S
Sean Camara
Guest
Don't throw out your cucumber peels - here's how you can use them to nourish your plants!
We’ve compiled tips for starting a low-cost produce garden as well as how to keep it thriving with one simple ingredient. If you're looking to cut down on your grocery bill, one of the most cost-effective ways to do so is to plant your own fresh produce from scraps.
By using scraps from your kitchen, you can grow your own food without having to spend a lot of money on seeds or plants.
Not only is this a great way to save money, but it's also a great way to get fresh, healthy food. Growing your food allows you to control what goes into it, so you know that you're getting the best possible nutrition without any added nasties.
Speaking of having control of the fertilisers and other nutrients that goes into your home-grown produce, it can’t be denied that purchasing these ‘supplements’ — which are important to keep your crops healthy — drive up costs.
And by factoring in the money you spent on setting up your garden (from buying pots, soil, and other gardening paraphernalia) you might only ‘breakeven’ instead of cutting down on your weekly grocery spending.
But, before you get discouraged, did you know that you can also make homemade fertilisers from scratch?
You read that right, folks! If you’re looking to make DIY fertiliser without spending more than a couple bucks, we’ve got good news for you!
Gardening and home hack guru Armen Adamjan recently revealed the little-known trick for making use of cucumber peels to nourish your plants.
We’re sure you’re excited to learn about them now, so without further ado, here are the tips for keeping your plants healthy by using leftover cucumber peels.
Credit: TikTok/@creative_explained
1. Liquid plant food
Cucumbers are often thought of as a refreshing summertime treat, but did you know that they can also be used to make a magical green elixir that's great for your plants?
If you peel a cucumber,put the peelings in a container of water and let it soak for five days, you can then strain the water and use it to water your plants. This ‘green water’ is packed with potassium and phosphorus, two elements that plants need to convert sunlight into food.
‘Water your plants with this cucumber water once every three weeks and watch them explode with new growth,’ he says in the video.
2. Natural fertiliser
If you're looking for a way to make your garden grow faster, you may want to try this budget-friendly tip — all you need is a cucumber and some foil.
Simply place the cucumber peelings on a piece of foil in the sun. Once they're dry, put them in a bowl and light them on fire with a match. The peels will turn to ash, releasing nutrients that will help your plants grow.
Of course, you need to be careful when handling fire. Make sure you keep a close eye on the process and don't place the setup on a flammable surface such as wooden tables.
Once you've turned the peels into ash, sprinkle it directly onto the soil and you're done. Your plants will thank you for the extra nourishment!
Cucumber peels can be used in a plethora of gardening needs. Credit: AyurTimes.
3. Pest-control
If you're looking for a natural way to keep ants and mites away from your plants, you may want to try cucumber peels. According to Armen, cucumbers contain a bitter compound that deters these pests.
To use cucumber peels as a pest control measure, simply place them on the soil around your plants. You can do this once every few days, or as needed. Some users have reported that storing cucumber peels in water for a few days before using them can make them even more effective.
You don’t need to have a green thumb and a huge budget to perfect the art of growing your own fresh produce! By following these simple tips, we’re sure you can have your own vegetable garden in no time.
Will you be giving these tips a go? We might try and grow some lettuce haha! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
