Fermented fruit juice, also known as FFJ, acts as an organic fertilizer for plants and gardens. This liquid increases nutrients in the soil and therefore in the plants growing in it, especially potassium levels. This concoction can be made at home from many common fruits and costs far less than purchasing organic liquid fertilizers. The fermenting process takes at least a week to complete, but may take a month or longer. Overripe sweet fruits are ideal for creating fermented fruit juice.
1
Cut mature sweet fruit, such as bananas, pineapples or papayas, into chunks small enough to fit through the mouth of a large plastic jar. Place the cut fruit into a measuring cup to determine how much is on hand. Pour the fruit chunks into the jar.
2
Add molasses or brown sugar to the measuring cup equal to the amount of fruit used. Pour the molasses or sugar into the jar atop the fruit. Mix thoroughly with a spoon.
3
Place a sheet of newspaper over the opening of the jar. Secure it in place with a rubber band. Set the jar in a cool, dark place such as a closet or pantry.
4
Check the container after a week or two, looking for a brown liquid at the bottom of the jar. If liquid exists, the fruit has fermented. If not, allow the jar to rest undisturbed for another week or two until fermentation occurs.
5
Remove some of the liquid from the bottom of the jar with a syringe or by separating the liquid from the solid matter with a strainer over a bowl, if you intend to use all the liquid at once.
6
Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of fermented juice into a spray bottle per 1 liter of water; the measurements do not have to be exact. Replace the lid on the spray bottle and shake to mix.
7
Apply fermented fertilizer mixture to the leaves of plants and the surrounding soil, using the spray bottle. Reapply after rains or about once a week, as desired.
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