Gardeners: 2 clever uses for avocado skins to enrich compost and make homemade fertilizer

Many gardeners now look at avocado peel differently. This ordinary waste becomes a useful everyday resource. So, the kitchen meets the balcony effortlessly.

Why gardeners no longer throw away avocado peel

When it comes to compost, skin is 100% biodegradable. It degrades slowly, yet nourishes soil life. Gardeners gain brown matter rich in fiber and tannins. So, cut into 2-3 cm pieces to speed up the process.

Another possibility is dyeing. The skin and pit give pink to salmon hues. A gentle cooking in water is all that’s needed, then filtering. Gardeners test on a sample first, to avoid surprises.

The empty skin also serves as a mini-pot. Drill two holes, then fill with potting soil and sow. This way, you can replant without root shock. Gardeners appreciate this natural, ephemeral container.

“Don’t throw away avocado peel: it’s a discreet but precious resource for the garden. “

Practical uses and precautions at home

Cleanliness counts, especially indoors. So, rinse off the skins and remove any remaining flesh. On the other hand, don’t leave large pieces on the surface. Gardeners bury them lightly to keep gnats at bay.

Caution for animals. The skin contains bitter compounds; keep it out of reach. In addition, reserve a dedicated pot for dyeing. This way, gardeners avoid confusion in the kitchen.

• Cut finely to accelerate decomposition and reduce odours.
• Bury at 10-15 cm to limit midges and rodents.
• Alternate “brown” (leaves) and “green” (peelings) for balance.
• Keep an eye on the humidity; add more dry stuff if the pile sticks.
• Be patient; skin takes longer than other waste.

The right balance makes all the difference. Alternate dry materials with kitchen scraps. Turn the pile when it heats up and sticks. That way, decomposition becomes more regular.

Step-by-step methods for making the most of skins

There are three simple steps to composting. First, rinse and chop finely to limit odours. Next, mix with dry leaves, then bury at a depth of 10-15 cm. Gardeners observe proper integration within a few weeks.

When repotting young plants from these mini-pots, gardeners choose a reliable substrate. Fertiligène – Terreau Plantes Méditerranéennes, citrus (Horticultural potting soil; enriched with Osmocote fertilizer) ensures regular nutrition and an aerated structure.

To dye, cover the skins with water of equal volume. Heat over low heat for 45 minutes, then leave to infuse. In short, filter, soak the natural fibers, then rinse. Gardeners keep the bath in a cool place and record their tests.

Frequently asked questions and misconceptions

Do hides deter slugs? Some people do, but the evidence is limited. So opt for reliable barriers and a clean garden. Gardeners use hides as light, temporary mulch.

Indoors, it’s best to avoid raw materials. Compost first, then use as a fine top dressing. In addition, use small doses to avoid compacting the substrate. Gardeners note the response of sensitive plants.

Impact, zero waste and smart moves

Giving a second life to skin reduces the amount of waste in the garbage can. As a result, the bin fills up less quickly and costs less. This habit creates a virtuous kitchen-garden cycle. Gardeners see it as a concrete and measurable gesture.

In summer, bury a little deeper to keep insects at bay. In winter, pre-compost in trays to kick-start activity. That way, the garden stays clean and nuisance-free. Share your tests at neighboring workshops.

A logbook helps you make progress. Write down the dates, methods and results of each trial. In short, adapt your practices according to soil and climate. This rigor makes every gesture more effective.

• Gardeners