Easy Container Plants: Soil Amendments from Household Garden Trimmings
Yard trimmings were estimated at 35.4 million tons, or 12.1 per cent of total waste generation, Food waste comprised the fourth largest material category, estimated at 63.1 million tons or 21.6 per cent of total generation ( as in 2018). (Source: US Environmental Protection Agency)
About 62% of that amount went recycled and projections are reassuring. Nevertheless the amount is overwhelming and each one of us can help make a difference. You don’t need a huge garden, and when it comes to container gardening, you can make good use of plant trimmings and kitchen waste as amendments. Having healthy soil is essential for the success of your plants. While there are many commercial soil amendments available, you might be surprised to learn that you can create your own using household garden trimmings. Not only is this a cost-effective option, but it also allows you to reduce waste and make use of materials that are readily available to you. In this blog post, we will explore various household garden trimmings that can be used as soil amendments for your container plants.
Lawn Clippings
One of the most common household garden trimmings that can be used as a soil amendment is grass clippings. Instead of throwing away your grass clippings after mowing the lawn, you can use them to improve the quality of your container soil. Grass clippings are rich in nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. By adding grass clippings to your container soil, you can provide a slow-release source of nitrogen that will help your plants thrive.
Coffee Grounds
In addition to grass clippings, another household garden trimming that can be used as a soil amendment is coffee grounds. If you’re a coffee lover, you probably have plenty of coffee grounds on hand. Instead of throwing them away, you can mix them into your container soil to improve its texture and fertility. Coffee grounds are rich in organic matter and contain beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By adding coffee grounds to your container soil, you can enhance its water retention capacity and provide a nutrient boost to your plants.
Kitchen Scraps
Furthermore, kitchen scraps such as vegetable peels and eggshells can also be used as soil amendments for your container plants. Vegetable peels are a great source of organic matter and can improve the overall fertility of your soil. They break down slowly, releasing nutrients over time. Eggshells, on the other hand, are rich in calcium, which is essential for plant growth and development. By crushing eggshells and adding them to your container soil, you can provide a calcium boost to your plants, preventing common nutrient deficiencies.
Shredded Leaves
Lastly, another household garden trimming that can be used as a soil amendment is shredded leaves. Instead of raking up and disposing of fallen leaves, you can collect them and shred them into smaller pieces. Shredded leaves are an excellent source of organic matter and can improve the structure and moisture retention of your container soil. They also provide a slow-release source of nutrients as they break down over time.
In conclusion, there are numerous household garden trimmings that can be used as soil amendments for your container plants. By making use of grass clippings, coffee grounds, kitchen scraps, and shredded leaves, you can create a nutrient-rich and well-balanced soil that will support the growth and development of your plants. So next time you’re tending to your garden, don’t throw away those garden trimmings – put them to good use in your container soil!
Veggie and fruit Peels
Another kitchen scrap that can be beneficial for your plants are veggies and fruit peels. Among them, banana peels are rich in potassium, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. To use banana peels as a soil amendment, cut them into small pieces and bury them around the base of your plants. As they decompose, they will release potassium into the soil, promoting healthy plant growth.
Diverse Kitchen Waste as Amendment
In addition to fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, there are other kitchen scraps that can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil. For example, vegetable trimmings, such as carrot tops, celery leaves, and onion skins, can be added to a compost pile or buried directly in the soil. These scraps will break down over time, providing organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
If you have a garden or outdoor space, you can also consider composting other kitchen waste, such as tea bags, vegetable scraps, and even paper towels. Composting is a natural process that converts organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. By composting your kitchen scraps, you not only reduce waste but also create a sustainable source of fertilizer for your plants.
Not all kitchen scraps are born equal
When composting kitchen scraps, it’s important to remember a few key tips. First, avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile, as these can attract pests and slow down the decomposition process. You might require a Bokashi bin for this kind of waste, as it is able to digest these sorts of materials too. Second, make sure to turn your compost pile regularly to promote airflow and speed up decomposition. Finally, be patient – composting takes time, and it may take several months for your kitchen scraps to fully break down into usable compost.
In conclusion, utilizing kitchen scraps as soil amendments is a simple and sustainable way to improve the health and fertility of your container plants. By recycling fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other kitchen waste, you can create nutrient-rich soil that will nourish your plants and help them thrive.
Tea Leaves
Used tea leaves are also a fantastic addition to your container plant soil. They add organic matter and nutrients, improving the overall health of your plants. After brewing your tea, allow the leaves to cool and then sprinkle them around the base of your plants or mix them into the soil. Tea leaves are rich in nitrogen, which is essential for leafy growth and the development of vibrant green foliage. Nitrogen also aids in the production of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis in plants.
Furthermore, tea leaves contain tannins, which have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. By incorporating tea leaves into your container plant soil, you can help prevent the growth of harmful pathogens that can cause diseases in your plants. The tannins also act as a natural pest deterrent, keeping unwanted insects at bay.
It’s important to remember a few key tips. First, make sure to use organic bananas and tea leaves, as conventionally grown ones may contain pesticides that can harm your plants. Secondly, when burying banana peels or adding tea leaves to the soil, be mindful of the quantity. While these natural additives are beneficial, using too much can lead to nutrient imbalances or attract pests. Finally, monitor your plants’ response to the banana peels and tea leaves. If you notice any negative effects, such as leaf discoloration or stunted growth, adjust the amount or discontinue use.
By utilizing household waste, you not only reduce your environmental footprint but also provide your container plants with valuable nutrients and organic matter. So the next time you enjoy a cup of tea or eat a banana, think twice before tossing away those peels and leaves – your plants will thank you!
Leaf Mold
Leaf mold, which is decomposed leaves, is another excellent soil amendment for container plants. It improves soil structure, allowing for better water retention and root development. You can create leaf mold by collecting fallen leaves and allowing them to decompose over time. This can be done in a dedicated leaf mold bin or by creating a simple leaf pile in a corner of your yard. Make sure to turn the leaves occasionally to promote decomposition. Once the leaves have broken down into a dark, crumbly substance, you can mix the resulting leaf mold into your container plant soil for optimal results. This will provide a steady release of nutrients and improve the overall health of your plants.
Paper and Cardboard
Cardboard and paper, as long as they are shredded, non-glossy, and ink-free, can also be composted to add carbon to your soil. This helps balance the nutrient content and improves soil structure. Simply tear the cardboard and paper into small pieces and mix them into your compost pile. The carbon-rich materials will break down over time, adding organic matter to your compost. This is especially beneficial for container plants, as it provides aeration and drainage in the soil. Additionally, the compost created from cardboard and paper can be used as a top dressing or incorporated into the potting mix to enhance the overall fertility of your container plants.
By utilizing lawn clippings, leaf mold, and cardboard in your container gardening practices, you can create a sustainable and nutrient-rich environment for your plants. This not only reduces waste but also promotes healthy plant growth and maximizes the potential of your container garden. So next time you mow the lawn or collect fallen leaves, remember the valuable role they can play in nourishing your container plants.
Wood Ash
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, don’t discard the wood ash – it can be a valuable soil amendment. Wood ash provides potassium and calcium, and it can also help neutralize acidic soils. Sprinkle a thin layer of wood ash around the base of your plants or mix it into the soil.
Pine Needles (but also Spruce, Fir, Cedar Needles)
Pine needles are another natural resource that can benefit your container plants, especially if you have acid-loving plants. They can be used as mulch, providing acidity to the soil as they slowly decompose. Spread a layer of pine needles around the base of your acid-loving plants to create the ideal growing environment.
Nutshells
Crushed nut shells, such as those from walnuts or pecans, can add organic matter to your container plant soil. While they decompose slowly, they provide long-term benefits to your plants. Crush the shells and mix them into the soil before planting.
Hair
Did you know that even hair and fur can be composted? If you have human hair or pet fur, you can add them to your compost pile. They contribute nitrogen to the soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth. Simply collect the hair or fur and mix it into your compost.
Cotton and Wool Rags
Cotton and wool rags, made from natural fibers, can also be composted to add bulk and improve soil structure. Instead of throwing away old rags, tear them into small pieces and mix them into your compost pile. They will break down over time, enriching the soil for your container plants.
Feathers, Pet’s Hair
Lastly, if you have access to feathers from household pets, they can also be composted to add nitrogen to the soil. Feathers are a great source of nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth. Collect the feathers and mix them into your compost pile for optimal results.
Additionally, there are several other unconventional materials that can be used to improve the quality of your container plant soil.
Seaweed, Pond Algae, Aquarium Water
If you have access to seaweed, either fresh or dried, it can be a fantastic addition to your container plant soil. Seaweed is packed with beneficial nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and trace minerals. It can be incorporated into the soil or used as a mulch to improve overall plant health.
Lastly, if you have access to vermicompost or worm castings, they can greatly enhance the fertility of your container plant soil. Vermicompost is produced by worms and is rich in organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. It can be mixed into the soil or used as a top dressing to provide a nutrient boost to your plants.