How to Use Leftover Banana Peels

Banana peels can be used for compost bins, plant fertilizer and even to whiten teeth.

Bananas are a fruit that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors when ripe. Bananas grow in more than 100 countries. Although most people eat bananas and throw away the peel, many utilize the entire fruit, peel and all. Banana peels, along with the banana itself, are rich in potassium, calcium and vitamin D. Great for plants, skin and teeth, banana peels can be used for a number of different things.

Things You'll Need

• 30 gallon plastic garbage bag
• Shredded newspaper
• Shredded leaves
• Grass clippings
• Broken twigs
• Weeds
• 2 qt. water
• Drill
• Plastic bin with lid (50-plus gallon capacity)
• Large tray (or extra plastic bin lid)
• 50 redworms
• Oven
• Cookie sheet
• Gardening shovel
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Toothpaste

Instructions

Banana Peel Compost Bin

1. Chop banana peels into small pieces or strips. Pour the shredded materials into a 30-gallon plastic garbage bag. Add shredded newspaper, leaves, grass clippings, broken twigs and weeds to the bag. There should be enough compost bedding to fill at least half of the garbage bag.

2. Shake the bag well to mix up the materials. Pour the water into the bag and shake well to moisturize the compost bedding. Poke 10 small holes in the bottom of the garbage bag to allow the excess water to drain.

3. Drill 12 small holes in the bottom of the plastic bin for drainage. Place a large tray under the bin to catch the drainage. The liquid can later be used as a liquid plant fertilizer.

4. Pour the contents of the garbage bag into the compost bin. Gently lift small areas of the bedding to create air pockets to minimize odors and allow the worms to move freely in the compost. Place about 50 redworms into the compost bin.

5. Place the lid on the compost bin and drill eight to 12 holes in the lid for ventilation.

6. Separate the worms from the finished compost when there is little to no original bedding left, only dark brown worm castings. This could take up to two months. Once this happens, move all of the finished compost to one side of the bin. Pour new bedding on the opposite side. In about two days, all of the worms should have moved the new bedding, allowing you to remove the finished compost.

7. Remove the finished compost and place it into a plastic bag. Add a handful of the finished compost to the new bedding. Every two months, repeat Step 6.

8. Mix the finished compost in with potting soil to use on houseplants and patio plants. The compost can also be sprinkled on the lawn as a conditioner or used directly in the garden.

Banana Peel Plant Fertilizer

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Place banana peels on a cookie sheet.

2. Bake the banana peels in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes or until the peels are brown and crisp. The oven helps to speed up the natural decomposing process.

3. Break the pieces of the banana peels up and sprinkle into potting soil. Mix the soil around with a gardening shovel or with your hands. Banana peels provide plants with potassium.

Banana Peels to Whiten Teeth

1. Brush teeth like you normally would with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinse with warm water.

2. Rub the soft white part of the banana peel on the surface of your teeth for about two minutes. Potassium, calcium, and vitamin D are all great for your teeth and help to whiten them.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 every morning and before bed in order to whiten teeth. Rub the banana on for more than two minutes if you have dark stains, from coffee, cigarettes or soda.

References

• Cirbly: 10 Alternative Uses for Bananas
• North Carolina State University: Worm Compost