Garlic skins don’t belong in the compost – they help combat pests

Peeling garlic is one of those traditional kitchen tasks that we simply cannot do without. When we peel garlic, we usually throw the skins in the bin or onto the compost heap. That’s a shame, because garlic skins can literally work wonders. Don’t believe us? In the following paragraphs, we’ll show you that they’re genuinely valuable. They’re not only useful against pests, of which there are plenty in the garden.

Natural protection against aphids and other pests

Garlic skins act as an excellent natural defence against all sorts of pests, both in the home and in the garden. For example, aphids and mites can be eliminated quite easily using garlic skins. Simply soak a mixture of garlic and onion skins in water for four days and leave them to infuse for that time. Then strain the liquid and spray it onto your plants. It’s best to spray the solution onto your plants several times a week. The pests should soon disappear.

Tip: How to store garlic. We have methods.

Improving soil quality

Garlic skins also make an interesting fertiliser. They can enrich the soil with organic matter. They can easily be composted along with other organic waste. The compost then serves as an excellent material, ideal for promoting the growth of various crops at the start of the season.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Enriching vegetable stock and soup

If you have just garlic skins, there’s no problem using them in vegetable stock as well. Ideally, dry the skins and then crush them together with other dried vegetables and herbs. The mixture can then be used as an excellent natural stock powder for soup. Alternatively, you can add the whole skins directly to the soup and strain them out before serving.

Soothing face mask

Boil the garlic skins in a saucepan for about 15 minutes. Leave the mixture to infuse for about 12 hours. Afterwards, simply strain the mixture and apply it directly to your face using a standard cotton pad.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan