Tag: Compost

Most people correctly assume that the outer green leaves of an ear of corn are not meant to be consumed, but the reasoning is often misunderstood. The answer to "can corn husks be eaten?" is complex, involving both safety concerns and practical culinary considerations, though they are not poisonous.

Contrary to popular belief, plants make their own 'food' via photosynthesis, but require essential mineral nutrients from the soil to fuel that process. So, what is some plant food in the horticultural context, and how does it fuel healthy growth?

The average American generates over 5 pounds of trash per day, making waste management principles like the 5R an essential topic for environmental conservation. For those committed to a sustainable lifestyle, understanding which is not involved in the 5R framework is key to prioritizing the most effective waste reduction strategies.

According to the USDA-NRCS, for every 1% of organic matter added to the top 6 inches of soil, the water-holding capacity can increase by 16,500 gallons per acre. While this and other benefits paint a positive picture, the question of whether organic matter is good or bad depends heavily on its type, quantity, and application method.

Did you know that adjusting your starter's food-to-microbe ratio can drastically change its fermentation speed and function? The optimal starter feeding ratio depends entirely on your goals, whether you're baking sourdough bread or maintaining a compost heap.

According to the National Peanut Board, a peanut shell consists of 60% crude fiber, 25% cellulose, and very little else that is digestible by humans. This fact reveals the truth about whether there is nutrition in a peanut shell, and why it's not meant for consumption.

Globally, millions of tons of organic waste are discarded annually, yet much of this material can be repurposed to create a nutrient-rich substitute for plant food. By utilizing common household items, you can provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive, reduce waste, and save money.

Comprising the foundational elements of life, organic compounds are defined by their carbon-based structure. An organic nutrient is one such compound, playing a vital role in the biological processes of living organisms, from fueling human metabolism to nourishing plant growth.

Recent research indicates that while coffee grounds contain potassium, the concentration is relatively low compared to commercial fertilizers. This challenges the popular gardening myth that they are a potent source of this essential plant nutrient, but they offer numerous other benefits as a soil amendment.

Many gardeners believe that soaking banana peels in water creates a powerful, potassium-rich fertilizer for plants. So, what does banana water do, and is it truly effective for encouraging plant growth, or does it hold other applications for human health and skincare worth exploring?