Citrus peel in the garden — 6 uses you did not know about
If you throw orange peel in the bin, you are missing half the product. Citrus peel contains limonene — a compound that works as a natural insecticide, pest repellent and compost additive. The problem is that most supermarket peel carries wax and fungicides, so using it in the garden makes little sense.
Ours have no post-harvest treatment. No wax, no fungicides. What your hand peels goes straight into the soil without concern. When you order your box of Valencia oranges, the peel goes to the garden, not the bin.
1. Natural ant repellent
Crush dried peel and place small mounds along ant trails. They will carry it into the nest, where a substance toxic to the colony develops. No chemicals. Just orange peel.
2. Home-made aphid spray
The limonene in the peel is a natural insecticide. Pour two glasses of boiling water over one orange peel. Leave to infuse for 24 hours. Add a few drops of Castile soap and store in a spray bottle. Apply directly to aphids.
3. Quality compost
Citrus peel adds sulphur, magnesium, calcium and other nutrients to compost. There is a myth that it over-acidifies the mix — in a well-balanced compost, it breaks down without issue. Cut into small pieces to speed things up. Important: only untreated peel.
4. Cat deterrent
Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Place fresh peel around the plants you want to protect. Renew every few days as the scent fades.
5. Attract butterflies
Decomposing orange peel attracts butterflies to the garden. Leave it in a sunny corner and observe.
6. Mosquito repellent
Rub the outer side of the peel over exposed skin. The limonene acts as a temporary repellent. Not a replacement for proper insect protection in tropical areas, but for an afternoon in the garden it works.
Frequently asked questions
Can you compost orange peel?
Yes, as long as it carries no wax or fungicides. Untreated peel provides valuable nutrients for compost.
Is citrus peel toxic to plants?
No. In normal quantities, it does not significantly acidify the soil.
Why is it important that the peel is untreated?
Because waxes and fungicides from industrial fruit can damage soil microorganisms and compost. For the garden, you need fruit with no post-harvest treatment — like that from CitrusRicus.
