IT'S easy to just chuck away kitchen scraps when you've finished cooking a meal.
But there are five certain bits of rubbish you should keep, as they will work wonders in your .
That's according to professional horticulturist Olivia Hartley, who has over 15 years of experience helping gardeners naturally.
“Most people throw these away without realising they’re throwing away nutrients too,”; Olivia said.
“Used properly, can build richer soil, cut back on waste, and save you money on store-bought fertiliser.”
First up, banana peels.
Thanks to the fact they're rich in calcium, potassium and phosphorus, they're perfect for encouraging root growth and feeding flowering plants – and are particularly good for roses, tomatoes and peppers.
Simply chop the peel up into pieces and bury them directly into the soil around the plant.
“They decompose quickly and give a steady nutrient boost,” Olivia explained.
If you're a coffee fan, you should keep your used grounds too, as they're packed with nitrogen – which really helps support leafy growth.
They also help attract earthworms, which then aids soil aeration.
Just sprinkle the grounds around the base of the plant, or mix them into compost to use.
They are particularly useful for acid-loving plants such as blueberries and hydrangeas.
But don't go overboard with them either, as they can “make the soil too dense if piled on”, Olivia warned.
And you can even benefit your garden if you're more of a tea drinker too.
Keep your used teabags, as they help add nitrogen, improve soil structure and deter pests when sprinkled around plant bases.
However, make sure you're only using plastic-free teabags – or tear the bag open and use the loose tea inside instead.
“It’s a small habit that pays off long term,” she added.
If you've got any peelings from veg like carrots and potatoes, it's a good idea to keep them to one side as they make “excellent compost material”.
“Just keep them free from oils or seasonings,” Olivia said.
“Straight peelings are best.”
And the final item of food waste you should keep is the shells of your eggs – crushed up, they can add calcium to plants and deter pests.
“Wash, dry, and crush them before sprinkling,” she added.
“They break down slowly, so they feed the soil over time while acting as a slug deterrent.”
But it's important to remember that not all kitchen scraps are garden-friendly.
Things like dairy products, meat or cooked food should always be kept away from compost or soil, as they “attract and slow decomposition”.
“ starts with everyday choices,” a spokesperson for kitchen and bathroom experts Plumbworld said.
“Turning simple kitchen waste into soil food is not only budget-friendly – it’s better for your garden and the environment.”
