How to Make Fermented Fruit Plant Food

The nutrients in leftover fruit like bananas are beneficial to plants and soil.

Organic farmers and gardeners are always looking for new methods to fertilize plants that are chemical-free and can be recycled from their own, natural waste. One viable source of organic fertilizer is old fruit and fruit scraps that can be processed and fermented to make a liquid fertilizer. Fermented fruit fertilizer contains microorganisms that support plant growth and benefit the soil by supplying vitamins, organic acids and antioxidants. The fertilizer is appropriate for plant watering or foliage spraying.

Things You'll Need

• Chef's knife
• Jar
• Drawing paper
• String

Instructions

1. Chop the fruit into small bits using a chef's knife.

2. Place the chopped fruit in a jar.

3. Add an amount of molasses to the jar that is equal to the amount of fruit. Stir the fruit and molasses until they are well mixed.

4. Cover the jar opening with drawing paper and secure the paper in place with string.

5. Place the jar in a dark location.

6. Allow the fruit to ferment for one to two weeks. Remove the paper and stir the contents of the jar occasionally to release gas.

7. Pour the contents through a cloth and into a container to extract the liquid.

8. Dilute the fermented juice with water to use as fertilizer. Use 2 cups of water per tablespoon of fermented juice.

References

• GMSRN: "Preparation of Bio-organic Fertilizer from Fermented Fruit Waste and Study on its Effects on Plant and Soil"; Hlaing et al; November 2008
• Entre Pinoy Bank: How to Make Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish