Onion peel is often used for culinary purposes, as a natural dye. In addition, useful decoctions can be made from it. But onion peel brings the most benefit in the garden. And here are the main ways it can be used.

Composting

If you make compost yourself, you can add the peel to practically any composition in your compost bin. It will add nutrients to your fertilizer. The exception here is vermicompost, which is produced by earthworms. They do not like onions and other pungent substances.

Mulching

Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and reduce the growth of weeds. You can use onion peel for mulching. Dry onion peel will decompose quickly and, on top of everything, enrich the soil with potassium and calcium.

Onion peel for the garden – 5 ways to use it
Photo: pixabay

Pesticide

If you try to avoid chemicals in the garden, you can make a potent organic pesticide using onion.

  • Take a large onion with its peel and toss it into a kitchen blender
  • Add 4 fresh cloves of garlic.
  • 2 teaspoons of red chili pepper powder.
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
  • Blend this into a paste, adding a little water.
  • Now add about 2 more cups of water to this, mix well and let it steep overnight. 
  • In the morning, strain the liquid using cheesecloth or a fine sieve to obtain a pesticide concentrate. You can store this concentrate in the refrigerator.

To use as a pesticide, use the solution, not the concentrated substance. To one cup of this pesticide add 5 cups of water. Such a pesticide will successfully destroy common pests – aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and many others.

Fertilizer

There are two main ways to make fertilizer. One of them involves boiling the onion peel in water for several hours. The other method is soaking the peel in water for 24 hours. Most gardeners prefer the second method, so as not to lose the beneficial substances during boiling.

  • Take 2-3 handfuls of onion peel, pour 1 liter of water over it and leave for 24 hours.
  • After 24 hours, strain the liquid and use it as a liquid fertilizer. 

You can apply it undiluted or diluted 1:1 with water. It is recommended to use such a fertilizer once every 2 weeks.

Onion peel for the garden – 5 ways to use it
Photo: pixabay

Growth accelerator

Because of its antimicrobial properties, onion improves the results of rooting plant cuttings. Here is what you need to get a useful accelerator:

  • Take ¼ of an onion with its peel
  • Add ½ cup of aloe vera juice.
  • Add a little cinnamon.
  • Now blend all of this in a blender to make a paste.
  • Then strain the liquid.
  • Dip the cuttings into this solution or apply it to the roots with your finger and plant the cuttings.