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Kitchen Gardening can be a very good way for one to source homegrown food and always eat organic, pesticides-free vegetables. It's not just about growing food; it's about cultivating a connection to what nourishes us. Growing a home garden has tons of benefits associated with it.
Home gardens offer fresh and organic produce year-round, reducing the need for store-bought vegetables and herbs. Along with this, They promote healthier eating, reduce carbon footprints, and provide physical activity, stress relief, and educational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection to nature and food production. This is a good reason and opportunity to cultivate a kitchen garden.
Despite the benefits, many might think of the difficulties they are going to face while cultivating homegrown veggies. Some of the limiting factors might be lack of space, weather condition, soil type and high soaring prices of fertilisers.
Homemade fertilisers are advantageous for their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. By utilising recycled materials such as compost, kitchen scraps, and animal manure, gardeners and garden enthusiasts can create customised blends that cater to specific plant and soil needs. The use of natural and organic ingredients in homemade fertilisers reduces the reliance on synthetic chemicals, contributing to soil health and promoting a more eco-friendly approach to gardening.
In one of the previous articles, the top 7 tips to start kitchen gardening, all the solutions to challenges were covered. This article shows how one can make their own customised fertiliser at home according to the plant species and soil type, and through this guide, one will be able to mitigate the problem of expensive fertiliser by making homemade fertiliser.
1) Eggshells
Eggshells in the soil provide a natural source of calcium for the plants. To use them as a fertiliser, place the egg shells in the sun to dry. This kills all the pathogens and bacterias left in the shell. After drying the shells, crush them and directly sprinkle on the soil.
2) Banana Peels
Banana peels are enriched with citrus properties, which are a perfect source to attract good bacteria that promote growth. To use them as fertiliser, start by drying in the sun or boiling in hot water to remove chemicals, then crush the peels and put them directly on the soil.
3) Rice water
Rice water is loaded with essential nutrients that are required for plant growth. The Residual water from rinsing or boiling rice is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for robust plant growth. When put into soil, rice water enhances soil fertility by enriching its structure and its mild nature reduces the risk of over-fertilization, making it suitable for a variety of plants.
4) Used Tea Leaves
Used tea leaves, that are left after brewing the tea, are also a good option for making fertiliser. Tea leaves, when added to soil, can act as a natural pest repellent and protect the plants. Along with this, it gives the plants essential nutrients, prevents fungal growth, stops the growth of weeds around the plants, speeds up composting, helps in retaining water in the plats and acts as a good feed for earthworms.
5) Grass Clippings
Being a plant material, grass clippings generally include a lot of nutrients that are good for the plants. As they decompose, they release nitrogen into the soil, which promotes healthy plant growth. Grass clippings, when incorporated in soil, encourage microbial activity, and aid in moisture retention. Using grass clippings is a good way to recycle plant waste and contribute towards a cost free and sustainable alternative of fertiliser.
Conclusion:
While homemade fertilisers offer many benefits, it's essential to ensure proper nutrient balance, avoid overuse, and follow best practices to achieve optimal results without causing harm to plants or the environment.
