Last updated on 21 May 2024
Dear Kaya Leaf readers, some links in our articles are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your precious support helps us to keep creating content for you. Thank you so much!
For many modern gardeners, many are turning to a natural and home made solution rich in beneficial bacteria to promote plant health and manage pests.
This is a wonderful addition to those who are already working on easy-to-make compost on their balconies or external coridoor.
What’s this curious plant elixir?
It’s none other than the eco enzyme!
We’ll cover more tips on how to make and use this DIY eco solution, with info adapted and enhanced from a lovely gardening course by Edible Garden City.
What’s eco enzyme?
Eco enzyme is a natural cleaner and pesticide derived from the fermentation of fruit (often citrus) peels, sugar, and water.
Fermentation then breaks down the fruit components into a potent acid to combat pests and harmful pathogens.
The fermentation also produces beneficial bacteria to enrich your plants’ soil, promoting healthier plant growth.
Incorporating the eco enzyme into your gardening regimen is effortless. Use it with water as a natural pesticide, herbicide, soil fertiliser, and a photosynthesis enhancer.
We’ll touch on the specific dilution concentrations later in this article.
Making your own eco peel enzyme
The perfect blend
The ratio for crafting your eco enzyme is simple:
- Three volumetric parts of fruit peels like orange, lemon and lime. Opt for clean peels, free from pesticides, to ensure the purity of your enzyme. This works out to peels from around 3-4 oranges, but feel free to use other fruits.
- One part sugar or 100g of sugar
- Ten parts water or 1 litre of water
Combine these ingredients in an airtight container like a clean recycled plastic bottle.
Burping Your Brew
Burping the enzyme container is a crucial step in the fermentation process. As the ingredients interact, they release gases, creating pressure within the container.
Burping refers to the act of briefly opening the container to release this pressure.
This step is essential to prevent your concoction from turning into an unintended citrusy fountain or, worse, a hazardous explosion.
Do daily burping for the first week, and daily for an additional week if there is still a lot of built up gas on the seventh day.
Store your bottle in a dark and cool place. After 3 months, your eco enzyme solution is ready when it smells like vinegar!
You can filter and discard the peels to make it easier to pour out the solution.
Eco enzyme uses in your household and garden
Kaya Leaf readers are often surprised by how versatile this enzymatic solution is. Depending on the application, you essentially dilute the enzyme with different amounts of water and that’s it!
- Plant fertilizer and pesticide – 1 part enzyme: 20 – 100 volumetric parts of water. You can gradually decrease the water volume if the mix is not strong enough to manage your pest problem.
- Multi-purpose cleaner – 1 part enzyme: 10 – 50 parts water
- Toilet and shower cleaner – 1 part enzyme: 10 parts water
- Floor cleaner – 1 part enzyme: 10 parts water
- Dish and laundry detergent – 1 part enzyme: 20 parts water
- Fruit and vegetable cleaner – 1 part enzyme: 20 parts water
Have pests but don’t have the patience or time to make the eco-enzyme? Try out our other homemade sand organic pest control ideas!
With this simple yet effective homemade and eco-friendly recipe, you’ll harness the benefits of natural fermentation from common household fruit scraps.
Conclusion
This sure beats all the expensive products out there that introduce more harmful chemicals to your home and plants than its disinfectant benefits!