Decorate and take care of your garden or balcony in the most sustainable way
April is the perfect time to start gardening and taking care of your plants. When it is warm outside, gardening is a hobby that brings joy and peace. It is both calming and helps you get rid of your stress.
As a gardener, you need to take care for your plants once they’re in the soil, making sure they’re well watered and fed, given adequate support. Caring for your garden or balcony as a whole involves caring for plants individually.
Let's start with some tips on how to decorate your balcony or garden.
🌱Me-time
Balconies and gardens are the perfect place to find the “me time”. Set up a comfy space: install a reading chair or some pillows and relax at the end of the day!
🌱Minimalistic Decor
Add furniture made of bamboo and cane.
They give your outdoor space a more rustic and sustainable look. By buying furniture made of sustainable wood, you are not only doing good to the environment but also helping the artisans of your region.
🌱Upcycling is always a good idea
Upcycle and use old and ceramic pots and bowls to plant your greens.
Some plants do not even need soil; you could use discarded wine bottles for them.
🌱Edible Greens
It is simple to grow vegetables like carrots, onion and tomatoes. They would be fresh and free from all kinds of harsh chemicals.
Also you can grow herbs like basil, coriander, oregano and rosemary. They are aromatic and keep the house fresh. You could use fresh herbs whenever your recipes call for them or dry them whenever necessary.
Now that you have everything in place, here are some easy natural fertiliser ideas to make your own homemade plant food without any chemicals. Give to your garden and plants that extra boost to stay healthy!
🌱Compost
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it is surprising how many people don’t compost.
Compost releases nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, which means a well-composted garden can go a year or two without requiring re-application of fertilizer. Compost also helps the soil retain moisture, which is essential for vegetable gardens to thrive during hot summers.
🌱Recycle your coffee grounds
Your coffee grounds will contribute to making your soil more acidic. Lots of plants, such as blueberries, rhododendron, roses and tomatoes, thrive best in acidic soil.
1️⃣ You can either top dress by sprinkling the used grounds over the surface of the soil.
2️⃣Soak up-to six cups of used coffee grounds for up to a week and make “coffee” to water your acid-loving plants.
🌱Give potassium to your garden with banana peels
1️⃣Save your banana peels and bury them in a hole a few inches below the surface next to plants like rose bushes or any other that requires high levels of potassium.
2️⃣Steep the bananas in water. Once the mixture has steeped long enough, use the water and the peels to add some natural fertilizer to your garden.
🌱Don’t throw away your cooking water
Many different nutrients are released into the cooking water. Water that is used to boil potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and even pasta can be used as a fertilizer. Remember to let the water cool before applying it to your soil.
🌱Recycle your eggshells
Eggshells are made up primarily of calcium,
an essential plant nutrient that plays a fundamental part in cell manufacture and growth. Simply crush them, powder them in an old coffee grinder, and sprinkle them around your garden soil.
Your garden and balcony plants will thrive with these easy fertilisers made from items found in your pantry! Organic gardening will not only benefit your garden but also your health!
Make the most of the weather this season and enjoy as much as you can your outdoor space. Feel the power that plants will give you!