Watermelon is consumed extensively during the summer season. It helps to keep the body hydrated. In fact, watermelon consists of approximately 90 percent water, which helps keep the stomach cool and replenishes the body’s water levels during the hot weather. Furthermore, watermelon contains powerful antioxidants and Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and lycopene, all of which are extremely beneficial for health. After eating watermelon, people often discard the rinds, deeming them useless. However, these rinds can prove to be quite useful for making compost.
As a matter of fact, the peels of fruits and vegetables are also rich in nutrients. If utilized correctly, they can serve as organic fertilizer for plants. If you have planted greenery on your balcony or rooftop, compost made from watermelon rinds can go a long way in keeping them lush and green, while significantly aiding their growth. Let us learn how to prepare compost from watermelon rinds right at home.
Watermelon rinds contain potassium, calcium, and various other nutrients that facilitate plant growth and help maintain their lushness. Collect watermelon rinds over the course of a few days. Before preparing the compost, wash the rinds thoroughly and cut them into small pieces; this helps them decompose more quickly. Now, place the rinds in a large container and fill it completely with water. Loosely cover the container with its lid—or simply tie a cloth over the top—and place it in a shaded area for two to three days.
Allow the water containing the peels to sit out for about a week, stirring it once daily. Once the water takes on a light brown hue, strain it. Your liquid fertilizer is now ready. Next, mix the fertilizer with an equal amount of water. You can apply this mixture to the roots of your plants once or twice a week.
Additional Ways to Use Watermelon Rinds in Gardening
Apart from making liquid fertilizer, watermelon rinds can also be:
- Added directly to a compost bin along with dry leaves and kitchen waste.
- Buried in garden soil to improve organic matter.
- Used as mulch after drying and chopping into smaller pieces.
These methods help enrich the soil naturally over time.
Precautions While Making Compost
To avoid foul smell or fungal growth, keep the following points in mind:
- Do not store the mixture in direct sunlight.
- Stir the mixture daily to ensure proper decomposition.
- Avoid using rotten or moldy peels.
- Always dilute the liquid fertilizer before applying it to plants.
- Use the fertilizer within a few days after preparation for best results.
Instead of throwing away watermelon rinds this summer, turn them into nutrient-rich compost and give your home garden a natural boost.