Natural Fertilizers

In my experience when it comes to fertilizers, natural is actually better. Not only is it beneficial to the environment, but you can make most of these options at home with minimal effort and minimal cost. It makes sense that growing something natural (plants) with something else natural yields better results.

Mycorrhizae – Prehistoric beneficial fungi that bind to roots, creating an interconnected system that improves stress resilience, drought resistance, and transplant success. These fungi played an integral role in the first formation of plants 500 million years ago.

Epsom Salt – Corrects magnesium deficiencies, which cause leaves to yellow. Can be used very sparingly in tropical plants and orchids to improve leaf health and bloom production. Typically used for garden plants like tomatoes and roses.

Coffee Grounds – Acidic additive. Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients over time. Use sparingly, mixed into soil or steeped in water to use on watering days.

Banana Peel Tea – Excellent liquid supplement booster for tropical plants and herbs. Potassium, phosphorous and calcium. Low in Nitrogen. Soak peels in water for 2-3 days, then blend or remove peels. Use to water plants. Not for routine indoor use, as it can attract pests.

Alfalfa Meal – In New Mexico, there’s alfalfa absolutely everywhere. You can make alfalfa meal by drying and grinding your own. Store in airtight jar/container. Adds Nitrogen, Potassium, trace minerals, triacontanol—a natural compound that stimulates nutrient uptake and protein synthesis. Stimulates foliage and root growth, and stronger stems.

Worm Castings – Provides Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, and copper. Introduces beneficial bacteria and fungi. Improves water retention and soil structure. Neutral pH. Because of the nutrient ratios, worm castings should be used in addition to other fertilization methods. Can be made at home through process of Vericomposting. Highly sustainable; uses earth worms to break down kitchen waste.

Compost – Can be made at home by layering “green materials” (food, coffee grounds and plant scraps) with “brown materials” (dried leaves, cardboard, woody yard waste). Best done directly on the ground to allow for healthy microbes but can also be done in bags or closed containers.

Chicken Manure - Excellent additive to your compost. Any manure should ideally be aged or composted, to reduce harmful bacteria and ammonia levels, especially when using on food crops.

Seaweed Extract - Provides key plant hormones that increase growth, resilience and crop yield. Can be diluted and sprayed on foliage, or used as a watering additive.

Fish Emulsion - Created from fish byproducts. Promotes healthy soil microbes. Contains nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Use sparingly indoors—smell is very strong.

Bone Meal - Created from slaughterhouse waste. Contains phosphorus and calcium. Can be used as a soil additive or sprinkled over top before watering. Supports healthy foliage and blooms.

Blood Meal - Also created from slaughterhouse waste. Enhances soil microbes, stimulates rapid leafy growth. Excellent for vegetable gardens and for flowering plants prior to blooming. Must be used in small quantities to avoid burnt roots. Best to be diluted in water but can be sprinkled over top of soil before watering.

Eggshell Tea - Dried and crushed, boiled in 1L water. Stimulates growth and cell wall strength. Improves soil structure. Increases soil alkalinity.

Onion Peel - Can make liquid or powder version. Provides potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Deters pests. Stimulates growth and bloom production.
For liquid: soak peels in 1Lwater for 24-48 hrs until water turns dark. Strain and dilute.
For powder: Dry peels, then crush into powder. Can use oven to speed up drying. Sprinkle powder over top of soil.

Potato Peel - Soak peels of 1-2 potatoes in 1L water for 24-72 hrs. Blend together and use to water plants.

Garlic Water - Antimicrobial. Used for orchids as a pest deterrent and growth stimulator. Chop/crush 2-3 cloves and soak in 1L water for 24-72 hrs. Dilute further before using to water plants.

Ginger Water - Antimicrobial. Used for orchids as a growth stimulator. Chop approx. 10g and soak in 1L water for 24-72 hrs. Dilute further before using to water plants.