No plant can grow without adequate fertilization. Sometimes they get enough nutrients from the soil, but if you find your plants are looking a bit less than green, it might be time to give your dirt a helping hand. Obviously, there is always the option of commercial fertilizers, but that can get expensive and some folks would simply prefer a DIY approach to fertilizer. It’s cheaper, and you have the confidence of knowing exactly what’s going in your soil. Here are four fertilizers that I know are cheap and easy to make. 4) CompostCompost is so easy to make, a kid could do it! But there are a few dos and don'ts regarding what you put in your compost bin. It should be entirely plant-based: grass clippings, leaves, newspapers, last year’s annuals; whatever! You can compost animal excrement as well, just as long as it is not from your dog or cat; goat, sheep, or rabbit droppings are best. Meat, eggs, and oils are big no-nos.; avoid at all costs. Stir and water your compost regularly to keep the environment healthy and you should have your own “gardener’s gold” in a matter of months. I’ll write a more in-depth article on composting another time, but these are the basics. 3) Rabbit ManureRabbits are probably one of the best critters to keep as a pet. They’re low maintenance, most of them are pretty friendly and best of all, they make great fertilizer. Veggies go in one end, fertilizer comes out the other! Best of all, unlike other animal manures, rabbit excrement can be applied to your garden beds without pre-composting! Even if you don’t or can’t own a rabbit yourself, you can find someone who does and bum some manure off them. I’m sure they’ll be glad to get rid of it. 2) Banana PeelsThis is not a fertilizer that I have used myself, but I will be trying it soon. According to this article, all you have to do is leave a banana peel in a jar of water for a week or so, and bam! You have an all-natural liquid fertilizer. 1) Worm CastingsWorms are awesome little creatures. They eat garbage and excrete the most nutrient-packed fertilizer money can’t buy! There are three ways to benefit from nature’s fertilizer machines:
And there you have it. Four fertilizers to make your plants healthy and green this summer. Thanks for reading, and be sure to share this article with your friend. Happy planting!
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AuthorI'm Ian Wilson, a slightly eccentric amateur horticulturist bumbling his way through the garden. Archives
October 2021
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Photos used under Creative Commons from PAUL (Van de Velde) -Fotografie, NSPaul, Acabashi, amandabhslater, Free Public Domain Illustrations by rawpixel, WILLPOWER STUDIOS, krossbow, Monkeystyle3000, TwinPeaks99, ungard, RifcaPeters, Sustainable Economies Law Center, daryl_mitchell, wuestenigel