When it comes to powering plants naturally, organic fertilizers are the perfect choice for boosting vegetable plants and flowers.
But in the process, they also provide an incredible secondary benefit – they build better soil!
Natural fertilizers, unlike synthetic counterparts, add humus, structure and important elements and minerals to the soil. All of which work to create a better growing medium for plants with each passing year.
Here is a look at 5 of the best organic fertilizers to use to power your plants – and your soil:
5 Organic Fertilizers To Power Plants
# 1 Compost
Compost is one of the best natural sources of fertilizer around. And it also happens to be an incredible soil builder too.
Compost is teeming with minerals and nutrients. It is perfect for working into planting holes for vegetable plants, annual flowers and perennials.
And it is equally helpful in the planting holes of trees, shrubs and bushes too.
Compost can also be used on top of the soil around plants as an energizing mulch. Not only will it keep out weeds and help retain moisture, but it will also leach nutrients directly into the soil.
#2 Worm Castings
When it comes to organic fertilizers, worm castings are an amazing source of nutrients for plants.
Worms leave behind a perfectly balanced blend of organic nutrients as they chew through soil. These droppings, or castings as they are called, work like magic to power plants.
Adding a quarter cup of castings per planting hole provides a slow-release of nutrients to flowers and vegetables. They can also be worked into the top soil layer of baskets and containers for the same effect. Product Link : Unco Pure Worm Castings
#3 Compost / Casting Tea – Liquid Organic Fertilizers
Although compost and worm castings are amazing by themselves, they can also create powerful fertilizing teas. Ones that gives quick strength to plants with absorption of nutrients through the soil, and the foliage of plants.
And it couldn’t be easier to make!
All it takes is a little water, and a bit of compost or worm castings. Simply steep the ingredients in water, and then use the tea when watering. The liquid provides a quick boost of nutrients that plants soak up. See : How To Make Compost Tea
# 4 Spent Coffee Grounds
Believe it or not, those coffee grounds left behind from your morning cup of Joe have serious power.
In fact, they are one of the best organic fertilizers around!
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen and other trace minerals that help to build soil vitality. And vegetable plants, as well as perennial and annual flowers use that nitrogen to bloom and produce.
To use, either work into the ground when planting, or spread grounds around the base of plants as they grow.
#5 Manure Chicken / Rabbit / Cow / Horse
It doesn’t get more natural and organic with fertilizers than manure! But the manure from chickens, rabbits, cows and horses can be a tremendous source of natural fertilizer for all kinds of plants. That is, when used correctly.
Manure is great for working into soil to build in long-term nutrients. But be sure to never use fresh around plants.
Fresh manure can be so full of nutrients they can actually overpower and burn plants. But by letting the manure age and dry, the nutrients become far more stable.
Fresh manure can be steeped in water to create a powerful liquid fertilizer. But it should be applied in limited amounts, and only around the root zones of plants, and not the foliage.
The best time to apply manure to the soil is in the fall or early spring, when it has time to break down before planting begins.
Here is to powering your plants to new heights with organic fertilizers this year! And more importantly, knowing what is, and what isn’t going into your soil.
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