Kitchen tricks for healthy gardens

BOOST PLANTS WITH EGGSHELLS

Ground-up eggshells are rich in calcium, which strengthens plants’ cell walls, promoting growth and curbing ailments like root rot. Eggshells are great for all plants, but are especially beneficial for roses and tomatoes.

FERTILIZE WITH COFFEE GROUNDS

The residue from your morning joe contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus—the three top ingredients in fertilizers. Coffee grounds also attract worms, which ward off slugs. Acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons are especially big java fans.

FEED VEGGIES WITH PASTA WATER

Pasta water is brimming with starch, which veggies use to store nutrients. If you’re not a pasta lover, simply quench your garden with water used to cook potatoes or rice—just be sure the water is salt-free and let it cool before applying to plants.