HOMESTEAD HOW-TO

How to Improve Garden Soil Without a Compost Pile

Eggshells

Eggshells, often dismissed as kitchen waste, are gardening gold. Rich in calcium carbonate, they help strengthen plant cell walls and prevent issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.

Orange Peels

Burying orange peels in the soil is a simple way to enhance its fertility. As they break down, they release beneficial nutrients while deterring pests like aphids.

Banana Peels

Banana peels are packed with potassium and phosphorus, essential for strong root development and flowering.

Spread Grass Clippings

Fresh grass clippings from untreated lawns make an excellent nitrogen-rich mulch. Spread them around your plants to retain moisture and gradually enrich the soil as they decompose.

Composted Manure

If you have access to farm animals or can source composted manure, it’s a fantastic way to add organic matter and nutrients to your soil.