Dear Diary, my plants are thriving, and it’s not because I’ve been buying more things for them! I’ve simply been repurposing things I have around the house, from cinnamon and eggshells to empty candle jars. These plants are living their best lives and promoting sustainability. Here are some of my best tips.
After you’ve figured out the right watering schedule for each of your plants, you can get creative with how you water your plants. Instead of pouring cooled pasta or rice water down the drain, save it and use it to give your plants a nutrient boost. Leftover chamomile or green tea can also act as a gentle pick-me-up.
Your kitchen scraps can also double as plant food. Banana peels soaked in water make a simple fertilizer with extra nutrients. Crushed eggshells add calcium back into the soil, and diluted coffee grounds are great for acid-loving plants like ferns.
Another ailment you might come across is mold or bugs. Luckily, there’s another kitchen hack for this. Sprinkling ground cinnamon on your soil is good for stopping mold. For pests, use a pinch of salt around the soil or make a DIY spray with orange peels soaked in water.
Propagation is the easiest and most affordable way to grow your collection. Place cuttings in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill and let the roots develop before potting them. Swapping cuttings with friends, joining a local plant swap, or setting up a little free plant library in your neighborhood can also bring more variety to your space without any extra cost.
New pots aren’t always necessary. Save glass pickle or sauce type jars to propagate your plant cuttings. And when you’re ready to pot, chipped mugs, old bowls, empty candle jars, and tin cans can all be repurposed into unique planters. For drainage, you can use broken pottery, corks, or even bottle caps to create the necessary spaces below the soil in your planter.
When your plant looks a little off, don’t stress. There are plenty of free apps that can help track watering schedules, identify plant problems, and even suggest solutions. But sometimes, the best advice comes from experience. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a family member or neighbor with a green thumb. Their practical tips can save you a lot of guesswork.
Caring for plants sustainably isn’t about buying more; it’s about making the most of what you already have. With a little resourcefulness and creativity, you can keep your plants thriving while keeping waste to a minimum.
