1. Citrus Peels and Other Fruit Skins
Each season brings an abundance of fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits in the fall and winter. No matter the fruit or the season, most people tend to discard fruit peels without a second thought.
However, many fruit peels can be transformed into delicious treats, such as marmalades and jams made from orange or grapefruit peels, or even into refreshing drinks.
Not only that, but you can also turn fruit peels into organic fertilizer for your plants. First, collect a generous amount of fresh fruit peels and gather some plastic bottles to use as containers.
Cut the peels into small pieces with scissors or a knife and place them in a clean plastic bottle. For every layer of fruit peels, sprinkle a spoonful of brown sugar. Repeat this process until the bottle is about 50% full.
Let the peels soak for about 8 hours, and then fill the bottle with clean water, leaving about 20% of the bottle empty. Tighten the cap and place the bottle in a sunny spot, such as a balcony, windowsill, or garden.
Once the fruit peels have fully decomposed, your fertilizer is ready to use! Dilute the liquid with water at a 1:2 ratio and use it to water your plants. Fruit peels are rich in essential nutrients that help loosen the soil and promote lush, healthy growth.
2. Fish Guts and Scales
Most people consider fish guts and scales to be waste. However, if you’re a gardener, don’t overlook this treasure trove of nutrients for your plants.
Place the fish guts and scales in a clean bottle or container, and then add enough water to submerge them completely, filling the container to about 80% full. Secure the lid and place it in a spot with moderate sunlight to initiate the fermentation process.
During fermentation, it’s important to open the lid once a week to release built-up gases. Typically, fermentation takes about 2-3 months.
When it’s time to fertilize your plants, simply dig a few small holes around the base of the plant and pour in the fermented fish solution. The roots will gradually absorb the nutrients and feed the plant.
Note: Even after fermentation, fish guts and scales can still emit a strong odor. To minimize any unpleasant smells, cover the fertilized area with a layer of soil after applying the solution.
3. Rice Water
Rice water is known for its multiple benefits, including hair and face washing, as well as cleaning pots and vegetables. Additionally, treated rice water can be used to water flowers and potted plants.
The main nutrients in rice water are protein and starch. If used directly to water plants, these nutrients will not be absorbed effectively and will instead soak into the soil, leading to fermentation and decomposition by microorganisms. The heat generated during this process can scorch the roots. Therefore, it’s crucial to ferment and decompose the rice water before using it for your plants.
To prepare the rice water, collect the water after rinsing the rice and pour it into a clean bottle or container. Add some chopped orange or grapefruit peels to the bottle.
Seal the container and let it ferment. Typically, it takes about 2-3 months for the nutrients in the rice water and fruit peels to fully dissolve. After fermentation, dilute the rice water with clean water at a 1:10 ratio and use it to water your plants, promoting vibrant and healthy growth.