We all know compost, or “black gold” as some like to call it, is an ideal mate to your plant soil. Composting also reduces the amount of trash volume you send to landfills, and consequently the amount of harmful methane emissions released in to our atmosphere. However, if you dont have the space or discipline required to maintain an outdoor compost pile, you can still turn kitchen scraps into food for plants.
So stop saving up for that tumbler composting barrel and put a pin in that worm bin. If you want to reap the benefits of this natural fertilizer but dont have the patience or compost heap, you can immediately use these three food scraps to nourish potted or garden soil and tremendously improve plant growth.
The anaerobic digestion of food waste also results in nutrient-rich liquid that can be used to make fertilizer. The remaining solids can be dried and used as a soil amendment but also has other applications such as bedding.
Banana Peel
Filled with potassium, this disposable skin is amazing plant food. It helps plants flower and grow fruit when used as an organic alternative to chemical fertilizers. You can literally plant the whole peel under the soil near the roots of the plant such as a rose bush, or just throw the peel on top of the soil and let it decompose.
If you are afraid of attracting pests or animals, try liquefying the banana scrap in a blender with one quart of water before pouring the mix onto your plant or bush.
Coffee Grounds
Just like you may need that cup of coffee to energize your day, our plants need the nitrogen and minerals found in used coffee grounds to boost their life. Other natural elements that sustain houseplants and outdoor plant life, such as calcium, copper, and potassium, are also found in our caffeine byproduct.
Some experts suggest using the grounds only on acid loving plants or on alkaline soil, Start slowly by mixing modest amounts in to your potted plants or garden. Try one tablespoon for pots and one cup for gardens. Drying the grounds before using them could alleviate any concerns over mold growth.
Sustainable Enterprises suggests sprinkling used grounds around plants before watering for a slow-release nitrogen, or dilute with water for a gentle, fast-acting liquid fertilizer.
How to Make Compost at Home | Kitchen Waste Compost Update
FAQ
Can food waste be turned into fertilizer?
How do you make fertilizer out of food scraps?
Can spoiled food be used as fertilizer?
Can I blend food scraps as fertilizer?
Can food waste be used as fertilizer?
One of the most straightforward ways to recycle your food waste as fertilizer is by composting. Composting is a natural process that involves breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to fertilize plants and gardens.
How do you recycle food waste as fertilizer?
Aquaponics – Aquaponics is an innovative way to recycle food waste as fertilizer. In this method, fish and plants are grown together in a closed system. Fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter and clean the water for the fish. This is an excellent way to make sure that your food scraps don’t go to waste!
How to use vegetable scrap fertilizer?
Transfer your vegetable scrap fertilizer to a watering can and pour it around the base of your plants as the way you water it. 1. DIY Homemade Fertilizer for a Vegetable Garden
Can you use food scraps as fertilizer?
One way to save money is by using food scraps as fertilizers for your garden. There are several food scraps you can put to work even if you don’t have a compost bin. Here’s what to use and how to do it. 1. Eggshells Making an omelet or baking a cake? Don’t throw away those eggshells—they can be used in a variety of ways in your garden.