Don't Throw It Away! Here are 7 Ways to Use Onion Skin for Gardening at Home

YOGYAKARTA - Gardening at home does not always require fertilizer or special products. Simple materials that are often considered garbage, such as onion skins, can be used to help fertilize plants while reducing household organic waste. According to gardening experts, reported by The Spruce, Wednesday, July 8, onion skins contain a number of minerals that are beneficial to the soil so it is a pity if it is immediately thrown away.

If you want to garden in a more economical and environmentally friendly way, here are some ways to use onion skins that are easy to apply at home.

1. Mix into the compost

Onion skin can be one of the organic ingredients to make homemade compost. When decomposed, onion skin helps add the nutrients needed by the soil so that plants can grow better. To speed up the decomposition process, cut the onion skin into small pieces before mixing it into the compost.

2. Grave directly in the planting media

If you don't have a compost, you can immediately bury the onion skin in a pot or plant bed. This method makes the onion skin decompose naturally and release nutrients into the soil. This method is suitable for both vegetable and ornamental plants that are planted in the yard.

3. Make a simple liquid fertilizer

Onion skin can also be processed into natural liquid fertilizer. Soak the onion skin in water for several days, then filter before using to water the plants. This solution can be used as an additional nutrient, although it is still best to use it in moderation.

Illustration of the benefits of onion skin for gardening at home (iStockphoto)4. Use it as a natural pest repellent

The strong smell of onions is believed to be disliked by some types of pests. You can sprinkle onion skins around the plants or use the soaking water to water the areas that are often visited by insects. This method can be a natural alternative before using chemical pesticides.

5. Make a mulch mixture

Dried onion skins can be mixed with dry leaves or grass as mulch on the surface of the soil. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture, especially during hot weather, while reducing weed growth. Over time, onion skins will also decompose and enrich the soil's organic content.

6. Put it into the compost hole in the garden

For those of you who have a yard, make a simple compost hole to accommodate kitchen organic waste, including onion skins. After decomposing, the organic material will help improve the soil structure and provide nutrients for surrounding plants. This method also helps reduce the amount of organic waste that is thrown away every day.

7. Pay attention to the type of plants planted

Although it has many benefits, onion skin is not recommended for use near plants from the legume family, such as chickpeas and string beans. Some gardening experts say that plants can experience less optimal growth if they are planted too close to onions. Therefore, use onion skin on plants that are more suitable, such as chili, tomatoes, or ornamental plants.

Using onion skins for gardening is one of the simple ways to make kitchen waste not end up in the trash immediately. In addition to helping fertilize the soil, this small habit also makes you smarter in using materials that still have a use value. With easy steps and minimal costs, the home garden can grow healthier and more productive.

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