Repurpose expired buckwheat: Boost your garden with DIY fertilizer
Do you have an expired bag of buckwheat at home? Under no circumstances should you throw it away. Although it is no longer suitable for consumption, you can use it to prepare homemade fertilizer.
9:42 PM EDT, May 25, 2024
Buckwheat is a staple in many kitchen cabinets. It can be substituted for pasta, rice, or potatoes and incorporated into various dishes, including bread.
Toss it into boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes to get a healthy addition to your dinner. Buckwheat is a source of many valuable vitamins, though we often overlook it. However, if you have an expired package at home, don't throw it away. Instead, prepare homemade fertilizer to nourish young plants and potted flowers.
Buckwheat — a source of valuable nutrients
Buckwheat is older than potatoes, having been cultivated as early as 6000 B.C. It originated in China but quickly spread throughout Asia. By the 14th century, it had reached Europe, swiftly becoming one of the most popular food products. Even back then, it was valued for its unique taste, aroma, and numerous health benefits.
Buckwheat contains many valuable nutrients, such as manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, niacin, folic acid, and B vitamins. The grains also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat free radicals responsible for disease development and aging.
Regular consumption of buckwheat supports the proper functioning of the circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems. It helps prevent the development of many dangerous diseases and regulates blood sugar levels.
Don't throw away expired buckwheat. Use it to prepare fertilizer
While cleaning kitchen cabinets, you might stumble upon some forgotten and expired items. If you find an old bag of buckwheat, don't throw it away. Although it's no longer suitable for consumption, you can use it to prepare homemade fertilizer for garden plants and flowers. This nutrient solution will provide essential elements like copper, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus for proper plant growth.
How to make fertilizer from buckwheat? Get a large bowl and put a large handful of buckwheat in it. Cover the buckwheat with a quart of cool water. Set the bowl in a cool, dark place for 24 hours. Afterward, strain the nutrient solution through a sieve and water your plants. This fertilizer works well for all green plants (such as Peace Lily, ZZ plant, and Monstera) and young vegetable seedlings. Use it once weekly, and you'll notice new leaves after a month.
