Oranges aren't just a delicious snack, they're also packed with nutrients. They are an outstanding source of vitamin C and are rich in vitamin B6, which supports brain function and the immune system.

But don't be too quick to discard that orange peel after you've enjoyed the fruit; these peels can have various applications in the garden rather than just filling up your recycling bin.

There are lots of eco-friendly ways that you can use oranges in the garden, and since you're already eating the orange, the peels are essentially free. 

House and gardening expert Michelle Mastro took to marthastewart.com to share four clever ways to repurpose orange peels for garden use, transforming them into handy products such as sprays and powders to help your garden grow. 

1. Enriching your compost

Among the plethora of food scraps suitable for composting, Michelle specifically singled out orange peels as excellent additions to your compost pile. She explained: "Orange peels enrich the soil with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, boosting plant root development."

Michelle has shared some tips for gardeners, suggesting: "To use orange peels in your compost, start by drying the peels out. Grind the orange peels or very finely chop them up. Add this material to your compost pile or spread it directly around the base of your plants before watering."

She explains that since orange peels decompose slowly, chopping them up can hasten the process.

Not only does this method enrich your compost, but the aroma of citrus peels also acts as a natural deterrent against pests. In urban settings where compost bins might attract unwanted visitors like rats and foxes, scents such as citrus or lavender are effective in keeping these critters at bay.

2. Make an ant repellent

Continuing with her eco-friendly advice, Michelle points out that orange peels are excellent for repelling ants. She says: "Like with the compost idea, the best method for using orange peels in this way is to first dry the peels completely. After this, you can then grind the orange peels up into a powder and next sprinkle the powder material around your garden."

However, she warns that you may need to redo these steps: "Because it's a loose powder, you may have to repeat this process several times as the material decomposes or blows away."

Other strong scents, such as peppermint oil and vinegar, can also deter ants. These natural alternatives are free from the hazardous chemicals often found in commercial ant powders, making them a safer choice for pest control.

3. Use them to start off seeds

In an eco-friendly twist, ditching traditional seedling pots for half an orange peel provides a cheap and sustainable alternative. Michelle highlights the significant benefits over cardboard pots: "orange peels are full of nitrogen and potassium, which can help give young plants a nutrient boost."

Michelle advises gardeners to: "Cut the fruit in half and remove the flesh and seeds. Fill the halves with soil and sow your seeds. Once the seedlings have one or two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers."

4. Make an anti-aphid spray

Another clever use Michelle recommends is concocting an anti-aphid spray from orange peels, a handy trick to combat the garden pests known for causing discolouration and harm to plants. Aphids, particularly prevalent after mild winters and warm springs in the UK, are a common headache for gardeners.

To create this natural pest repellent, add fresh orange peel, just a tiny bit of washing up liquid, and hot water to a spray bottle. After shaking the mixture, it's ready to be sprayed at the base of the plants on stems and lower leaves, with the washing up soap ensuring the mixture adheres well—but remember, only a dash is needed.

Additionally, some gardeners swear by soapy water as an aphid deterrent, and for those seeking an organic route, planting lavender or wormwood could provide a solution. These aromatic plants emit scents that are detestable to aphids, helping to maintain a pest-free garden.