Soil quality and fertility are paramount for a successful garden. Compost is one of the best amendments you can add to your soil. Fertilizer provides nutrients. It does not build the soil the way compost does.
Compost includes nutrients. It also provides trace minerals, beneficial fungi, and bacteria. If you build your soil with high quality compost and continue adding once or twice per season, you may not need fertilizer. It builds the soil. It supports balanced growth.
Organic fertilizer slowly releases its nutrients over time. It does not leach out of the soil fast. Synthetic fertilizers release a quick burst of nutrients, and what is not taken up by plants is released into the environment. Because synthetic fertilizers are water soluble, unused nutrients leach out quickly. Gardeners then continue to apply fertilizers, creating a cycle of dependency.
Organic fertilizers remain in the soil instead of running off. In appropriate amounts, they do not harm micro organisms in the soil. They contribute to healthy soil while providing nutrients to plants. Healthy soils grow productive crops.
One of the most common mistakes is to over fertilize. Not every plant problem is a deficiency in the soil. Plants show stress with watering, too much or too little. Cool springs or hot summers can signal stress as well. If other outside forces do not seem to be the problem, a soil test can show if your soil lacks necessary nutrients.
When fertilizer is needed, there are common organic options. An organic all purpose granular fertilizer delivers nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium over time. Mix it into the top six to eight inches of soil so nutrients are available as the root system grows.
Bone meal and rock phosphate are sources of phosphorus. Phosphorus will build up in the soil, so add only what is needed. These sources take time to break down into a form plants can use, so apply several months before planting.
Blood meal is a slow release nitrogen source. Nitrogen supports plants as they are becoming established. Fish emulsion is a liquid source of nitrogen. Dilute the solution in water and add it to the soil around the plant so it can go straight to the root system.
Seaweed fertilizer or liquid kelp is often used as a foliar spray. It is more effective on the leaves than on the soil. Use it during the growing season if plants need a low dose of nutrition.
Options for supplementing potassium include greensand or sulphate of pot ash. A soil test helps determine if you need to add potassium.
There are also ways to create fertilizer from garden waste and foraged materials. Garden compost is one. Comfrey fertilizer and nettle fertilizer are others. Worm castings and green manures can support different phases of a plant growth cycle by providing essential nutrients.
Comfrey fertilizer is high in potassium and supports healthy flower and fruit formation. To make liquid comfrey fertilizer, squeeze as many leaves as possible into a container, weigh them down, fill with rainwater, and leave sealed for about three weeks. Dilute one part comfrey fertilizer to ten parts water before applying.
Nettle fertilizer is high in nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Crush young nettle leaves, fill a bucket with as many leaves as you can, weigh them down, add rainwater, cover, and leave for about two weeks. Dilute one part nettle tea to ten parts water and apply to the base of plants.
Seaweed can be used as mulch or made into liquid fertilizer. Add seaweed to a bucket, cover it with rainwater, and leave to soak for about a month, stirring every few days. Dilute five parts rainwater to one part seaweed fertilizer and water the base of plants.
Aged animal manure makes nutrient rich compost. Fresh manure can burn plants and may contain weed seeds. Aging manure for several months allows heat in the composting action to break down salts and seeds. Manure tea can be made by steeping manure in water, then diluting it before applying to the soil.
Wood ash contains potash and trace elements such as calcium. It can reduce soil acidity but should be used sparingly. Apply a small amount of wood ash to your compost heap.
Vermiculture uses composting worms to turn kitchen scraps into worm castings and worm tea. Worm castings improve soil texture and water retention. Worm tea can be diluted and applied to the soil. It feeds the soil. It helps regulate moisture at plant roots.
Homemade garden compost remains the foundation. By mixing green waste, brown waste, moisture, and air, you transform garden waste into compost. Applied at least once a year, compost slowly releases organic nutrients that promote balanced growth. Through the action of worms, soil organisms, and plant roots, it improves aeration and soil structure.
In a well cared for garden, compost and good soil may provide what you need to feed your plants. There are times when supplemental fertilizer is helpful. When that time comes, organic fertilizers are a safer choice than synthetic options.
Take care of your soil and the soil will take care of your plants. It is not a quick fix. It is a steady practice. Over time, it supports strong roots, steady growth, and abundant crops of fruit and vegetables.