4 Genius Ways to Use Banana Peels for Healthier, More Abundant Roses

Next time you enjoy a banana, consider holding onto the peel instead of throwing it away, especially if you have a rose garden. When added to the garden, banana peels can help make your roses more prolific.

Banana peels are a fantastic natural source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. "Providing these nutrients to roses is key to keeping them blooming all season," says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus. Banana peels can be applied to plants in many different ways, from adding them to compost to turning them into a special rose fertilizer.

Below, experts share their favorite ways to use banana peels for healthier, more prolific roses.

Add Banana Peels to Compost

One of the easiest ways to use banana peels in the garden is to add them to your compost pile. "Chop up your banana peels and toss them into your compost bin right along with your vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and yard clippings," says Tyler Francis, the lead farmer, co-CEO, and co-founding member of April & Ashley. Banana peels break down into a rich, crumbly compost packed with potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium that roses love. "I call it 'black gold' for the garden," he says. Sprinkle the compost around your rose bushes in spring and mid-season, and your roses will thank you with big, healthy blooms.

Bury Banana Peels in the Soil

If you don't have a compost pile, you can bury banana peels directly in the soil. "Take your peels, cut them into smaller bits (they break down faster that way) and bury them 4 to 6 inches deep in the soil around your rose bushes," says Francis. "Just don’t put them too close to the stems, as you want those nutrients near the roots." This method is a slow-release treat for your roses. As the peels break down underground, they feed your plants gradually and improve the soil. "You’ll also attract worms and beneficial microbes that you want around," Francis adds. 

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Make Banana Peel Water

Making banana water is another nutrient-rich way to use banana peels to boost your roses. "Banana peels transform into banana water after several days of soaking and serve as a nutrient-rich rinse for plant bases," says Tammy Sons, gardener, founder, and CEO of TN Nursery. To make banana water, Francis recommends grabbing a jar or bucket, filling it with water, and adding a few chopped banana peels. "Let it sit for two to three days—no more, or it gets moldy. Then, pour it right at the base of your roses," he says. Banana water gives roses a quick hit of potassium and phosphorus, helping with strong stems and vibrant blooms. "I’ve used this during dry spells when my roses needed a little extra love," Francis says. 

Grind Dried Peels Into Fertilizer Powder

Another way to turn banana peels into rose food is by turning them into a powder. Allow your banana peels to dry out, then grind them into a powder and sprinkle it around the base of your roses, says Ward. This method provides key nutrients quicker than fresh banana peels. Plus, it’s great for those who like to keep things tidy and controlled. "It’s a concentrated, slow-release fertilizer that won’t overwhelm your plants. I like to keep a jar of it on the shelf and use it as needed, especially for potted roses," says Francis.