Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create your own fertilizer from scratch for seed starters and indoor plants.

Materials and Prep

• Compost or organic waste (fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, etc.)
• A container with a lid (such as a bucket or a large jar)
• A shovel or a garden trowel
• A spray bottle
• A notebook and pen for taking notes

Prior knowledge: Basic understanding of plant growth and nutrients.

Activities

1. Collect organic waste: Start by collecting compostable materials like fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. Avoid using meat, dairy, or oily items.

2. Prepare the container: Find a container with a lid, such as a bucket or a large jar. Clean it thoroughly before use.

3. Add the organic waste: Layer the organic waste into the container, alternating between dry and wet materials. Dry materials can include leaves, shredded paper, or sawdust, while wet materials can include food scraps or grass clippings.

4. Turn the compost: Use a shovel or a garden trowel to mix the organic waste inside the container. This helps with decomposition and prevents any foul odors.

5. Maintain moisture: Spray water onto the compost to keep it moist. Avoid making it too wet or too dry.

6. Observe and record: Keep track of the changes in the compost over time. Note any smells, colors, or textures you observe.

7. Use the fertilizer: Once the compost has decomposed and turned into a dark, crumbly material, it is ready to be used as fertilizer for seed starters and indoor plants. Apply a small amount to the soil around your plants.

Talking Points

• Plants need nutrients to grow strong and healthy, just like we need food to stay healthy.

• Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.

• By creating your own fertilizer, you are recycling organic waste and reducing waste sent to landfills.

• Layering dry and wet materials in the compost helps create a balanced environment for decomposition.

• Turning the compost regularly helps mix the materials and allows for better airflow, which speeds up the decomposition process.

• Keeping the compost moist but not too wet is important for the microorganisms that break down the waste.

• Observing the changes in the compost helps you understand the decomposition process and make adjustments if needed.

• Applying the finished compost as fertilizer provides essential nutrients to plants, promoting healthy growth.