Enhance Your Hydrangeas with DIY Orange Peel Fertiliser

Transform your hydrangeas into vibrant blooms using a simple DIY fertiliser made from orange peels. Gardening expert Katie Femia reveals how this budget-friendly method can enrich the soil and promote the growth of these acid-loving plants, while also deterring pests.

DIY Orange Peel Fertiliser for Hydrangeas

Hydrangea flowers, known for their summer vibrance, can achieve even larger and more plentiful blooms with a simple DIY fertiliser using orange peels. Gardening expert Katie Femia, founder of The Homespun Hydrangea, shares her method of using orange peels to enhance the growth of acid-loving plants like hydrangeas.

Method

Materials Needed: - Orange peels - Baking tray - Wax paper - Airtight container or sandwich bag

Collect and Rinse Orange Peels: Accumulate orange peels in a container and rinse them to remove any chemicals.
Prepare for Drying: Line a baking tray with wax paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the orange peels in a single layer without overlapping.
Dry the Peels: Preheat the oven to 140°C. Bake the orange peels for 90 to 120 minutes, checking every 30 minutes. The house may fill with a pleasant citrus aroma during this process.
Pulverise the Peels: Once dried, crush the orange peels into a fine powder using a food processor or by placing them in a sandwich bag and using a rolling pin.
Store and Use: Store the crushed peels in an airtight container. Sprinkle the powder into the soil around your hydrangeas or bury it near the plants.

Benefits

Orange peels contain nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which support hydrangea growth. They also increase soil acidity, enhancing bloom colors, especially vibrant blue. Additionally, the strong citrus scent deters pests such as aphids, ants, rodents, and cats.

Katie Femia emphasizes that this DIY method is budget-friendly and enriches the soil, making hydrangeas thrive.