I don’t like the idea of having to add chemicals to my garden. Do you grow your own vegetables too? Then you probably don’t want to eat vegetables that have been boosted with toxic chemicals, do you?
Not to mention the financial aspect, which is not insignificant for this kind of product. So why wouldn’t you make your own natural fertilizers for your garden, instead of buying harmful and expensive products?
Don’t worry! It’s easy, profitable and healthier for the whole family.
Basically, plants need only 3 main nutrients to thrive: N.P.K, i.e. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen is needed for the growth of green leaves and stems, phosphorus for flowers and fruit, and potassium for plant health.
But plants also need micronutrients. Some of these include magnesium, calcium and sulphur. Now that you know how it works, here are the 7 best natural garden fertilizers that you can easily make yourself.
1. Coffee grounds :
Coffee grounds are a natural fertilizer that not only adds nitrogen to poor soil, but also increases soil acidity. It is particularly appreciated by roses, hydrangeas, magnolias and rhododendrons.
You can add up to 25% coffee grounds to the soil at the base of the plants. This also improves the organic matter in the soil. Discover 18 uses for coffee grounds here.
Read the rest of the article on the next page for tips on how to make your own garden fertilizer
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2. Banana peel :
Containing a lot of potassium, phosphorus and calcium, banana peels are perfect for flowering and plant reproduction. Simply bury a peel in the soil at the base of the plant and let it decompose.
You can also freeze over-ripe bananas instead of throwing them away. Then bury them next to a needy plant as soon as a need arises. If you prefer to use a sprayer, let a banana peel steep in water for 2 to 3 days, then use the water to spray on plants or seedlings.
3. Epsom salt :
Epsom salt adds magnesium and sulphur to the soil. It is especially good for tomatoes and roses. Epsom salt water is ideal for sowing and also to reduce the shock of transplanting. Known to give plants a dark green color, especially on soils with low magnesium content, it’s a quick and simple recipe.
To do this, put 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 4 liters of water. Use this mixture for indoor and outdoor plants. The Epsom salt can also be mixed into the soil around the plants at a rate of 1 tablespoon for every 60 cm high plant and watered.
4. Egg shells :
Eggshells are very rich in calcium, which is necessary for good plant growth. If you’ve ever had tomato flowers rotting on your tomato plants, you probably have calcium-deficient soil. To remedy this, crush egg shells and bury them below the soil surface.
For best results, you can also use a spray by mixing 20 eggshells with 4 liters of water. Boil the eggshells in water for a few minutes and then let them steep in the water overnight. Use a strainer and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the ground.
5. Cut grass infusion :
Here’s a great way to get a high-nitrogen fertilizer: use grass clippings. The recipe is very simple and allows you to recycle the mowed lawn. Fill a 25-litre bucket with freshly cut grass and cover with water.
Let it remain for 3 to 5 days. Dilute this infusion of grass at a ratio of one part infusion to nine parts water. Then water your plants.
6. Infusion of organic compost :
Produced in exactly the same way as the cut grass infusion, but with organic compost. Put some organic compost in a bucket and cover it with water. Let it macerate for 2 or 3 days, then filter it.
This gives a much richer liquid with a variety of nutrients, perfect for any plant. Dilute before use so that it has an amber color (no darker). You can spray it or water plants during the growing season only.
7. Cooking water :
Don’t throw away any more of your vegetable cooking water! Why not? Because it’ s rich in nutrients and mineral salts necessary for plant growth. To do this, simply let the cooking water cool down and water your vegetable garden with it. Easy and ecological, isn’t it? Discover 14 ways to reuse cooking water.
Now it’s your turn…
Don’t hesitate to put aside the eggshells and the coffee. You’ll save money and create a healthier environment for your plants and the planet. Do you know of other natural fertilizers for the garden? Share them by email. We look forward to hearing from you ! Do you like this tip ?
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