In my ongoing pursuit of improving soil health and plant growth, I've embarked on a journey to reformulate the Natural Soil Enhancer. Through experimentation and testing in my parents' garden (thanks mum and dad), I've updated my blend of ingredients to revitalise the soil and foster flourishing gardens. Ingredients UK-Grown Organic Seaweed Worm Castings Volcanic Rock Dust Biochar Mycorrhizal Fungi + Rhizobacteria Barley Malt Extract Why Choose Natural Fertiliser? UK-Grown Organic Seaweed Harvested from pristine coastal waters, UK-grown organic seaweed is one of the main ingredients in the Natural Soil Enhancer. Packed with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and iodine, seaweed provides a comprehensive nutritional boost to soil and plants alike. Its gradual decomposition enriches the soil with vital elements, promoting long-term fertility and sustainability. Worm Castings Often referred to as nature's black gold, worm castings are a testament to the remarkable capabilities of earthworms. Earthworms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings, teeming with beneficial microbes through their digestive processes. These castings improve soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and stimulate plant growth. By incorporating worm castings into our soil enhancer, we harness the power of nature's recyclers to nourish the soil and support thriving plant life. Volcanic Rock Dust Derived from ancient volcanic eruptions, rock dust is a potent source of minerals and trace elements essential for plant growth. Silica, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron are just a few nutrients in volcanic rock dust, replenishing soil fertility and bolstering plant resilience. Its alkaline nature helps regulate soil pH, encouraging optimal nutrient uptake and microbial activity. Additionally, volcanic rock dust enhances soil structure, promoting water retention and aeration for healthy root development. Biochar Crafted through the pyrolysis of organic materials, biochar is a porous carbon-rich substance renowned for its soil-enhancing properties. With its high surface area and nutrient affinity, biochar acts as a sponge, absorbing and retaining water, minerals, and beneficial microbes. This nutrient reservoir improves soil fertility, reduces nutrient leaching, and promotes microbial activity, resulting in healthier, more resilient plants. Furthermore, biochar sequesters carbon in the soil, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Photos from the Oxford Biochar Research Team show how great biochar is for your plants! Mycorrhizal Fungi + Rhizobacteria Beneath the surface, a complex network of symbiotic microorganisms plays a vital role in soil health and plant vitality. Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, extending their reach and enhancing nutrient uptake. Rhizobacteria, meanwhile, fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilise minerals, further enriching the soil environment. Together, these microbial allies improve soil structure, suppress diseases, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, paving the way for sustainable gardening practices. Barley Malt Extract Derived from malted barley grains, barley malt extract is a natural stimulant for soil microbial activity. Rich in sugars, amino acids, and humic substances, it nourishes beneficial soil organisms, promoting nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Its application enhances soil structure, nutrient retention, and composting processes, contributing to soil health and fertility. Why Choose Natural Fertiliser? In a world increasingly reliant on synthetic inputs, the resurgence of natural fertilisers offers a compelling alternative for conscientious gardeners. By harnessing the power of nature's bounty, we can cultivate gardens that thrive in harmony with the environment, free from the harmful effects of chemical interventions. Natural fertilisers offer numerous benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced plant resilience, and reduced environmental impact. By nourishing the soil with organic amendments and fostering diverse microbial communities, we can create vibrant ecosystems that support robust plant growth and biodiversity. Furthermore, natural fertilisers align with sustainability principles and regenerative agriculture, promoting soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem resilience. By choosing natural fertilisers, gardeners can play a meaningful role in stewarding the health of our planet and ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. Cultivating a Greener Future As stewards of the land, we are responsible for nurturing the soil upon which all life depends. We can cultivate beautiful, bountiful, and regenerative gardens by embracing natural soil enhancers and sustainable gardening practices. Whether you're tending to a small backyard garden or managing a sprawling agricultural operation, soil health and sustainability principles remain the same. By prioritising soil fertility, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, we can create landscapes that are not only productive but also ecologically vibrant and culturally rich. So, as you embark on your gardening journey, consider the transformative potential of natural soil enhancers. With each application, you're not just feeding your plants—you're nourishing the soil, supporting biodiversity, and cultivating a greener future for generations to come. Ready to take the next step? Explore 50 Ways To Cook Natural Grow Kits and Natural Soil Enhancer and join us in the journey towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

At 50 Ways To Cook, we are ALL about nurturing people and planet through food education. This week, we're diving into the heart of a global movement that celebrates something both simple yet essential: composting! International Compost Week is more than just a seven-day event; it's a celebration of our commitment to the planet and a reminder of our power to make a difference. Join us as we journey through cultures, cuisines, and compost heaps, discovering the beauty and benefits of this eco-friendly practice. Start turning your food and green waste into compost Composting is a simple yet powerful way to recycle organic matter and enrich your soil. By composting kitchen scraps, green waste, and other organic materials, you can create nutrient-rich humus that improves soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention. Incorporating compost into your garden beds provides a steady supply of essential nutrients and encourages the growth of beneficial soil organisms, promoting overall soil health and plant vitality. Small space or indoor composting Bokashi composting turns your kitchen scraps into a superfood for your garden, enriching the soil and promoting a vibrant ecosystem below the surface. Bokashi bran introduces beneficial microorganisms to your waste, kick-starting a fermentation process that breaks down organic matter. When added to the soil or compost, pre-digested nutrients are readily available to plants, boosting growth and soil health. This process lowers the pH, creating an acidic setting that speeds up decomposition, outcompetes pathogens such as E. Coli and Salmonella, and improves beneficial microbial diversity in the soil. This leads to better structure, fertility, and overall garden resilience. Add natural soil-enhancing ingredients To further boost soil health, consider incorporating natural soil amendments such as organic mulch, biochar, or rock dust. Organic mulch not only conserves moisture and suppresses weeds but also adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. Biochar improves soil structure and enhances nutrient retention, while rock dust replenishes essential minerals and trace elements. By supplementing your soil with these natural ingredients, you can enhance its fertility and resilience, supporting healthy plant growth and abundant harvests. My own blend of Natural Soil Enhancer can be purchased in the shop and contains a unique blend of UK-grown organic seaweed, worm castings, biochar, mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobacteria, and barley malt extract. If you'd like to learn more about what these ingredients do, click here. The blend is also included in the Natural Grow Kit.

What is it? Getting started Growing on Munch time Recipes How-to videos Nasturtium flowers, leaves and even seeds are edible. They have a long history of culinary use and have a slightly sweet, peppery taste. They’re also used in traditional medicine, With  antibiotic properties, they can be used to treat various ailments such as coughs! Plants growing in containers should be watered to keep the compost evenly moist. Deadheading (cutting off) the flowers will encourage more blooms over a longer period and you can enjoy eating them on top of a salad! Getting started Make a few evenly spaced holes in the soil as deep as your fingernail. Add two seeds to each and cover with soil. You can start off outdoors if it’s sunny, or somewhere warm and bright indoors like a windowsill if it's cold outside. Keep the soil damp, not drenched. Cut a plastic bottle in half and place over where you planted the seeds. This will keep them warm and moist. Thin out any extra seedlings after about two weeks when 5cm tall to prevent them competing for nutrients. Growing on Indoor-sown seeds can be moved out after May. You can mulch with straw to reduce moisture loss from the soil. Check the soil moisture and water if dry, particularly during dry spells. Give them a good watering once they start to flower. Munch time Nasturtium leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The flowers and young leaves have a peppery taste and are a great addition to salads. The seed pods can be used as a substitute for capers. Pick them when mature but still green, and pickle them in vinegar. Recipes Coming soon 👀 How-to videos Coming soon 👀

Circular Food Solutions Food waste is a real issue. If your business produces food waste, we can help. Food waste isn't wasted until it's wasted. ​ All food contains essential nutrients, organic matter, and life. This is often lost within our current linear food system. At 50 Ways To Cook, we aim to create local circular food systems. This means all waste is captured and kept within the system to ensure nothing is lost. ​ Why us?​ Currently, when Bristol food waste is separated and collected, it is taken for anaerobic digestion in Avonmouth, where it is turned into biogas and solid digestate. This is certainly better than landfill, but what if we captured all these resources right within the city? What if we went one step further? At 50 Ways To Cook, we champion Circular Food. Food waste doesn't need to travel miles, it can be composted right in our city! Unlike anaerobic digestion, composting retains the nutrients, organic matter, and life which is essential for regenerating urban soil and improving biodiversity right on our doorstep. Get Started

All Services Workshops, Talks + Panels Alex has facilitated food education workshops and talks in schools, businesses, and other organisations since 2019. Learn more by clicking below. Learn More Employee Wellbeing Schemes Are you looking for a unique employee well-being scheme? ​ Enquire now Circular Food Solutions Are you looking for a solution to your food waste problem? Food waste isn't wasted until it's wasted. Click below to find out more. Learn more Product Retail If you're a retailer and would like to stock our products, please get in contact via email. ​ Enquire now Fill in Your Info First name Last name Email Phone Company Position Submit Thanks for submitting! 1 day ago 3 min Alex's Natural Soil Enhancer In my ongoing pursuit of improving soil health and plant growth, I've embarked on a journey to reformulate the Natural Soil Enhancer.... May 8 2 min Celebrating International Compost Week: A Global Journey Towards Sustainable Living At 50 Ways To Cook, we are ALL about nurturing people and planet through food education. This week, we're diving into the heart of a... May 2 2 min Nasturtiums - Grow Your Own at Home What is it? Getting started Growing on Munch time Recipes How-to videos Nasturtium flowers, leaves and even seeds are edible. They have a... May 2 1 min Summer Natural Grow Kit THE SUMMER NATURAL GROW KIT IS HERE! The SUMMER Natural Grow Kit will include seeds to grow your own: Golden Detroit Beetroot Mystery Mix... Apr 29 3 min 5 Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Soil in Your Garden Having a flourishing garden starts with nurturing healthy soil. Often overlooked, soil health is the foundation upon which vibrant plants th 1 2 3 4 5 Subscribe to stay up to date with recipes and blog posts Thanks for submitting! Subscribe By submitting your email you agree to receive occasional marketing updates

Click to complete a two-minute survey and get your Natural Grow Kit for just £1 - usually £26.99! Grow your own fresh food at home Order Now Easy to use kits designed for anyone to grow their own fruit, veg, and herbs at home. Perfect for small spaces such as a windowsill, balcony, or patio. The summer grow kit contains... Golden Detroit Beetroot Mystery Mix Radishes Nasturtiums Pea Shoots Welcome to 50 Wa ys to Cook Nourishing people and planet through sensory food education. Book Circular Food workshops or shop the Natural Grow Kit to help us transition to a sustainable and equitable food system. ​ Follow Us Click the soil to check out our Instagram. It contains everything you need to know to get started! Natural Grow Kits Click Alex to shop all of his natural growing products Book Workshops Click the tomato plant to get in touch if your organisation, school, or university is interested in growing, Lets Collaborate Click the farmers to get in touch if your council or organisation would like to collaborate on a project. Are you a business looking for a food waste solution? Click below to find out more about the services we offer Learn more 1 day ago 3 min Alex's Natural Soil Enhancer In my ongoing pursuit of improving soil health and plant growth, I've embarked on a journey to reformulate the Natural Soil Enhancer.... May 8 2 min Celebrating International Compost Week: A Global Journey Towards Sustainable Living At 50 Ways To Cook, we are ALL about nurturing people and planet through food education. This week, we're diving into the heart of a... May 2 2 min Nasturtiums - Grow Your Own at Home What is it? Getting started Growing on Munch time Recipes How-to videos Nasturtium flowers, leaves and even seeds are edible. They have a... May 2 1 min Summer Natural Grow Kit THE SUMMER NATURAL GROW KIT IS HERE! The SUMMER Natural Grow Kit will include seeds to grow your own: Golden Detroit Beetroot Mystery Mix... Apr 29 3 min 5 Essential Tips for Maintaining Healthy Soil in Your Garden Having a flourishing garden starts with nurturing healthy soil. Often overlooked, soil health is the foundation upon which vibrant plants th Feb 15 1 min Bristol Workshops 50 Ways To Cook has teamed up with Yuup to deliver 'Sustainable Food: Family Grow Your Own' workshops at Sparks Bristol. Feb 13 1 min Spring Natural Grow Kit The first 50 Ways To Cook Natural Grow Kit of 2024 is here! This year I will be trialling seasonal kits. There will be four coming out... Feb 13 1 min Sunflower Shoots - How to Grow Your Own Sunflower shoots can be grown all year round. All they need to grow is water and somewhere reasonably warm. They'll be ready to harvest in a 1 2 3 4 5 Subscribe to stay up to date with recipes and blog posts Thanks for subscribing! Subscribe Check this box to receive occasional marketing updates