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food waste
Make use of your kitchen food waste bin
Your food waste bin can become your compost starter. Food scraps including veg peel, egg shells, greens and even hair, can be put in there to make a base for your larger outside compost mound.
Reducing my carbon footprint
I decided to try and cut down on my carbon footprint by growing my own food. I started with red peppers and now im trying an avocado tree!
If you want to try too, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Take note of the top and bottom of the avocado seed – this will be vital for the growing process
- Wash the seed to remove any avocado residue
- Peel the outer shell off as this will prevent the roots and flower sprouting
- one third of the way down, pierce the seed, at a downward angle, with 3 cocktail sticks. (Birthday candles work just as well as you can see in my picture!)
- Place on top of a clear glass or plastic cup so you can see when it starts to sprout
- Fill the cup with water until at least half of the seed is covered.
- Place on your windowsill
Now its a waiting game to see when your roots start to grow – good luck!
Reuse egg shells to plant seeds
I created little planters for my pepper seeds, using old egg shells and the egg box to hold them in.
It’s super easy and a great idea to do with the kids.
- Wash out the old egg shells
- Place them in the egg box
- Fill each one with compost (this can be from your garden or an old potted plant you have around the house)
- Make a small well in the centre of each one
- Place 1-2 seeds inside and cover back up with the soil
- Give them a little water
- Place on to your windowsill
- Now, watch them grow!
Create your own compost heap
Buying compost can become very expensive, especially if you like planting new flowers. Why not use your lawn clippings and food waste to create a natural, chemical-free compost.
Here are the steps, to help you make the perfect compost heap!
- Start your compost pile on bare earth
- Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep – This aids drainage and helps aerate the pile.
- Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry – Moist ingredients are food scraps, tea bags, seaweed, etc. Dry materials are straw, leaves, sawdust pellets and wood ashes.
- Add manure, grass clippings or any nitrogen source – This activates the compost pile and speeds the process along.
- Keep compost moist – Water occasionally, or let rain do the job.
- Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps, this helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost.
- Turn – Every few weeks give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel.