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November is a crucial month for gardeners, especially those looking to make the most of their kitchen scraps. Utilizing kitchen scraps in your November gardening can save money, reduce waste, and promote healthy plant growth. Here are some of the best ways to turn your kitchen leftovers into garden assets.
Composting Kitchen Scraps
Composting is one of the most effective ways to recycle kitchen scraps. During November, as temperatures drop, consider moving your compost bin to a sheltered spot or using a compost tumbler to maintain heat. Kitchen scraps such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and fruit scraps can be added to your compost pile to enrich the soil for spring planting.
Using Kitchen Scraps as Mulch
Some kitchen scraps can be repurposed directly as mulch. For example, shredded vegetable peels or crushed eggshells can be spread around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This method is especially useful for protecting perennial plants during the colder months.
Growing New Plants from Kitchen Scraps
November is an excellent time to start regrowing certain vegetables indoors or in your greenhouse. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips can be saved and replanted in spring. Green onion tops and lettuce scraps can be regrown in water or soil, providing fresh greens for future meals.
How to Regrow Green Onions
Cut the green tops of onions, leaving about an inch of the bulb. Place the bulbs in a glass of water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Keep them in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. Within a week, you’ll see new green shoots ready to harvest.
Preparing Kitchen Scraps for Next Year
Use November to prepare your kitchen scraps for the upcoming planting season. Dry out vegetable peels and eggshells, then store them in a dry place. These materials will be ready to add to your compost or garden beds in spring, giving you a head start on your gardening season.
Tips for Successful Kitchen Scrap Gardening in November
- Keep your compost moist but not soggy.
- Turn your compost regularly to aerate it.
- Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily scraps to compost.
- Use kitchen scraps in moderation to prevent attracting pests.
- Cover your compost or scraps with straw or leaves to insulate during cold weather.
By incorporating these methods, November becomes a productive month for turning kitchen scraps into valuable resources for your garden. Embrace sustainable gardening practices and enjoy the benefits of a thriving, eco-friendly garden come spring.