Before you toss that banana peel, ask yourself — what would your pokok do with it?
Fruit waste is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective fertilizers for Malaysian gardens. No chemicals, no fancy tools — just everyday scraps and a little know-how.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to turn mangga skins, betik peels, and even pineapple tops into liquid gold for your plants.
🍌 Why Use Fruit Waste as Fertilizer?
- Packed with natural nutrients (N-P-K)
- Improves soil health and structure
- Encourages beneficial microbes
- Reduces household food waste
- Saves $$$ on store-bought fertilizer
✅ Great for herbs, fruit trees, leafy greens, even potted plants
🍊 What Fruit Waste Can You Use?
| Fruit Waste | Nutrients | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Banana peel | Potassium, calcium | Flowering plants, pandan |
| Papaya skin | Nitrogen, enzymes | Compost starter |
| Mango peel | Phosphorus | Fruit trees |
| Orange peel | Acidic, antifungal | Pest control (in small amounts) |
| Pineapple core | Trace minerals | Soil microbe booster |
| Watermelon rind | Water retention | Compost bulk |
Avoid: Too many citrus peels (acidic), oily/processed fruits, or spoiled fruit with mold
🧪 Method 1: DIY Fruit Enzyme Fertilizer (Eco Enzyme)
What You’ll Need:
- 3 parts fruit waste
- 1 part brown sugar (or molasses)
- 10 parts water
- Airtight container (don’t use metal)
Steps:
- Chop fruit scraps into small pieces
- Mix all ingredients in a plastic bottle or container
- Seal and leave in a cool, dark place for 1–3 months
- “Burp” the bottle every few days for first 2 weeks
- Strain the liquid → dilute 1:10 with water for use
✅ Use as a soil drench or foliar spray
✅ Shelf life: 6 months
🧃 Method 2: Banana Peel Tea (Fast, Easy)
Ingredients : 2 – 3 banana peels, 1L water
Steps:
- Soak banana peels in water for 3–5 days
- Remove peels, dilute liquid 1:2 with water
- Use once every 2 weeks around base of plants
✅ Great for: Pandan, chili, curry leaf trees
🪴 Method 3: Chop & Drop Compost
- Cut fruit scraps into small pieces
- Bury 3–5cm below surface around base of plants
- Cover with soil/mulch to prevent smell or pests
✅ Works best with dry areas (not soggy)
✅ Combine with dry leaves or newspaper for balance
🪱 Method 4: Traditional Compost Bin (Bokashi or Open-Air)
If you’ve got more waste to handle:
Basic Setup:
- 1 compost bin or old pail
- Mix fruit waste with dry leaves, soil, cardboard
- Stir weekly, keep moist (like damp sponge)
- Ready in 1–2 months
✅ Use finished compost for repotting or mixing into beds
🐛 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Too wet / poor airflow | Add dry leaves, stir more |
| Fruit flies | Exposed scraps | Always cover with soil |
| Mold | Overload or anaerobic | Reduce scraps, increase dry matter |
| Ants | Too much sugar | Use less sweet fruit, balance mix |
🔄 Recap Table
| Method | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Enzyme | 1–3 months | Liquid fertilizer for all plants |
| Banana Tea | 3–5 days | Quick nutrient boost |
| Chop & Drop | 1 week | Fruit trees, outdoor plants |
| Compost Bin | 1–2 months | Long-term soil improvement |
🛒 Optional Tools (Malaysia-friendly)
| Tool | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| 5L fermentation bucket (Shopee) | Easy enzyme brewing |
| Compost tumbler | Faster breakdown |
| Bokashi starter (optional) | Boost fermentation |
| Garden gloves | Always a good idea |
✅ Wrap-Up
Fruit waste isn’t trash — it’s treasure for your garden. With just a little effort, you can turn peels into power and create a healthier, more sustainable growing system. Your plants (and your wallet) will thank you.
Already feeding your pokok with buah leftovers? Tag us @projectharvest.my and show us your DIY garden hacks 🍌🍍🌱