David Domoney shares his summer gardening tips
Reusing food and leftover waste in the garden is more important than ever, and it isn’t just restricted to composting like many people may think.
The experts at Garden Buildings Direct said: “Many shy away from composting, as it can be a long process with no instant gratification.
“This is why we wanted to share some of our top hacks for using leftovers or remains from your meals and snacks and using them to care and help your garden.
“Some scraps can deter pests and insects, while others stop weed growth and encourage lush foliage for your plants. It can be as simple as saving your pasta water and using it to refresh your favourite plants, or crushing up eggshells and scattering through your flower beds.”
1. Eggshells
Crushed eggshells are great in the garden and can work in a variety of different ways, including as a fertiliser thanks to the calcium they contain.
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The experts said the extra dose of calcium can prevent crops from getting diseases such as blossom-end rot, while the shells can “deter slugs and snails”.
Simply crush up any unused eggshells and sprinkle them throughout the garden, targeting plants you want to give a little boost to.
2. Orange peels
The pros explained: “Leftover orange peels from winter mulled wine? These can be distributed throughout the garden as a natural pest deterrent, as the smell deters many insects.
“Scatter the peels along the bottom of your plants to keep pesky fleas, ants, mosquitos and flies at bay.”
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2. Coffee grounds
Leftover coffee grounds from your machine can be a great addition to the garden as they contain “helpful nutrients” including lots of nitrogen.
Mix the coffee into the soil of all of your flower bed plants and pots for an easy, eco-friendly fertiliser.
3. Banana peels
The experts noted: “The potassium found in bananas is not only great for humans nutritional needs, but can also be beneficial for your garden.
“The nutrient can help your plant to fight diseases while producing more fruit or blossoms. Place them directly onto the soil and let them mulch.”
Roses especially love banana peels which will help them bloom for longer, while providing lots of potassium for them.
4. Pasta water
Many people put leftover pasta water down the sink and waste it. However, it can be reused in the garden for a variety of different jobs.
Simply save any water used from boiling pasta, rice, boiling eggs and let it cool before giving all of your indoor and outdoor plants a good water.
5. Nut shells
Instead of disposing of nut shells, crush them up and sprinkle a layer over plant beds. This can help to “prevent” any weeds from peaking through.
Britons could also mix the shells into the soil to help aerate compact soil.
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