banana peel dryer experiment part 3

This probably should have all been in one post, but I’m impatient.

I’m guessing 6 or 7 dried banana peels yielded 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of pulverized powder.

There’s a good overview of what banana peels do for your garden here.

Dried banana peels are 42 percent potassium, more than most other organic substances, such as manure at 0.5 percent, wood ash at 10 percent and cantaloupe rinds at 12 percent. Potassium promotes the movement of water and nutrients between cells. It also strengthens stems and protects plants from disease. Because the plant is healthier, it might flower more. After the plant blooms, potassium can improve the quality and size of any fruit or nuts.

Since my soil test recommended adding 1 pound of potassium/100 square feet, I’m a happy camper.  By spring I’ll have that and some left for my wife’s flowers if she wants it. I know I’ll use some in my tomato planting holes.

I like being able to quantify the amount of amendments that I’m using, and I like using the warm forced air from the furnace for a secondary purpose.  Makes that gas bill a little more tolerable!

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