The captivating view of fresh leaves on which dew drops rest. The mesmerizing scent of exquisite flowers enhances in the cool morning breeze. The garden is where these miracles can be witnessed. These areas outside almost every house are home to the Earth’s lungs.

It is said, “Wherever life plants you, grow with grace” after you understand this, you should also let your plants grow with grace by helping them bloom. These plants are the reason that we exist. Various scrumptious fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrition are grown on plants. A study showed that children who participated in the garden learned to like healthy foods.

But excuse me… This isn’t an enchanting story where a fairy comes and does whatever you wish for; it’s reality, wake up.

Helping your garden flourish is what you’ll need to do yourself. Water, fresh air, efficient light are few necessities for the ideal growth of plants. More importantly, vegetation’s sustenance is a good quality fertilizer that can save its skin from harm. On a tight budget? Short on time? Not in favor of tedious work? No problem… Compost is made just for you.

Are your vegetable leftovers lying miserably in the bin or do you find yourself slipping on banana peels? Don’t worry; we’ll turn all this useless waste into nourishment for your beautiful plants. 

Collect the organic waste for your compost for about a week or so. Save bits of paper that are headed towards the bin, banana peels, and the leftovers of green vegetables. Try to include used tea and eggshells from your breakfast. We’ll also need some dried leaves, fallen from their homes; what a pity! And some Manure (Please have it dry, you don’t want everyone around you pinching their noses while you make your compost). 

The day you feel good and decide to play your part in making the Earth greener, take a container about 70cm deep. Pierce about 8-10 tiny holes in its base so the water, that isn’t absorbed, can drain out. Start by filling it 7cm deep with dry dirt. Cut down the fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces so they can easily decompose. Also, crush down the dried leaves with your hand and dump all the waste you’ve collected, over the dirt. Add the manure and top it up with another thin layer of dirt. Finally, water it, so that all the dirt on top becomes moist. Place it in direct sunlight for about a month. Water it every day and mix it thoroughly every week.

 The compost will be a lifesaver for your garden. “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”  Once you are done, do credit yourself for the effort. Store your compost in a closed box and you may even keep it forever. It is best to let the plant age first for 4-5 months to avoid potential problems. An ideal time is to spread it around your plant exactly 6 months after the seeds were sown.

You must have heard the mission to make the Earth “Cleaner and Greener”. Clean the Earth by reusing your waste. In addition, use your compost to increase the greenery. Best of Luck!        

By Roomina Arif