After squeezing lemons for tea or peeling an orange for a snack, you probably toss the peels into the trash. Next time, think again.
Those bright rinds are packed with natural oils and nutrients that can help you in the garden. They freshen the air, improve soil, and even keep pests at bay.
Citrus peels are easy to find, simple to use, and surprisingly versatile. You can turn kitchen scraps into natural pest control, seed starters, and even compost boosters. Here are eight clever ways to give them a second life outdoors.
#1 Is A Natural Way To Get Rid Of Pests
Use citrus peels instead of applying chemical pesticides when your plants are suffering from mild pest infestation.
You just tear the citrus peels into small pieces and place them around the affected plant, or tear a hole in the peel and attach the peel to a stem near the infected area.
#2 Control Ants
Chop up citrus peels into small pieces, and place them into a gallon jar. Fill the jar with water and put the lid on. Allow the jar to sit in a cool, dark place for three to five days.
Pour the citrus extract through a strainer into a bowl to remove the spent peelings. Pour the extract back into the jar and add a teaspoon of molasses and a squirt of dish soap. Put the lid back on the jar and shake up the contents to mix.
Pour the contents of the jar into a fire ant mound. The citrus oil will kill the ants it touches, and the sweet smell of molasses will entice any ants that aren’t close enough for a direct hit.
#3 For Acid-Loving Plants
Blueberries, azaleas, and roses love acidic soil, and citrus peels can help. Dry the peels and grind them into a fine powder.
Sprinkle the powder into the soil around the base of the plant and mix it in lightly. This natural boost lowers soil pH while adding organic matter. Apply every few weeks during the growing season for best results.
#4 Seed Starter Pot
Turn citrus halves into tiny seed pots. Scoop out the fruit, poke a small drainage hole in the bottom, and fill with potting soil.
Plant your seeds as usual and keep them in a sunny spot. Once seedlings sprout, place the whole peel in the garden soil. It breaks down over time and nourishes the young plant.
#5 Repel Your Pets
If curious cats or dogs are digging in your garden beds, citrus peels can help. Mix chopped peels with used coffee grounds and sprinkle them around your plants.
The strong scent discourages pets from coming too close. As a bonus, the coffee grounds add nutrients to the soil. Refresh the mix every week to keep it working.
#6 Repel Mosquitoes
Citrus peels are a natural way to keep mosquitoes from biting. Rub the fresh peel directly on your arms or legs before stepping outside.
The oils create a scent barrier that mosquitoes dislike. You can also place peels near seating areas in the evening. This simple trick adds a fresh aroma while keeping pests away.
#7 Citrus Peels in the Fireplace
Citrus peels make a fire smell wonderful while helping it burn. Let the peels dry and then toss them into your fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
As they burn, they release a sweet, citrusy fragrance. Store dried peels in a jar so you have them ready anytime. This is an easy way to turn waste into something cozy.
#8 Add to Compost
Adding citrus peels to compost gives it a healthy nutrient kick. They’re rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which plants need for growth.
Chop them up into small pieces before adding to help them break down faster. Their strong scent also discourages some pests from rooting through your pile. Mix them well with other kitchen scraps for balanced compost.