Creating your own liquid fertilizer from kitchen scraps is an excellent way to provide your plants with essential nutrients while recycling waste. This guide will show you how to make a dark, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer using coffee grounds, banana peels, eggshells, and wood ash. This fertilizer is particularly beneficial for vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchinis, and flowers such as roses.

Materials Needed:

• 20-liter bucket
• Coffee grounds (about 2 cups)
• Banana peels (3-4 peels)
• Eggshells (crushed, from about 10 eggs)
• Wood ash (1 cup)
• Water

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Coffee Grounds: Collect used coffee grounds. They are rich in nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth.
   • Banana Peels: Save banana peels and cut them into smaller pieces to increase the surface area. Banana peels are high in potassium and phosphorus.
   • Eggshells: Rinse and crush the eggshells. They provide calcium, which helps in the development of strong cell walls.
   • Wood Ash: Collect wood ash from a fireplace or fire pit. Make sure it’s from untreated wood. Wood ash provides potassium and other trace minerals.

1. Combine Ingredients in the Bucket:
   • Place the coffee grounds, banana peels, crushed eggshells, and wood ash into the 20-liter bucket.
   • Fill the bucket with water, leaving a few inches at the top to prevent overflow when stirring.
2. Mix and Let It Steep:
   • Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
   • Let the mixture steep for about 1-2 weeks. Stir it occasionally to help release the nutrients into the water.
3. Strain the Mixture:
   • After 1-2 weeks, strain the mixture to remove the solid materials. You can use a fine mesh strainer or an old cloth.
   • The resulting liquid should be a dark brown color, indicating it is rich in nutrients.
4. Dilute the Fertilizer:
   • Dilute the liquid fertilizer with water in a 1:1 ratio before using it on your plants. This prevents over-fertilization, which can harm plants.

Application:

• Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, Zucchinis, and Roses:
  • Apply the diluted liquid fertilizer to the base of these plants, avoiding direct contact with the leaves.
  • Use about 1-2 liters of diluted fertilizer per plant.
  • Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for best results.

Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Coffee Grounds: Provides nitrogen which promotes healthy green growth.
• Banana Peels: Rich in potassium and phosphorus, which aid in fruit and flower production.
• Eggshells: Supply calcium, essential for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
• Wood Ash: Adds potassium and trace minerals, enhancing overall plant health and disease resistance.

How Often to Use:

• Apply this homemade liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Overuse can lead to nutrient imbalances and potential plant damage. Always observe your plants and adjust the frequency if necessary.

By making and using this liquid fertilizer, you can improve the health and productivity of your garden plants while making use of household waste. This sustainable approach not only benefits your garden but also reduces waste, contributing to a healthier environment.