Homemade Fertilizer from kitchen scraps

Harnessing Kitchen Scraps for Thriving Plants 

In our quest for a sustainable lifestyle, it’s incredible to see how everyday kitchen scraps can be transformed into potent nutrients for our gardens. Today, we’ll explore the magic of banana peels, dried eggshells, and a sprinkle of cinnamon—common household items with extraordinary benefits. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can boost plant health while reducing waste.

Why These Ingredients? 

• Banana Peels: Packed with potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, banana peels are a powerhouse for flowering plants and fruits. They help strengthen roots and improve overall plant resilience.
• Dried Eggshells: An excellent source of calcium carbonate, eggshells promote cell wall development in plants, ensuring healthier and stronger growth. Think of them as your garden's natural calcium supplement!
• Cinnamon: Beyond adding a delicious aroma to your kitchen, cinnamon acts as a natural antifungal agent. It helps prevent plant diseases and keeps pests at bay.

DIY Fertilizer Recipe: 

• 2-3 banana peels chopped
• 6-8 dried eggshells (you can dry these in the oven)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Water (as needed)

 Tools: 

• Blender or food processor (We use our Thermomix) 
• Container for mixing
• Container for soaking banana peels
• Watering can

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Cut banana peels into smaller pieces and put into a container and fill it with water. Let soak overnight. 
   • Crush dried eggshells into a powder using a blender/Thermomix, add in cinnamon. 
   • Drain the banana peel water into watering can and fill the rest with plain water. 
2. Application:
   • For direct use: Sprinkle eggshell and cinnamon around the base of plants.
   • Pour the banana peel mixture at the base of your plants, focusing on the root zone. Ensuring you have watered it down sufficiently with water.

Tips for Success: 

• We generally save our eggshells in an old honey bucket under the sink and then dry when it's full. 
• Use this fertilizer every 1-2 weeks during the growing season for best results.
• Avoid over-applying to prevent over-fertilization. A little goes a long way.

With just a bit of effort, you can nurture your garden using natural and eco-friendly solutions. Plus, there’s immense satisfaction in knowing that your kitchen leftovers are breathing new life into your plants. Sustainability starts at home—one banana peel, eggshell, and pinch of cinnamon at a time. Have you tried this recipe yet? Share your experiences and gardening tips in the comments below! 🌱