Homemade Flower Fertiliser Guide
Creating your own flower fertiliser using food waste is an eco-friendly approach to nourish your plants. This guide outlines how to ferment common kitchen waste ingredients in water to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser.
Ingredients
Banana Peels - High in potassium.
Egg Shells - Provide calcium.
Coffee Grounds - Excellent source of nitrogen.
Vegetable Scraps - Such as peelings and cores, rich in nutrients.
Equipment Needed
A large container or bucket with a lid
Water (preferably rainwater or filtered)
A strainer or cheesecloth
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Food Waste
Collect the above ingredients. Aim for a combination of banana peels, egg shells, coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps. You can adjust the proportions based on what you have available, but a rough guideline is:
2-3 banana peels
5-6 egg shells (crushed)
1 cup coffee grounds
1-2 cups vegetable scraps
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
Cut or Tear: Chop the banana peels and vegetable scraps into smaller pieces to increase surface area.
Combine: Place all the ingredients into the large container.
Step 3: Add Water
Pour water into the container until all the ingredients are submerged. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during fermentation. Use a ratio of roughly 1:3 ingredients to water.
Step 4: Ferment the Mixture
Cover the Container: Place the lid loosely on top to allow gases to escape while keeping contaminants out.
Store: Leave the container in a warm, shaded area for 1-2 weeks. Stir the mixture every few days to aid the fermentation process.
Step 5: Strain the Fertiliser
After 1-2 weeks, the mixture should have a strong smell and appear cloudy. Use a strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the solid bits, retaining the liquid.
Step 6: Dilute and Use
The fermented liquid is a concentrated fertiliser and should be diluted before use. Mix one part of the liquid fertiliser with ten parts of water before applying it to your flowers.
Application
Water your plants with the diluted fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during their growing season, adjusting frequency based on their response and nutrient needs.
Storage
Store any unused liquid fertiliser in a sealed container in a cool, dark place. It can last several months. Before use, give it a shake to recombine.
Additional Tips
Avoid using citrus peels or highly processed foods, as they may disrupt the fermentation process.
Experiment with the ingredients and ratios based on what your plants seem to thrive on.
Keep an eye on your plants; they will show you if they appreciate the homemade fertiliser!
By using food waste, you not only provide essential nutrients to your flowers but also reduce waste, contributing to a healthier environment. Enjoy nurturing your plants with this sustainable, homemade approach!
