Utilizing Potato Peels in Horticulture: A Practical Guide
Potato Peels in the Garden: A Gardener's Guide to Using Leftovers
Who knew that tossing potato peels in the trash could be such a waste? Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, these food scraps can do wonders in your garden. And best of all? You can use them for everything from compost to liquid fertilizer!
So, let's dive into the multitude of ways you can reuse potato peels in your backyard oasis. We consulted gardening experts, Edwin Dysinger, co-founder and CEO of Seedtime, and Lucie Bradley, a greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation, to bring you the lowdown on all things potato peels and gardens.
Composting
Potato peels are bursting with nutrients, making them an ideal addition to your compost pile. However, as a green ingredient, Edwin Dysinger emphasizes balancing them with brown materials like straw or leaves.
Also, steer clear of potato skins from diseased potatoes, as these can negatively impact the health of your compost pile. And if you don't bury the skins deeply enough, they may sprout.
Trench Composting
Alternatively, you can create a trench compost system using potato peels. Unlike using the peels as mulch, which isn't recommended for attracting pests and vermin, trench composting is a great alternative. Simply bury the peelings at least 6 inches deep. According to Lucie Bradley, this can be done by making trenches between rows of plants or by placing them between plants alongside the roots.
When employing this method, avoid using potato peels that have started to sprout or are displaying green hues, as these contain solanine - a natural toxin that can harm plants, pets, and people when present in high concentrations.
Liquid Fertilizer
You can also repurpose potato skins to create an easy-to-make, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. As Edwin Dysinger suggests, place a handful of potato peels in a container with one quart of water and let them steep for four days. After steeping, strain the mixture and then dilute the liquid with an equal amount of water before applying it to your plants.
Just remember, with any fertilizer derived from potato peels, it's only recommended that you use it sparingly, about once or twice a month, to feed your plants. Overuse can lead to an uneven distribution of nutrients in the soil.
Powdered Fertilizer
If you prefer a longer-lasting option, you can make powdered fertilizer from your leftover peelings. Simply dry the peelings by spreading them on a baking tray and baking them at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. After cooling, grind the dried peelings into a fine powder for storage. This powder will be rich in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus - all essential for healthy plant growth. You can add a teaspoon of this potato powder to a cup of water to create a rich liquid fertilizer.
Pest Control
Potato peelings can even act as organic bait for certain pests. Specifically, slugs and fungus gnats are drawn to the scent of decomposing potato skins. To create simple traps, collect potato peels and let them decompose in a container, checking and disposing of slugs and gnats regularly. Caution: Avoid applying peelings directly to the soil, as this can attract unwanted pests and vermin.
Martha Stewart suggests incorporating potato peels into your landscaping and gardening lifestyle by using them for compost, trench composting, liquid fertilizer, and powdered fertilizer. When composting, remember to balance potato peels with brown materials like straw or leaves. Trench composting involves burying peelings at least 6 inches deep between rows or plants. Liquid fertilizer is made by steeping a handful of peels in water for four days, then straining and diluting the mixture. Powdered fertilizer is created by drying peels at 300 degrees for 15 minutes, then grinding and storing the dried peels for later use as a nutrient-rich soil supplement. However, be cautious when using potato peels directly on the soil for pest control, as this can attract unwanted pests and vermin.
