Popular fertiliser 'creates the healthiest garden' - and it won't cost you a penny

Organic gardening is a popular and sustainable way of growing plants. Now you can make your own organic fertiliser at home with kitchen scraps.

Woman  using coffee grounds as fertiliser

Expert swears by using coffee grounds as fertiliser (Image: Getty)

A garden expert has revealed an innovative method for creating the healthiest garden—and it won't cost you a penny. 

Gardeners are moving away from using synthetic chemicals and pesticides and turning to eco-friendly solutions to improve their soil. Organic gardening preserves soil health, aids beneficial organisms, and fosters biodiversity.

But can you create your own organic fertiliser? Garden experts at Lottomart have provided tips on this, helping  those looking to maximise their garden's potential while adhering to eco-friendly practices. 

Making an organic fertiliser starts with kitchen scraps. By using kitchen waste as fertiliser, gardeners can enrich the soil's nutrient content, improve its structure, and augment its capacity to retain water.

The expert shared: "Creating an organic fertiliser starts with gathering appropriate kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peels, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, and eggshells. It is important to avoid meat, dairy, or oily foods, as these can attract pests and create unpleasant odours.

Composting food

Composting is a vital step in the process. (Image: Getty)

"These plant-based materials are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for plant growth."

Composting is a vital step in the process

Composting is a natural process in which the organic materials are broken down by microorganisms with the help of oxygen.

The garden expert continued: "You can either use a compost bin or create a simple pile in your garden, layering the kitchen scraps with brown materials like dry leaves, newspaper, or cardboard. This balance helps to prevent the compost from becoming too wet and smelly.

"Regular turning of the compost accelerates decomposition, resulting in a nutrient-rich humus that can be used to enrich the soil. In some cases, certain kitchen scraps can be directly applied to the garden.

"For example, crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around plants to provide a slow-release source of calcium, while coffee grounds can be mixed into the soil for a nitrogen boost."

The expert explained the key benefits of using an organic fertiliser and said: "Using DIY organic fertilisers not only nurtures your plants but also supports a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to gardening. By reusing kitchen scraps, you reduce waste, lower your gardening costs, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. 

"With guidance from experts like Lottomart, gardeners can adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their plants and the planet. So, start saving those kitchen scraps and give your garden the natural boost it deserves!"

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