We often toss away garlic peels immediately after peeling them, thinking they’re useless. But from now on, think twice before throwing them in the trash — garlic skins are surprisingly valuable and can be used in many practical, eco-friendly ways around your home and garden. Here’s how these thin layers can become a natural treasure.

---

1. Mix Garlic Peels into the Soil

Instead of discarding garlic peels, mix them into your potting soil or bury them around your plants. Over time, the peels decompose and turn into a rich, organic fertilizer packed with nutrients like sulfur and antioxidants that help plants grow stronger and healthier. After a few weeks, the soil becomes more fertile, helping flowers bloom faster and fruits ripen more quickly. You’ll also save a good amount of money on store-bought fertilizer — a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Extra tip: You can also add garlic skins to your compost pile. They help accelerate the fermentation process and reduce harmful bacteria, creating a more balanced compost mix.

---

2. Add Garlic Peels to Pet Food

If you have pets such as chickens, dogs, or cats, you can finely grind or crush the dried garlic peels and mix them into their food. Garlic contains natural compounds that can promote metabolism, strengthen immunity, and even help repel parasites. While you should only add a small amount, this simple step lets you reuse what would otherwise be waste and slightly cut down your pet food expenses. It’s a small but sustainable habit that benefits both your pets and the environment.

---

3. Use Garlic Water to Nourish Plants

To keep your houseplants lush and green, try using diluted garlic water as a natural nutrient spray. For example, plants like pothos (devil’s ivy) often turn yellow when lacking nutrients. In this case, mix one part garlic juice with 500 parts water and spray it on the leaves or pour it directly into the soil. Garlic water contains natural minerals that improve plant vitality while helping eliminate bacteria and detoxify the soil. The result: greener leaves and stronger roots.

If your plants are flowering, spray a smaller amount — too much can cause flowers to wilt faster. With proper use, garlic water can make blossoms last longer and appear more vibrant. However, moderation is key: watering with garlic water once every 4–6 weeks is sufficient.

---

4. Use Garlic as a Natural Pesticide

Beyond its fertilizing benefits, garlic is an excellent natural pesticide. Many harmful insects — such as aphids, spider mites, and small black flies — cannot stand the strong smell of garlic. By spraying garlic-infused water on infested leaves, you can repel or eliminate pests without using harsh chemicals.

To make a more powerful homemade pesticide, combine four natural ingredients: garlic, chili, onion, and ginger. These ingredients are all high in natural acids and compounds that irritate and drive away pests like caterpillars and beetles.

How to prepare it:

• Crush 1 kg of garlic, 1 kg of chili peppers, and 1 kg of ginger.

• Soak the mixture in about 3 liters of rice wine or white liquor in a sealed jar.

• Let it sit for about 15 days.
  After this time, the active compounds will have dissolved into the alcohol, creating a potent, concentrated solution. Dilute this mixture with water before spraying it on your plants — it’s a safe, affordable, and highly effective way to protect your garden.

Alternative method: You can also soak each ingredient separately — 1 kg of ingredient per 1 liter of alcohol — and later mix the extracts. This flexibility allows you to adjust the strength of the natural pesticide depending on your plants’ needs.

---

In Summary

Garlic peels may look like waste, but they’re actually a hidden gem in every kitchen. They can enrich your soil, protect your plants from pests, boost pet health, and help you live more sustainably. Instead of throwing them away, put them to use — a simple, zero-cost way to get closer to nature while saving money.