Often people buy expensive fertilizers from the market to get good growth of plants and more flowers, whereas the expenses of gardening can be reduced by reusing some things left in the kitchen. The water left after washing rice, onion and banana peels, leftover lemon juice and used tea leaves can be put to good use. These things contain different amounts of organic matter and some mineral elements, which can help in taking care of the soil.
However, these home remedies should not be considered a complete fertilizer for every plant. Adequate sunlight, right amount of water, suitable soil and balanced nutrition are also necessary for good health of plants. While adopting these five methods, quantity should be kept in mind, so that bad smell, fungus or other problems do not arise in the soil.
1. Use water for washing rice properly
The water that remains after washing rice before cooking it can sometimes be used in pots instead of being thrown away. The starch and some trace elements present in it can be useful for the microorganisms living in the soil.
Pour this water into the soil after it cools down. Keep in mind that there should not be anything like salt, oil, spices or soap mixed in it. Continuous use in excessive amounts may cause foul smell or fungus problems in the soil.
2. Prepare nutritious water from onion peels
Clean onion peels can be soaked in a vessel with water for a few hours. After this, filter the water and add a small amount to the soil of the plants.
Onion peels contain some minerals, but this water is not a substitute for a completely balanced fertilizer. Therefore, use it in limited quantity and stop adding it if any unusual change is seen in the soil.
3. Make dry powder from banana peels
Cut the banana peels into small pieces and dry them thoroughly in the sun. After completely drying, they can be ground and made into powder. A small amount of this powder can be mixed in the soil.
Some minerals including potassium are found in banana peels. Yet these alone do not meet all the nutritional needs of the plant. Therefore, make arrangements for other essential nutrients also.
4. Don’t press the lemon peels directly into the roots
Avoid pressing large amounts of remaining lemon peel directly near the roots of the pot. Their acidic nature can affect the properties of the soil. It would be better to mix them with properly prepared organic fertilizer.
It is not wise to rely solely on lemon peels to ward off ants or balance the pH of the soil.
5. Increase organic matter with used tea leaves
After making tea, wash the remaining leaves with clean water and remove the milk and sugar present in it. After this, it can be dried and mixed with compost in small quantities.
Tea leaves contain organic matter, which can help in the composting process. Do not put wet tea leaves in a thick layer on the soil of the pot, because this can increase the risk of fungus.
Be careful while using home fertilizer
The aim of these measures is to utilize kitchen waste and reduce gardening expenses. Use the ingredients in limited quantities and take care of water, sunlight and balanced nutrition as per the needs of the plants. Well-prepared compost can be a useful way to improve soil quality.