citrus peel

The list of citrus peel uses in the garden is endless.

by Linda Parker September 24, 2021 - Updated on June 24, 2025

     

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are household staples – but did you know that the peels you usually toss can be incredibly valuable in your garden?

Citrus peels are packed with natural oils, nutrients, and compounds that can benefit your plants, soil, and even protect your garden from pests.

From natural fertilizers to organic pest deterrents, citrus peels offer countless eco-friendly gardening solutions.

Instead of throwing citrus peels into the trash, consider giving them a second life in your backyard.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the 15 most useful citrus peel uses in the garden – practical, sustainable tips that turn kitchen waste into garden gold.

Why Citrus Peels Are So Useful in the Garden

Citrus peels are more than just aromatic byproducts of your favorite fruits.

Here’s what makes them so powerful for gardening:

High in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium

Contain essential oils with insect-repelling properties

Naturally acidic – helpful in balancing soil pH

Biodegradable and compost-friendly

Have antifungal and antibacterial properties

With these natural features, citrus peels can serve as fertilizer, mulch, compost enhancer, pest repellent, seed starter, and more.

1. Natural Pest Repellent

Citrus peels are rich in limonene, a natural compound that repels many common garden pests such as: Aphids, Ants, Mosquitoes, Slugs, Flies, Whiteflies.

How to use: Scatter chopped citrus peels around the base of plants prone to pest attacks. You can also rub the inside of the peel directly on leaves or stems to create a natural repelling barrier.

Replace the peels every few days for best results.

2. Compost Booster

Citrus peels are high in nitrogen, making them an excellent addition to your compost pile. They balance the carbon-heavy “browns” (like dried leaves or paper) with their nitrogen-rich content, helping decomposition move faster.

Tips:

Chop or shred the peels to speed up breakdown.

Avoid adding too many at once – they can slow composting if overused.

Mix well with other organic materials to avoid strong acidity.

3. Soil pH Adjuster (Acidifier)

If you grow acid-loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas, hydrangeas, or rhododendrons, citrus peels can help lower the soil pH naturally.

How to use: Dry the citrus peels, grind them into a powder, and sprinkle a thin layer over the soil. Repeat monthly during the growing season for best effect.

4. Homemade Citrus Peel Fertilizer

Citrus peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium – vital nutrients for plant growth.

How to make citrus peel fertilizer:

Dry citrus peels completely.

Grind them into a fine powder.

Mix with equal parts crushed eggshells or coffee grounds.

Sprinkle around your plants or mix into the soil.

This slow-release fertilizer is especially beneficial for flowering and fruiting plants.

5. Keep Cats Out of the Garden

Citrus scents are unpleasant to cats, making them a simple, non-toxic deterrent.

How to use: Scatter fresh citrus peels around the areas cats frequent, such as flowerbeds or seedlings. Replace every few days or after rain.

It’s a humane way to prevent digging, scratching, and litter box behavior in your garden beds.

6. Ant Repellent for Garden and Greenhouse

Ants hate citrus. The peels disrupt their scent trails and confuse their navigational systems.

How to use: Place orange or lemon peels along ant trails or near mounds. You can also boil citrus peels in water, let it cool, and spray it around ant-prone areas.

This works both outdoors and inside greenhouses or sheds.

7. Slug and Snail Trap

Slugs and snails are attracted to citrus peels but will get trapped if placed strategically.

How to make a slug trap:

Place a halved orange or grapefruit peel face-down in the garden.

Check it in the morning – you’ll often find slugs hiding inside.

Remove the peel and discard the pests.

Repeat nightly to reduce populations without chemicals.

8. Start Seeds in Citrus Halves

Citrus peels can act as biodegradable seed starting pots.

How to do it:

Scoop out the fruit, leaving the rind intact.

Poke a small drainage hole in the bottom.

Fill with potting soil and sow your seeds.

Once the seedling is established, transplant the entire peel and seedling into the garden.

As the peel decomposes, it nourishes the soil and roots.

9. Make a Citrus Peel Insect Spray

Harness the pest-fighting power of citrus in a liquid spray.

How to make it:

Simmer peels from 2–3 citrus fruits in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.

Let it cool, strain, and pour into a spray bottle.

Add a teaspoon of mild dish soap.

Spray on the leaves of affected plants to deter aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects.

10. Create a DIY Citrus Peel Mulch

Dried and shredded citrus peels make a bright, fragrant, biodegradable mulch.

Benefits of citrus peel mulch: Retains soil moisture, Repels pests, Adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Dry the peels in the sun or oven, chop finely, and spread a thin layer around your plants. Avoid piling them too high to prevent mold.

11. Add Citrus Peels to Worm Bins (in Moderation)

Worms in vermicomposting bins can handle small amounts of citrus, which adds diversity to their diet.

Tips:

Use in small quantities – too much can increase acidity.

Mix with paper, cardboard, or brown leaves.

Avoid adding spicy citrus like lime in high volume.

Peels also help reduce odor in worm bins and act as a mild antibacterial agent.

12. DIY Citrus Enzyme Cleaner for Garden Tools

Citrus peels can be used to make natural enzyme cleaners that clean and sanitize your gardening tools and pots.

How to make enzyme cleaner:

Fill a jar with citrus peels, brown sugar, and water (10:1:3 ratio).

Let it ferment for 2–3 weeks.

Strain and store.

Use it to clean shears, shovels, pots, and even greenhouse glass—no harsh chemicals required.

13. Attract Pollinators with Citrus Scent

While citrus peels deter some pests, they can attract pollinators when used correctly. Bees and butterflies enjoy the sweet, fermented aroma of citrus.

How to use: Create small citrus peel saucers filled with sugar water. Place them near your flowering plants to lure beneficial insects to your garden.

Bonus: It may also lure away ants and wasps from your food plants.

14. Enrich Container Plants and Raised Beds

Container plants often suffer from nutrient depletion. Citrus peel powder or chopped peels can revitalize the soil in pots or raised beds.

How to apply:

Mix dried peel powder into the top layer of soil.

Or add chopped peels to the base of the container before potting soil.

They will slowly release nutrients as they decompose, acting as an organic fertilizer.

15. Citrus Peel Garden Air Freshener

Your garden doesn’t just have to look good – it can smell amazing too. Scatter fresh citrus peels along walkways, patios, or under benches.

As they warm in the sun, they release a refreshing scent that masks compost or manure odors.

You can also create sachets with dried citrus peels and lavender or rosemary to hang in garden sheds or toolboxes.

How to Prepare and Store Citrus Peels for Garden Use

Drying:

Spread peels on a tray and place in the sun or oven at low heat (about 200°F / 95°C) until fully dry.

Store in airtight jars or containers away from moisture.

Grinding:

Use a blender or coffee grinder to turn dried peels into powder.

Store in labeled spice jars for easy access.

Freezing: Store fresh peels in a freezer-safe container to use later for compost, seed starters, or pest repellent.

Proper storage ensures you always have citrus peels on hand, even out of season.

Citrus Peels to Avoid

Waxed peels: Commercial citrus is often coated in wax or chemicals. Always wash thoroughly or use organic fruits when possible.

Spoiled or moldy peels: Don’t use peels with visible mold or rot—they can introduce pathogens into your garden or compost.

Overuse in worm bins: Too much citrus can harm worms due to acidity.

Citrus peels are more than kitchen scraps – they’re a gardener’s secret weapon.

From repelling pests and feeding your soil to helping seedlings grow strong and healthy, these often-discarded peels can transform your garden in surprising ways.

By reusing what nature gives us, you not only reduce waste but also enrich your soil, support pollinators, and cultivate a more sustainable and resilient garden.

Whether you’re an urban gardener with potted plants or tending a full backyard landscape, there’s a citrus peel use for every garden.