One of our Eco Church initiatives is to have compost bins placed in the churchyard so that we can encourage those tending graves to put their used flowers and greenery into the compost. We have already had one compost bin donated – does anyone else have one they no longer use that they would like to donate to St Mary’s.
Recycling waste is not just something to do at church though. Even if you don’t have a compost bin or a large garden, you can recycle some of your waste to gain lovely healthy plants that love the attention that you give to them – all for free!
Here are some top tips courtesy of Michelle Ulman from an article for BobVila.com.
Banana peels can help plants form healthy roots
The potassium found in banana peels helps plants transfer water between cells, set down healthy roots, assist in fruit and blossom growth, and fend off disease. All you need to do is bury the banana peel next to some outdoor flowering plants.
“Take care to cover it with several inches of soil to prevent insect infestations or odour,” Ullman writes. “As the peel decomposes, it will release its potassium and other nutrients into the soil, to the benefit of the nearby plants.”
Eggshells provide calcium for plants
Eggshells are chock full o’ calcium, which helps strengthen plants’ cell walls. Here’s what to do with them, per Ullman:
Rinse the eggshells thoroughly, let them dry, and then crush with a pestle or a similar grinder. Then work a handful of the ground shells into the soil around your plants, whether in the flower bed or a container.
The nitrogen in coffee helps with foliage growth
Using coffee grounds as plant food requires a delicate balance. On the one hand, they contain plenty of nitrogen, which helps foliage development. On the other hand, too many coffee grounds can stunt plant growth because of the caffeine content and acidity. Here’s Ullman’s advice:
To be safe, never add more than a half-inch layer of coffee grounds around your plants and cover the grounds with an inch or two of soil to avoid compaction that could prevent water from penetrating the soil.
If you have any top tips please do share them with us.