Put Your Kitchen Scraps To Use In The Garden

Food scraps from our kitchen—potato and carrot skin, carrot tops, and even egg shells—can be repurposed in the garden. Doing this can reduce harmful methane emissions from the large volumes of trash we send to the landfill. Here are some ways to reuse your food scraps in the garden: 

Vegetable peels

If you love potatoes as we do, don’t waste those peels. Throw them in a container with some water, then leave for at least 24 hours before pouring the liquid into your garden soil. Potato peels are rich in nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus which are essential for plants’ growth. You can do the same with carrot peels, too!

Banana peel

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium for your flowering and fruiting plants. The whole peel can be planted under the soil, ideally near to the roots. Otherwise, you can blend the peels with some water before pouring them into the soil. This method also prevents animals from destroying your plants.

Orange peels

Garden pests like slugs, aphids, ants, whiteflies, and fruit flies can damage plants. Thankfully, the citrusy scent of orange peels can steer those pests away. Boil your orange peels for at least 10 minutes. Then, place the cooled liquid into a spray bottle and spray your plants every 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can just place them on the soil and replace them once they dry up.

Eggshells

Eggs are amazing in so many ways—down to their shells. Composed of 98 percent calcium, they make great fertilizers for your vegetable garden and outdoor trees. Crush (washed and dried) eggshells until they become powdery. Then, sprinkle the eggshell powder on the soil of your trees and plants. 

Coffee grounds

The by-product of coffee—nitrogen, calcium, copper, etc.—can sustain your plants’ growth. They are perfect to use on alkaline soil or acid-loving plants, though you should start by mixing small amounts into the soil. You can either use dried grounds or dilute them with water before spraying them on the soil.