Don’t Throw Away Pea Pods! Gardener Reveals How They Can Boost Your Plants

In many households, pea pods are discarded after peeling the peas, but gardening expert RN Kushwaha says these pods are a free and highly effective natural fertilizer for plants. He shared several simple ways to reuse them, helping your garden thrive.

Pea pods enhance soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth. According to Kushwaha, one of the easiest methods is to make a liquid fertilizer: soak 2–3 handfuls of pea pods in 1–2 liters of water, add 50 grams of jaggery, and let the mixture release the nutrients. Once the color changes, strain the liquid and pour it directly onto your plants. The pods themselves can be dried in sunlight and later used as mulch.

For new plants, place a thick layer of pea pods at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. Over about 15 days, the pods decompose, enriching the soil and strengthening plant roots. Dried pods can also be used in summer for mulching, reducing water evaporation and protecting plants from heat.

Additionally, adding pea pods to kitchen waste compost accelerates decomposition and increases nitrogen content, making your compost more potent and enriching your garden naturally.