Think your kitchen waste belongs in the trash? Think again! Many everyday food scraps are packed with nutrients that your garden will love. Turning them into fertilizer not only enriches your soil—it also cuts down on waste.
These 11 kitchen leftovers are easy to use and make fantastic, all-natural plant food for your backyard, containers, or indoor plants.
Banana Peels
Rich in potassium and phosphorus, banana peels support flowering and root growth. Chop them up and bury near the base of plants or blend into compost tea for a nutrient-rich boost.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds are great for nitrogen-loving plants like tomatoes and roses. They also improve soil texture and attract earthworms. Just sprinkle around plants or mix into compost.
Eggshells
Packed with calcium, crushed eggshells help prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers. They also aerate the soil and can deter some pests when scattered around the garden.
Vegetables Peels
Carrot tops, potato skins, and onion peels are full of micronutrients. Add them to a compost pile or boil into a compost tea to water your plants with a homemade tonic.
Tea Leaves and Tea Bags
Used tea is a gentle fertilizer rich in tannins and nutrients. Sprinkle loose leaves or compostable tea bags (no synthetic mesh!) into soil or compost to enrich it naturally.
Citrus Peels (in Moderation)
Citrus peels contain nitrogen and other trace nutrients. Use them sparingly in compost or dry and grind them into powder to add to garden soil as a mild, acidic amendment.
Onion and Garlic Skins
These papery skins are full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Steep them in water to make a homemade fertilizer tea that’s especially great for leafy greens.
Corn Cobs
Though slow to break down, chopped corn cobs add carbon to compost piles and improve soil aeration. They're a great way to bulk up your pile while feeding the microbes.
Rice Water
Leftover water from rinsing rice is full of starches and trace nutrients that promote healthy root growth. Let it cool, then pour it at the base of your plants every week or so.
Stale Bread (Composted Only)
Though you shouldn’t apply bread directly to soil, small amounts added to a hot compost pile can add nitrogen and feed beneficial bacteria. Avoid if pests are a concern.
Nut Shells (Except Walnut)
Shells from peanuts, almonds, and pistachios break down slowly, adding bulk and texture to compost. Avoid black walnut shells—they release compounds that can harm other plants.
Kitchen scraps aren’t just waste—they’re garden gold! With minimal effort, you can turn leftovers into natural fertilizer your plants will love, all while cutting down on trash.
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