Creating your own liquid fertilizer from kitchen scraps is a fantastic way to nourish your plants while reducing waste. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also saves you money and ensures that your garden receives the nutrients it needs. Here are three easy examples of creating a homemade liquid fertilizer using common kitchen scraps that will help your plants thrive.
This simple recipe harnesses the power of banana peels, which are rich in potassium—a vital nutrient for flowering and fruiting plants.
To create this fertilizer, simply gather a few banana peels and chop them into small pieces. Place the chopped peels in a jar and fill it with water. Allow the mixture to steep for about 48 hours. After that, strain the liquid into another container, discarding the solid pieces. The resulting liquid is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be diluted with water (1 part banana peel liquid to 3 parts water) and used every two weeks to nourish your plants.
Notes: You can add additional nutrients by including other peels or scraps, like citrus peels or even old coffee grounds, for a balanced fertilizer.
This example is perfect for those who often have leftover vegetable scraps from cooking. It’s a great way to recycle these scraps into a nutrient-dense liquid fertilizer.
Start by collecting vegetable scraps like carrot tops, potato peels, and leafy greens. Place the scraps in a blender and add enough water to cover them. Blend until you have a smooth mixture. Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a container. The liquid you have now is a concentrated fertilizer that can be used directly or diluted with water at a ratio of 1:5 before applying to your garden or houseplants. Use this fertilizer every few weeks to give your plants a boost.
Notes: Experiment with different vegetable scraps you have on hand, and feel free to adjust the ratios based on your plants’ needs.
Coffee grounds are an often-overlooked resource that can provide your plants with nitrogen, improving their growth and overall health.
To make a coffee ground liquid fertilizer, start by collecting used coffee grounds from your morning brew. Place them in a container and fill it with water, using a ratio of 1 part coffee grounds to 4 parts water. Allow the mixture to steep for a week, stirring it occasionally. After a week, strain out the grounds, and you will have a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer ready to use! Dilute this mixture with water (1:3) before applying it to your plants every two weeks.
Notes: If you have a compost pile, you can also add the used coffee grounds directly to it, where they will break down and enhance the overall nutrient content.
These three examples of creating a homemade liquid fertilizer from kitchen scraps not only contribute to a healthier garden but also promote sustainability by reducing waste. Happy gardening!