Food, Health

Common household items as plant fertilizers

Although growing plants in your backyard brings a lot of pleasure and joy, it is also important to maintain the growth of the plants. Fertilizers are important for the growth of the plant, as well as providing the nutrients required for the soil. The plant’s soil may get depleted of its energy. These are some of the common household items with which you can get greener and healthier plants.

Here are some natural household items that you can use in your garden.

1. Coffee(or)Tea Grounds

Coffee or tea grounds are the most common household items which can be used in the garden. Coffee grounds contain some wonderful nutrients which are required for plant growth and they attract worms as well. Recycle your coffee grounds and you can either sprinkle them on the soil or you can soak up the grounds for a week and use it for watering your plants.

2. Eggshells

Eggshells are one of the best garden fertilizers. Eggshells come with excellent nutrients like calcium, sources of selenium, and nitrogen which are beneficial for plant growth. You can just toss the eggshells directly into the soil. For better and faster results try to crush the shells more so that they will get into the soil quickly.

3. Banana Peels

Bananas are healthy fruits with nutrients beneficial for us. But the banana peels are healthy food for the plants. Banana peels contain good potassium levels which are wonderfully suitable for the plant’s growth. All you have to do is simply bury these peels by digging up a small hole in the pot. You can also blend the peels with other vegetable scraps to get more benefits.

4. Grass Clippings

If you have a natural lawn in your backyard then make sure that you collect the grass clippings regularly. Because they are very rich in nitrogen and potassium content which is highly essential for the plants. The idea of using grass clippings as fertilizers has been used by farmers for centuries. The method is simple: just soak the grass clipping in 1/3rd bucket of water and mix them daily. Use it to water your plants about 2 or 3 times a week.

5. Wood Ash

Wood Ash and Charcoal Ash are excellent materials that can be used as fertilizers. They have potassium content which is mainly useful for plant growth. Remember that you have to use untreated hardwood ashes and use them accordingly. Too much hardwood ash can disturb the pH levels of the soil and bring disastrous results in the growth.

6. Manure

Manure is a natural and wonderful fertilizer that is very beneficial for plants. Manure comes from various sources like cows, buffaloes, and horses. Manures are high in nitrogen and other nutrients which are essential for plant growth. Raw manure is highly acidic, it can cause dangerous effects on the plants. So it is better to use composted manure to improve soil water retention.

7. Tree Leaves

It is common to throw away fallen leaves. Instead, collect them and use them as a fertilizer for your plants. Leaves are rich in nitrogen and trace minerals which attract earthworms. You can mulch the plants with the leaves or you can crush the leaves and spread them across the soil.

8. Potato Water

Whenever you boil potatoes in water, don’t throw the water away because potato water has good ingredients which can help in promoting the plant’s growth. Potatoes contain minerals and nutrients which are used by plants to develop immunity levels to environmental stress.

9. Coconut

Coconuts have great ingredients which can become a wonderful fertilizer for the plants. Create a mixture of coconut and add it to the water. Pour the water weekly twice or thrice over the soil which will help your plants to flourish more.

10. Matches

Matches are excellent sources of magnesium which is a healthy source for plants. Just break the matches and toss them in the soil or you can soak them in the water and use it as a fertilizer. What happens here is the magnesium will dissolve into the soil and helps the plants to grow healthier and greener.

Conclusion – These are some of the best common household items which act as wonderful fertilizers. All these fertilizers are natural and they are far better than chemical fertilizers. You can also use aquarium water, fish scraps, raw honey, and kitchen and vegetable scraps.

June 24, 2022

Top 10 High-Protein Indian Vegetarian Meals for Peak Summer Energy

Summer in India is not just hot, it is exhausting. You wake up tired. By afternoon, you can barely think straight. You reach for chai, then cold drinks, then more chai. And somehow, by evening, you feel worse than when the day started. Here is what most people don’t know: the food you eat in summer decides how much energy you carry through the day. Heavy, oily meals make you sluggish. Too little food leaves you dizzy. But high-protein vegetarian meals, the kind Indian kitchens have been making for centuries, give your body exactly what it needs to stay sharp, stay cool, and stay strong. Dhanush Kumar writes about the Top 10 High-protein Indian vegetarian meals, which are not fancy supplements, no expensive imports. Just real Indian food, done right. Moong Dal Chilla If you eat just one thing differently this summer, make it this. Moong dal chilla is a thin, crispy pancake made from soaked green moong, and it is one of the lightest, most protein-rich breakfasts in Indian cooking. The magic of moong in summer is real. It is naturally cooling for the body, and it digests easily, so you don’t feel heavy after eating. Add some grated ginger and green chilli, a little ajwain, and serve with green chutney, and you have a breakfast that keeps you full till noon without weighing you down. Children love it. Office-goers love it. Your body in 42 degrees of heat will absolutely love it. Rajma Chawal Yes, it is a classic. Rajma is one of the highest-protein legumes available in India, rich, thick, and deeply satisfying. Pair it with plain rice, and you have a complete meal with all the essential amino acids your body needs. The trick in summer is to make it lighter: Less oil, more tomatoes, skip

Food

Taste the New: Trending Restaurants & Culinary Concepts in Town

Discover the latest restaurants, menus, and culinary concepts making waves across the city. From exciting new launches to fresh dining experiences, this section brings you the must-visit spots every food lover should know about. What: The Reservoire Where: Bengaluru The Reservoire has emerged as India’s largest cocktail bar, setting a new benchmark in the country’s evolving drinking culture with an extraordinary menu of over 100 cocktails. Known for its cocktail-first philosophy, the Bengaluru hotspot blends experimentation, storytelling, and immersive hospitality to create a space where drinks are crafted as memorable experiences rather than just menu items. The expansive cocktail program celebrates both innovation and familiarity. Signature creations such as Kokum Spiritz highlight regional Indian flavours, while indulgent blends like Strawberry Cheesecake blur the line between dessert and drink. Playful twists like Not A Pinacolada surprise the palate, alongside classics such as the Paloma and contemporary favourites like the Blueberry & Gin Sour. Other standouts include Mellow Minty, the bold GCT (Guava Chilli Tequila), the vibrant Blue Pea Ultimate G&T, and the house favourite Reservoire Drop. With a menu designed for discovery and constant exploration, The Reservoire invites guests to experience cocktails more dynamically and experimentally. Combining scale with craftsmanship, the bar continues to position itself as a destination for cocktail enthusiasts and curious drinkers alike in Bengaluru’s thriving nightlife scene. What: Shaara Where: Pune Ishaara, the experiential dining concept by Bellona Hospitality, has introduced a limited-time Kebabs & Curries Menu at its Pune outlets in Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Wakad. The special menu celebrates the rich culinary legacy of grilling and slow-cooked curries, drawing inspiration from Persian, Turkish, and Mughal traditions while presenting them with Ishaara’s contemporary finesse.The menu features an array of flavourful kebabs such as Persian Jujeh Kebab, Turkish Adana Kebab, Burra

Food

A Meal with a Southern Touch

What: Bhojanam Where: Hyderabad If you’re craving a meal that feels like home, Bhojanam in Jubilee Hills offers a warm, flavourful journey through the heart of Telugu cuisine. When in the South, a thali is one of those experiences that instantly gets your lips smacking, comforting, wholesome food served traditionally on a banana leaf. In the heart of Hyderabad, Bhojanam brings this experience to life with authenticity and warmth. Located in Jubilee Hills, this sprawling 8,000 sq. ft. space has been thoughtfully put together by Pranavi Chekuri and Teja Chekuri under Fullstack Ventures. Every detail reflects a personal touch. Pranavi, who grew up learning traditional cooking from her grandmother, has incorporated her own family recipes into the menu, even something as simple as rasam is crafted with a deeply homely, authentic flavour. The space is simple yet inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating, and an open kitchen where the aromas of freshly prepared dishes fill the air. At its core, Bhojanam celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Telugu-speaking regions—Krishna, Godavari, Rayalaseema, and Telangana, through a thoughtfully curated, region-first thali experience. Since I’m allergic to seafood, I opted for the Krishnamma Bhojanam. We began with fresh sugarcane juice, pressed on-site, with hints of lime and ginger, refreshing and perfectly balanced. What followed felt deeply personal. Pranavi joined us for the meal and made sure everything was served just right. Conversations flowed easily about food, influences, and the stories behind certain dishes, adding a layer of warmth to the experience. The meal included dishes like natu kodi vepudu and pulusu, each carrying a distinct homemade quality, nothing overdone, just honest flavours that felt like they belonged in a family kitchen. During a conversation about local Telangana dishes, anapakaya ginjalu (hyacinth beans) came up, and Pranavi mentioned that they make vadas with

Food

Cool & Nourish: Refreshing Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat

As temperatures rise during the summer months, staying hydrated becomes essential for maintaining energy, digestion, and overall health. While water remains the most important source of hydration, traditional summer drinks made with natural ingredients can provide additional nutrients and cooling benefits. Across India and other tropical regions, seasonal beverages made from fruits, herbs, and dairy have long been used to regulate body temperature and replenish minerals lost through sweat. These refreshing drinks not only quench thirst but also support digestion, boost immunity, and help the body stay balanced during intense heat. Here are some easy summer beverages along with their health benefits and simple recipes you can try at home. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Summer Cooler) Aam Panna is a classic summer drink known for its tangy flavour and cooling properties. It is made from raw mangoes blended with spices and herbs. Health BenefitsRaw mangoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and prevent dehydration. The drink also restores electrolytes lost through excessive sweating and protects against heatstroke. Why You Should Drink ItAam Panna is considered one of the best traditional drinks to combat summer fatigue and heat exhaustion. Recipe Ingredients 2 raw mangoes 3 tablespoons sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste) ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder A few fresh mint leaves A pinch of black salt 2 cups chilled water Method Boil or pressure-cook the raw mangoes until soft. Peel the skin and extract the pulp. Blend the pulp with sugar, mint leaves, cumin powder, and black salt. Add chilled water and mix well. Serve cold with ice and a few mint leaves for garnish. Buttermilk (Chaas) Buttermilk is a light, refreshing drink made from yogurt diluted with water and flavoured with spices. Health BenefitsIt is rich in probiotics, which support gut health and digestion.