For many gardeners, the act of fertilizing green spaces is often seen as one of the most beneficial investments they can make, as it can lead to increased yields and improved overall plant health.
But premium fertilizers can be pricey. Luckily, some frugal gardeners have discovered a cost-effective solution using everyday kitchen leftovers that significantly reduces waste and saves money.
Regardless of how careful a homeowner is about consuming all food within its expiration date, food waste is inevitable in the kitchen, especially plant-based food waste.
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This led one enterprising gardener to wonder if discarded orange peels could be put to good use in gardening.
According to the Express, she wondered which items she should avoid and whether this method could really improve the health of her plants. On the Facebook page of popular online platform Gardening UK, one user posted: “Hi there, I have a few questions about composting. Can I put orange peels in the compost bin? I eat a lot of oranges and didn't know you could so I just throw the peels away.”
She asked further and they said, “I know you can't put onions, cooked food and meat in the bin, but is there anything else you shouldn't put in the bin?” Her fellow group members quickly responded, advocating using orange peels for gardening activities. One person said, “I always put oranges and onions in! No problem!”
Another person echoed her sentiments, adding: “I've put in all the raw veg and fruit peelings, onions, orange banana peels, a bucket of unwashed seaweed, shredded paper and cardboard.”
Meanwhile a third replied: “I always add onion, orange, lime and lemon peels and have never had a problem. It has made my plants flower amazingly well and has kept mice and cats out of my garden.”
Gardening enthusiasts are encouraged to add orange peels to their compost pile. Within two years, the peels will begin to decompose. Rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, these compounds will break down into rich soil that is perfect for planting.
The acidity of oranges is particularly beneficial for acid-loving plants such as potatoes, blueberries, azaleas and hydrangeas. Oranges are reasonably priced to buy from your local supermarket, with Asda and Sainsbury's selling them in packs of five for 99p, working out to just 20p each.
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