How to Make Homemade Organic Fertilizer for Your Garden

Do you want to make your plants healthy but are not interested in spending money on fertilizer? No worries, there is no need to buy fertilizer. It might sound a little strange to make homemade organic fertilizer. Yes, it is possible to thrive your garden with DIY versions that require items from your backyard and pantry.

Just forget about all the chemical concoctions out there. You will be amazed by knowing that a range of nutritious plant food sources is already there. It is not difficult as it seems to make organic plant fertilizer at home. Keep reading to determine carefully if the below-mentioned fertilizers fit perfect for your needs. 

Benefits of homemade organic fertilizer 

1) Safe for everyone

As you already know that homemade organic fertilizer doesn't come with any kind of synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. So, it will be safe for both pets and humans. As with the case of commercial fertilizer, which comes with a high risk of toxicity, homemade fertilizer is the opposite. Such fertilizer results in less toxicity risk if it gets exposed to the skin or gets ingested.

2) Cost-effective

If someone makes organic fertilizer, then it can be considered a cost-effective alternative. Most of the ingredients which are vital for homemade fertilizer, like yard waste can be available readily or even free. Overall, there will be a reduction in your gardening expenses. 

3) Nutrient-rich soil

You can boost your soil fertility by meeting your soil's essential nutrients and improving its structure. A slow-release supply and balance of nutrients can be expected with it. Also, you will notice that there is a boost in the soil's microbial activity, which is strong enough to support a beneficial soil ecosystem.

4) Improved plant health

Homemade fertilizers come with a range of nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, etc which are vital for plant growth. Such nutrients get released steadily and slowly. With this, a consistent supply can be expected without even risking the nutrient imbalance.

Ways to make homemade organic fertilizer 

1) Manure Tea

Manure tea is considered an excellent liquid fertilizer that can easily provide your plants with nutrients. By steeping animal manure in water anyone can make it at home. Here's how to make manure tea:

• It is better to collect aged animal manure like chicken or cow manure. The reason is that fresh manure can easily burn plants, and that's why it is always preferred to use well-aged manure.
• Take a large bucket or container, then fill it with water. You can add the manure to the water by using 1 part manure to 5 parts water. Let this mixture steep for around 3 to 5 days, but make sure to stir them.
• It's time to strain the liquid by removing any kind of solid particles. Before applying manure tea to plants, just dilute it with water.
• You can pour this liquid fertilizer around your plant's base. During the growing season, make sure to apply the manure tea every two weeks.

2) Epsom Salt Solution

Epsom salt is considered one of the perfect sources of sulfur and magnesium, which are a must for the development of plants. Here's how to make an Epsom salt solution:

• Firstly, take 1 gallon of water, then add around 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt. Until the Epsom salt dissolved fully, just keep stirring the solution.
• Now, your Epsom salt solution is ready. You can use it as a spray for your leaves or just water it in the plant. You can use this solution every 4-6 weeks for giving a nutrient boost to plants present in the garden.

3) Composting

In terms of organic gardening, compost acts as its foundation, which makes it a perfect homemade fertilizer. With composting, you can easily turn your organic matter into nutrient-rich produce. Here's how to create compost:

• You can designate an area in your garden or just purchase a compost bin. Start collecting kitchen scraps like tea leaves, eggshells, vegetable peels, etc. 
• You can also try yard waste such as small branches, leaves, etc. However, there is no need to try oily materials and dairy products because they can slow down your composting process.
• Start layering organic matter but keep in mind the balance between green and brown. In this, green stands for nitrogen-rich matter like kitchen scraps. On the other hand, brown matter stands for a carbon-rich matter like dry leaves.
• The best way to boost the decomposition and aerate the compost is by turning them regularly. Also, there is no need to waterlog your compost, but at least keep them moist.
• With time, you can spot the difference in their appearance as compost will turn crumbly and dark. Now, your compost is all set to use as a kind of natural fertilizer in the garden.

4) Comfrey Fertilizer

Among the herbaceous plant, comfrey is one of them, which comes with high nutrient content like calcium and potassium. You can turn it into a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Follow these steps to make comfrey fertilizer:

• If you can wait, then it is better to grow comfrey plants. If not, then buy them from the store, or even you can propagate them from root divisions or cuttings. 
• Now, it's time to harvest your comfrey leaves. You can cut those plants close to the base. Don't forget to leave some leaves on it to continue their growth. It is preferred to chop comfrey leaves for facilitating decomposition.
• Take a container like a barrel or a bucket to place all your chopped leaves. Cover your comfrey leaves by adding water to them. Now, cover your container with a cloth or lid but make sure air is circulating. 
• Just wait for 2 to 3 weeks to let your mixture steep but don't forget to stir them. When the liquid turns dark and develops a strong odor, then it will be all set to use.

5) Banana Peel Fertilizer

When we talk about potassium, the first thing which comes to mind is banana. Banana peels are the perfect nutrient source for fruiting and flowering plants. Follow these steps to make banana peel fertilizer:

• You can blend banana peels in a food processor or even cut them down into small pieces. It's time to bury in soil those banana peel pieces by digging small holes. 
• Also, for a few days, soak those banana peels in water and after that, you can use it as a liquid fertilizer for plants. 
• Your plants will grow healthy when nutrients like potassium can be released into the soil when those banana peel start decomposition. 

Conclusion 

You can adjust the homemade fertilizer application by monitoring the response of your plants. However, it is better to consider the particular kind of plant's nutrient requirement and further choose the appropriate fertilizer for you. If you're into gardening, then homemade organic fertilizer is a rewarding approach that will be beneficial for your garden.