Waste not want not. Less is more. These are some of the things I follow when it comes to home and gardening practices. In summer as the temperatures rise it is natural for us in the Asian regions drink a lot of fluids to keep ourselves hydrated. Something natural and cool is what I go for. Lemon and other citrus juices are the go to drinks during this season. However, the most sought after drink is the coconut juice. Coconut is harvested and cut just as the inner kernel is forming and the juice is usually drunk straight off the coconut with a straw. Then shell is then thrown into the garbage dump in the cities, though in rural areas it is used as fuel when dry.
I have been throwing away these shells for years, but this year I decided that I will not add any kind of waste to the dump which can be reused or recycled. From that was born these natural but unconventional planters. I could not drill holes into shells for drainage holes, as they are pretty strong. I should try this when the coconut is still green and fresh. However, I realized that I didn't need to water them so often. So I tried planting different kinds of plants in these natural planters as a test run. The header image is that of a succulent. I stuck a small stem into the shell and it which seems pretty happy in it, it has been growing inside it for a couple of months.
This is a my ficus microcarpa bonsai in training, I decided to use this as my training planter. Perhaps when it is time to replant I will cut the bottom off and put the whole contraption into a proper container. Perhaps the arial roots will grow over and cover the coconut shell as they do with the rocks I plant them on. I'll take it as it goes.
I have planted some more succulents and orchids too in these coconut shells. After a month they still seem healthy and growing well.
Succulents do not require much in the way of nutrition or soil really. These should do okay I guess. I can use a spray jet to add organic liquid fertilizer whenever necessary.
As of now this is only an experiment. I could think of growing spinach or herbs in these if this experiment succeeds. I think rosemary, basil, mint will all do very well in these planters. I will report back on how things work out for me.
I have seen people plant stuff in beautifully decorated coconut shells (read painted) I like it natural and rugged looking. So I am not going to do much on these coconut shells for now. Just surrounding myself with greenery and beauty without adding to the waste is my kind of peace and happiness. This is my journey in pursuit of peace and simplicity.
Thanks for hanging around with me and reading about my experiment.
