Plant Fertilizer From Kitchen Ingredients

Eggshells

• Save eggshells and turn them into an effective homemade fertilizer. Eggshells are mainly calcium carbonate, and also contain nitrogen, phosphorus and small amounts of several trace elements. Place the eggshells in a baking pan and place the oven in a barely warm oven until the shells are dry. Crush the dry shells with your hands, then grind the bits of shells in a blender. Sprinkle the powder in potted plants, around flowers, vegetable plants or fruit trees.

Coffee Grounds

• Turn coffee grounds into an effective fertilizer. Coffee grounds contain plant-healthy nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, sugar and carbohydrates. The grounds will benefit any plant, but are especially good for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, evergreens, camellias, azaleas, roses, blueberries and avocados. Spread the coffee grounds in a baking pan and dry the grounds in a warm oven, stirring often. Scatter a thin layer of the coffee grounds around the plants. Wet coffee grounds can be used sparingly, as the damp grounds can mold. Leftover coffee needn't go to waste, either. Water houseplants with a mixture of one part leftover coffee and four parts water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Give plants a boost with apple cider vinegar. Stir a tablespoon of vinegar into a gallon of water. Use the water to irrigate indoor or outdoor plants. Apple cider vinegar will restore the iron content in the soil, and is especially beneficial for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, gardenias or rhododendrons.

Fish Tea

• Make a stinky but effective tea from a raw fish. Place the fish in a cloth bag, then place the bag in a container filled with water. Allow the fish to remain in the water for three to four hours, then use the fish tea to water outdoor plants. Because of the smell, fish tea shouldn't be used on indoor plants.