This article will tell you how to make your own organic fertilizer using natural ingredients that you probably already have in your own home. Homemade organic fertilizers are cheap, easy to make, do not pollute the earth and are safe for your kids to play in. Use these formulas to make a difference in your garden while still keeping it free of artificial chemicals.
Homemade fertilizer one: chopped up banana peels, eggshells and coffee grinds.
Wondering what to do with your old banana peels, eggshells and coffee grinds? Well here is a way you can put them to good use. Banana’s, eggshells, and coffee grinds all contain nutrients that plants need to grow. Banana peels are especially good at nourishing roses. Eggshells contain potassium and calcium which are necessary for plant growth. They are especially beneficial for outdoor flowers, fruits and vegetables. Coffee grinds contain nitrogen. These three ingredients combined can do wonders for your garden.
To fertilize plants chop up eggshells and bananas and mix with used coffee grinds. Work this mixture into the soil around your plants. Place a thin layer near the roots of your plants to discourage vermin.
Homemade fertilizer two: Soaking Leaves
Oak leaves are another good source of fertilizer. If any oak trees grow near you, take the fallen leaves from the ground and put them in a pail filled one third with water. Allow the pail to sit outside for a week or until the water has turned a deep brown. Then pour over the roots of your plants. This fertilizer is especially effective with shrubs.
Homemade fertilizer three: Vinegar
Vinegar has been hailed as a fertilizer for centuries. It contains 50 important minerals and will lower the pH of your soil which is often too high for plants. To apply to your garden mix one pint of vinegar with two gallons of water and pour around plants. They should soon appear much greener.
Homemade fertilizer four: Tea
Used tea leaves are no longer something to be thrown away after use. Reduce garbage and fertilizer your yard by putting used tea leaves around the base of plants. For best effects, there is no need to apply a tea bag more than once a month per plant. To encourage repeated blooming you should try to apply tea leaves when plants first begin flowering. Tea bags are especially good for orchids.
Homemade fertilizer five: Epsom Salt
You can also fertilize your plants with Epsom salt. For best results mix one cup ammonia, one cup Epsom salt and half a gallon of water. Use a lawn sprayer to water your plants with this concoction. It should be enough to cover a 2500 foot area. You can also mix Epsom with potted plants to encourage growth. The magnesium and sulfate in Epsom is especially good for houseplants, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes.
All these organic fertilizers work by providing different nutrients to plants. For best results you can mix more than one fertilizing method over the course of the year. Note that different fertilizing methods are having varying degrees of effectiveness with different plants. Fertilizing your plants in this way will save money, your time, and the environment.
