Certain kitchen scraps can benefit garden plants, and there’s one in particular which can also deter pests.
This cheap addition to your compost helps plants thrive(Image: Kilito Chan via Getty Images)
Gardeners looking to make their plots flourish have been swapping tips for home-made compost mixes on social media, with many tapping into the cost-effective benefits. Posting on the Gardening UK Facebook page, Angela Knight wrote: “Hi, I have a few compost questions.
“Can I put orange peel in the compost bin? I eat loads of oranges, but as I never know if you can, I tend to throw the peel away. I know you can’t put onions, cooked food and meat in, but is there anything else you shouldn’t put in the compost bin?”
Fellow garden enthusiasts were swift to endorse the addition of orange peels in compost heaps, sharing their own experiences and advice.
Louise Gallagher reassured with her comment: “I always add oranges and onions. Not had any problems.”
Meanwhile, Mabel Walker said: “I put all uncooked veg and fruit peel, onions and orange peel.”
Brian Corr shared his positive results, he said: “I have always put onions and also orange, lime and lemon peels, and it’s never been an issue for me. It’s helped my plants fantastically, and they flower better. It’s also deterred rats and cats from my garden.”
Orange peel makes a great fertiliser(Image: Kelly Mitchell via Getty Images)
The robust aroma of citrus turns out to be an excellent deterrent for cats fond of frolicking in garden beds, reports the Express
These zesty remnants are not only cat-repellents but can also serve to keep both foxes and rats at bay from settling in one’s garden patch.
Chris Taylor said: “Orange peel is brilliant to add to compost as it breaks down and releases lots of vitamins.”
It appears that within two years of joining the garden compost, these orange peels start their transformation, contributing to the nutrient-rich soil.
This will enrich the compost with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, vital nutrients for the garden.
Given the acidic nature of citrus peels, this compost can be utilised for a range of plants, including hydrangeas and azaleas.
Blueberry bushes and potato crops could also reap benefits from this homemade compost.
Oranges can be procured from any supermarket for approximately 20p per orange, demonstrating an affordable hack without any waste.