How To Make Bio Enzymes From Kitchen Waste: 5 DIY Steps And Expert Tips

How To Make Bio Enzymes From Kitchen Waste: 5 DIY Steps And Expert Tips

Did you know that the peels of your morning grapefruit can be transformed into a powerful plant booster? For urban gardeners with limited space and a desire for sustainable practises, bio-enzymes offer a game-changing solution.

Leading the way is Nita Singh, a seasoned gardener from Kolkata who has mastered the art of crafting these natural alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Her expertise, gained from years of hands-on experience, offers valuable insights for those looking to nurture their green spaces naturally.

Bio Enzymes At Home

Bio enzymes are fermented mixtures made from organic waste materials. They're rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that can significantly enhance soil health and plant growth. As Nita explains, "These enzymes act as both fertilisers and insecticides, providing a holistic solution for plant care."

DIY Steps to Create Bio Enzymes At Home

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

(The basic formula for bio enzymes follows a 3:1:10 ratio of main ingredient, jaggery, and water.)

Common main ingredients include:

• Neem leaves (for insecticide properties)
• Marigold flowers (to enhance flowering)
• Citrus peels (for acidic-soil loving plants)
• Banana peels (rich in potassium)

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

• Chop your main ingredient into small pieces
• Mix 300 grams of the chopped ingredient with 100 grams of jaggery
• Add this to 1,000 ml of water

Step 3: Choose the Right Container

Nita strongly advises using plastic containers for fermentation. "Never use glass bottles," she warns. "The fermentation process releases gases that could cause glass to explode." Use a container twice the volume of your mixture to allow space for fermentation.

Step 4: Find a Dark Spot

Store your fermenting mixture in a dark place. Nita explains, "Sunlight can kill the beneficial bacteria essential for the fermentation process."

Step 5: Wait and Monitor

The fermentation process typically takes about three months. During this time, remember to occasionally loosen the cap to release built-up gases.

Expert Tips for Success

• Look for a vinegar scent, that's your green cleaning superhero.
• Easy dilution: 1-2 ml per litre for most uses (stronger for heavy infestations).
• Long shelf life: Stock up – bio enzymes don't expire!
• Faster batches: Add 5 ml of ready enzyme to new mixes for quicker fermentation (1 month).
• Target your needs: Citrus peels for roses, marigolds for blooms!

Benefits of Homemade Bio Enzymes

By creating your own bio enzymes, you're not just nurturing your plants; you're also contributing to a more sustainable gardening practise. These homemade solutions reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, making your garden more environmentally friendly.