Don't Throw Out Old Cucumber Without Trying This DIY Fertilizer: Your Garden Will Thank You

If you are peeling cucumbers for a snack, don't toss those scraps just yet. Cucumber peels can be turned into an easy, homemade fertilizer that gives your plants a quick nutrient boost while also reducing kitchen waste. Although it may seem like little more than compost material, the skin is the most nutrient-dense part of the cucumber. It contains potassium, magnesium, and other micronutrients, which can help support healthy plant growth. Because cucumber peel fertilizer is low in nitrogen and gentle on roots, it's ideal for midseason support or for young plants that might be sensitive to stronger fertilizers. It is also a smart way to feed container gardens, where nutrients are quickly absorbed. 

A cucumber peel and water mixture can be poured around the base of fruiting plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, or leafy greens that could use a nutritious drink. It is not a replacement for full-spectrum fertilizer, but it's a sufficient and sustainable way to reuse kitchen scraps as a natural fertilizer, especially in the middle of the growing season when plants may need a little pick-me-up. Even better? You are reducing kitchen waste while giving your garden a quick, natural lift.

If you want to try this cucumber treatment, blend the peels with water to create a liquid feed. To do this, you would need to collect a handful of clean cucumber peels and cover them with water. Put a lid on the jar and allow the mixture to sit for five days. Then you will strain the water and use the cucumber peel liquid as fertilizer. This should always be applied to moist soil, not dry, to help with absorption and prevent root shock. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the day to avoid rapid evaporation and reduce the risk of leaf burn from sun exposure. Apply this mixture every three weeks as a supplement, not a replacement, for a balanced fertilizer. If your plants are already showing signs of nutrient deficiency, like yellowing leaves or stunted growth, you may need more targeted feeding. Cucumber peels alone will not provide enough nitrogen or phosphorus for heavy feeders, but they can help maintain healthy microbial activity in the soil.

Be sure to wash the cucumbers before you peel them, regardless of whether they came from the garden or a grocery store. This removes any waxy coating and pesticides. You also want to avoid dumping thick pulp directly onto the soil as it may attract pests or mold in humid conditions. If you would rather compost the peels, that's a great option too. They break down quickly and help balance carbon-rich materials like paper and dried leaves. Whether blended, buried, or making your own compost, cucumber peels are far more useful in your garden than in the trash.