Two leftover food items guaranteed to help your spring garden thrive
As spring approaches, garden enthusiasts are eager to enhance the beauty of their outdoor spaces any which way they can.
And using leftover food items can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of enriching your soil and cutting down on waste at the same time. Composting kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels can create nutrient-rich compost, fostering healthier plant growth.
Additionally, using leftover cooked grains or pasta as mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. But there are two kitchen scraps that surpass all others, says gardening expert Millie Durbak of Prestige Flowers.
Coffee grounds and eggshells are peerless at helping to boost daffodils and tulips for a vibrant spring garden. And you need to try this for yourself.
Magic of coffee grounds
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"Coffee grounds and eggshells are not waste," she said. "They are invaluable resources for creating a thriving garden without spending an extra penny."
Millie explained that coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them an excellent fertiliser for flowering plants like daffodils and tulips. She said: "Nitrogen is crucial for the growth of green foliage, and the coffee grounds provide a slow-release nutrient source. The coffee grounds also help improve soil structure, aeration and water retention."
Millie recommends sprinkling used coffee grounds around the base of the plants, ensuring that they are well-distributed.
Eggshells for stronger stems
Eggshells, often discarded without a second thought, can play a vital role in strengthening the stems of spring flowers. "Eggshells are a fantastic source of calcium, which promotes cell wall development and overall plant strength," Millie said.
Calcium deficiency can lead to weak stems and poor flower development. To harness their benefits, she suggests crushing eggshells and incorporating them into the soil around the bulbs. This enhances the soil's calcium content and helps deter pests like snails and slugs.
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How to use your leftovers
Providing some step-by-step tips, Millie said: "Save your coffee grounds and eggshells, let them dry and then crush the eggshells. Sprinkle the coffee grounds and crushed eggshells around the base of your daffodils and tulips."
She added: "Make sure the application is done in moderation to avoid over-fertilisation. Water the plants as usual and watch them flourish."
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Environmental benefits
Highlighting the eco-friendly aspect of this gardening approach, Millie said: "It's a win-win situation. By repurposing coffee grounds and eggshells, we not only boost our gardens but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.
"It's a small step towards reducing waste and maximising resources," she said. "Recycling these kitchen scraps not only enriches the soil but also reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, contributing to a healthier ecosystem."
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