It’s almost time for us to start planting in our spring gardens. Along with that, did you know that you can throw certain foods in your garden to help things get a head start? Well, you can, and we’ve put together 7 foods that are beneficial to your garden and compost bins.
1. Banana Peels: Banana peels provide a great source of potassium. Potassium helps your plant distribute water and nutrients, helping your plant grow strong roots. You can use your banana peels by either adding them to your compost pile, brewing them into a tea, or letting them ferment in your garden over time.
2. Bread and Cereal: Stale bread and cereal can be added to your compost pile or your garden soil to help feed any crawlers that are beneficial to your soil.
3. Egg Shells: Egg shells make a great natural fertilizer for your garden by providing a great source of Calcium. Calcium is responsible for building the cell walls of the plant, so it’s a vital nutrient for a thriving plant. They also have been known to deter the occasional slug or two. You can also use egg shells for plants that are prone to blossom end rot, as this can be caused by a lack of calcium.
4. Citrus Peels: Citrus peels provide your soil with Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. And to speed up the decomposition process in your garden, you can break apart the peels. Citrus peels will also be a delicious treat that will keep the butterflies and bumblebees coming back to your garden.
5. Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds are very high in acidity, and are great for the acid loving plants like blueberries, hydrangeas, camellias, and azaleas.
6. Herbs and Spices: Don’t just throw your expired herbs and spices away! They can help to deter pests and help to fight fungus. Try sprinkling expired cayenne pepper around your bulbs and soil to deter any unwanted animals. Or try sprinkling pepper to deter ants. Cinnamon is also a great way to fight fungus in your indoor plants.
7. Tea: Used tea helps to increase drainage in your soil, retain moisture, encourage earthworms, and increase oxygen levels. Just open up your bags and pour into your soil or compost bin.
Thank you so much for joining us here. For more information on what Garden Valley Farmers Market is about, you can visit us here. If you’re wanting to visit with us, come by any of our five North Carolina locations. If you’re wanting to follow along with us, you can do so either on our Facebook, Youtube, or our Instagram. And if you’re wanting to check out our other recipes and blog posts, or are needing more inspiration, follow us on our Pinterest. We’d love to have you join us in our journey of planting better, eating better, and living better.
Much love,
Your Garden Valley Farmers Market Team