on just to roast the banana peels. Just leave the tray in the oven until you're cooking something else.
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3
After the banana peels are cool, break them up and store them in an airtight container.
4
Use as a fertilizer. Spread the banana peel mulch around houseplants and garden plants.^{[1]
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Community Q&A

Question

What happens to the chemicals that were used on the peel in shipping?

Community Answer

Depending on the chemicals that were used, they either evaporate, or decay into a non-toxic, brine-like substance. Completely harmless. However, if you want to be on the safe side, you could give them a wash in hot water to sanitize them.
Question

Is necessary to place them in the oven, or can I just let them dry in the sun?

Community Answer

You can just throw them in your garden as is, although burying them is a better idea. Oven baking speeds up the drying process and kills pathogens.
Question

Why do I need to cook it?

Community Answer

You do not need to cook it. The whole purpose of cooking it before letting it rot is because it will decay faster if it is cooked.