7 Homemade Fertilizers that Save You Money

Who says you have to spend a big load of cash on overly priced chemical products? Here are seven homemade fertilizers that can save you money and help the earth by recycling, naturally.

Organic Fertilizers Versus Synthetic Fertilizers

A significant nutrition problem today is the quality of food. We find ourselves complaining more and more that fruits, vegetables, and cereals no longer have the same flavor, taste, smell, and nutrient content as they used to.

Expert websites like homemakerguide keep on warning us on the harmful effects of genetically modified seeds, but also on the impact of chemical elements necessary we use to infest the soil with.

The answer to all of this is natural soil fertilization. It is one of the quintessential principles of growing vegetables ecologically. Many of us don’t know that we can create our natural homemade fertilizer with simple household items. It can help us in saving a lot of time and money in the process.

Benefits of Using Natural Fertilizers

One of the main reasons for which so many farmers choose the organic way over chemical products is the natural processes behind it. When using eco-friendly homemade products, the process that follows is very much like the decomposition that occurs in nature for organic matter, creating the best natural fertilizer.

The most critical aspect is that of removing the dangers posed by the powerful chemicals present in commercial products. Not to mention, it’s absolutely (or almost) free! On top of this, essential items are far less concentrated than chemical ones.

It means that you will have to use them more often, but they will not burn your seedlings, and they will increase the level of water retained by the soil. In times of drought, this can be a true blessing, and the best part, you can create all of them in your home.

7 Organic Homemade Fertilizers You Can Make at Home:

Banana Peels (+ Recipe)

To grow and to make flowers or fruits, plants first need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which should be found in appropriate quantities in the soil.

Banana peels constitute a great source of potassium, and what you can do instead of throwing them away is to place them underneath the mulch, on the soil. Banana peels are particularly helpful for fertilizing rose bushes.

Eggshells (+Recipe)

Whether you are a farmer that has chickens or you are an avid egg consumer, gathering a decent amount of shells shouldn’t pose a problem.

If you’re wondering how to make fertilizer at home from them, the answer is quite simple. Wash them, crush them after they dry and place the dried eggshells on the soil, along with plants that need calcium, such as peppers and tomatoes.

An added benefit of using crushed eggshells is they are a natural deterrent for slugs and other pests.

In addition to adding them to the soil, seeds can be planted directly in eggshells. Once they establish a root system and a couple of leaves they can be transplanted directly into the garden. The extra boost of calcium is fantastic for peppers and tomato plants.

Coffee Grounds

It’s safe to say that coffee can be found in almost any household out there. Getting your hands on coffee grounds should be pretty easy and your plants will benefit from them even more than you will.

Used coffee grounds make great homemade fertilizer as they are rich in nitrogen, providing essential acid especially for tomatoes and blueberries. They can be sprinkled all over the soil, right before watering.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is not just an excellent ingredient for hot baths, but also a fantastic source of magnesium hydrated sulfate. It is a critical factor in the growth process of most plants, helping flowers bloom and amplifying the green color of the leaves.

Tea (+ Recipe)

Green tea leaves are not only perfect for tasty infusions, but also a tremendous homemade fertilizer. You can use both fresh leaves and already infused ones. Since they are extremely rich in nitrogen, they can improve the composition of soil both in a garden and in flower pots.

As a homemade fertilizer, tea is a valuable source of nutrients for plants, and you won’t have to spend an extra dime to get it.  All you have to do is sprinkle the used leaves/remnants on the soil around the plants.

Wood Ash

The best wood ashes for your soil and plants come from hardwoods like oak, or softwoods such as pine. The first ones will be richer in nutrients, but both of them are an incredible source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous.

Compost

Compost is best used in the form of tea. If you have gathered a generous pile of compost, all you have to do is to pour it in hot boiling water. The same way you would prepare your favorite tea.

Compost tea is a great nutritious source for plants, and probably the best natural fertilizer out there. The microbes present in the compost are vital for your plants, so you should avoid boiling it in chlorinated water, as this can kill them.

Compost tea is also an extremely helpful source of nutrients if you choose to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs using a hydroponic (or soil-less) growing system.

Conclusion

When it comes to gardening, fertilization is an essential process. Without it, the soil can’t get all the nutrients it needs to survive. Instead of buying the first chemical-based products from the store, you can reconsider the organic items already available in your household and kitchen, and come up with much more natural and beneficial solutions.

Follow the guidelines described above, and not only obtain a more natural, organic, and ecologic alternative, but you will also save yourself a great deal of time and money.