Creating your own garden fertilizer from scraps is a sustainable way to boost your garden’s health while reducing waste. With just a few easy steps, you can turn everyday garden waste into nutrient-rich compost. Here’s how to get started:
1. Collect Your Garden Scraps
Start by gathering your garden scraps. These can include:
• Plant clippings (leaves, stems, and flowers)
• Grass clippings (just avoid chemically treated grass)
• Weeds (before they seed)
• Fruit and vegetable scraps (such as peels and cores)
• Coffee grounds and tea bags
• Eggshells
• Shredded paper or cardboard
Avoid adding meats, dairy, or oily foods, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
2. Create a Compost Pile or Bin
Find a shady spot in your garden and create a compost pile, or use a compost bin for a tidier approach. A well-ventilated area is key to speeding up the decomposition process. Layer your scraps with browns (carbon-rich materials) such as dried leaves, straw, or shredded cardboard, and greens (nitrogen-rich materials) like grass clippings or fruit scraps.
3. Turn Your Pile Regularly
To help aerate the compost and speed up decomposition, turn the pile every 2–3 weeks with a pitchfork or shovel. This provides oxygen to the microbes that break down the material, turning it into rich, dark compost. Keep your pile moist, but not too wet.
4. Harvest Your Fertilizer
After about 3–6 months, your compost will turn into a crumbly, dark substance with a pleasant earthy smell. This is your homemade garden fertilizer! Use it to enrich your soil, improve plant growth, and retain moisture.
5. Use It in Your Garden
Spread your compost around plants, mix it into garden beds, or use it as a top dressing for lawns. It’s great for enriching soil, adding vital nutrients, and enhancing soil structure.
Making fertilizer from garden scraps is a simple and eco-friendly way to nourish your plants while minimizing waste. Happy gardening!
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