The Downsides To Using Lemon Peels In Your Garden

When life gives you lemons, use them around your property. Lemons are not only refreshing and delicious, but they are an organic compost ingredient you likely already have at home. Gardeners use lemon peels in their plant projects to enhance the health of the greenery. But there are examples of when lemon peels would be ill-suited.

The fruit has its disadvantages, which should be considered before adding them to your garden. Lemons produce a sweet aroma that could attract unwanted creatures like snails and squirrels that can ruin your growing garden. Lemon peels are natural and there is a possibility that they will dry out quickly. Harsh outdoor air and sunlight can drain lemon peels of their of juices and cause them to become misshapen and limp. Their lifespan is brief, so incorporating the peels into your garden may not be worth the trouble. 

To avoid their less admirable qualities, make sure you are not overusing lemon peels. Start small and increase the number of peels you use over time. Remember to switch out the lemon peels frequently as they do not last long.

Utilizing the right soil is of the upmost importance when gardening and makes all the difference when it comes to the growth of your plants. Varied species of greenery thrive in different environments, so the soil may need to be adjusted based on what you are planning to grow. Measure the pH of your soil first to determine whether the soil is more acidic, more alkaline, or a balance of the two. This will establish whether your plant can get the essential nutrients it will need and if modifications should be made. Certain fruits and vegetables (like blueberries, for example) require more acidic soil. Lemon peels contain citric acid and are a leftover from your home bar that can be used as a gardening hack to add more acidity to alkaline soil. But it must be done properly and sparingly so it is not harsh on the greenery.

Too much acidity could stunt a plant's growth, even causing it to die. Avoid harming plants by mixing the lemon peels evenly throughout the soil. This will ensure that there will not be too much concentrated acid in one area. Or for a quick application, grind up your lemon peels and sprinkle the remains into your soil.