I used to harbor a fear of the word ‘fertilizer’, conjuring images of hazardous industrial products requiring protective gear to handle. While some synthetic fertilizers still make my nose twitch, I’ve come to realize there are numerous alternatives. In fact, many of these natural options are already part of our homesteading routine. Here, I’ll delve into the vast array of fertilizers you can use to enhance your garden’s fertility.
What is Fertilizer?
In essence, fertilizer refers to any substance applied to soil to enhance its fertility, which is crucial for nurturing healthy and thriving plants. Without adequate fertility, plants may become stunted, more susceptible to diseases, and attract unwanted pests. Typically, when people discuss fertility, they focus on the nutrients N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium).
However, in an organic garden setting, we also consider a broader range of factors, including trace minerals, biological life forms, and organic matter content that contribute to soil health. Notably, excessive or improper fertilizer use can have detrimental effects, rendering your plants toxic and even harming the environment. Fear not! This piece aims to provide valuable insights on fertilizers, empowering you to make informed decisions and cultivate a thriving garden.
What Does Organic Mean?
For many homesteaders, growing a thriving garden is not just about producing a bountiful harvest, but also about creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly ecosystem. We opt for creative approaches to enrich our soil, leveraging waste products like livestock manure, kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings to boost fertility. Furthermore, we prefer to construct healthy soils through composting, cover cropping, and crop rotation, rather than relying on chemical solutions.
In essence, the organic approach is about cultivating an ecological system that fosters biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. This mindset is not just a philosophical inclination, but also backed by legal definitions of organic agriculture. The key takeaway is that organic gardening is about nurturing living soils that continue to improve with time.
To put it simply, using organic methods means prioritizing practices that promote soil life over those that damage or hinder it.
Organic Soil Amendments
While making my own soil amendments at home, I’ve come to realize that not all of them meet the strict requirements for using the term ‘organic’ in a retail setting. For instance, organic compost must adhere to carbon-to-nitrogen ratios within the range of 25:1 to 40:1. In contrast, I’m more flexible with my own ratios, often adjusting them based on the materials at hand.
Similarly, when accepting free manure from local farmers – even if they’re not certified organic – or using non-certified straw and hay for my livestock, I don’t worry about the lack of official certification. With a large amount of compost required to build robust soil, I’ve learned to rely on my instincts rather than nitpicking every ingredient.
As such, I’m not opposed to accepting certain materials that might not meet stringent organic standards, but I do draw the line at using sewage – that’s one offer I wouldn’t hesitate to decline!
– NOP and OMRI
When I make purchases at the store, I prioritize buying products bearing NOP or OMRI-listed labels. While these certifications don’t guarantee absolute safety for my garden, they do indicate that someone with a deep understanding of organic agriculture – such as building soil health – has reviewed and verified the product’s compliance with organic standards. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) certification signifies that products meet the country’s legal requirements for organic labeling.
Similarly, the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute), a non-profit organization, verifies product manufacturers’ applications to ensure their offerings align with organic standards.
– Non-Organic Certified N-P-K Fertilizers
When it comes to fertilizers beyond compost, I believe NOP and OMRI identifiers hold immense importance. A stark example is applying a non-organic 10-10-10 fertilizer to an organic garden. This could undo years of soil building with a single application! Non-organic certified fertilizers often contain mined substances like ‘Nitrate of Soda’, a type of salt.
These amendments are quick-acting and can move rapidly through the soil, potentially washing out in a single rain event and exacerbating toxic algae blooms. Despite being inexpensive and highly concentrated, making them tempting to use, they’re akin to feeding microorganisms in your soil a candy diet. They might energize your garden initially, but ultimately send it crashing when the ‘sugar high’ wears off.
You don’t have to opt for certified organic amendments alone to achieve slow-acting fertilizers that won’t harm your soil. However, until you comprehend each fertilizer type’s characteristics, production process, and proper usage, NOP and/or OMRI listed products serve as safer choices for an organic garden.
Fertilizers for the Organically Grown Garden
As we’ve covered the importance of fertilizing your organically-grown garden, it’s time to explore the diverse range of options available. From natural and organic compounds to man-made supplements, each type of fertilizer has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
Compost
While often referred to as a type of fertilizer, compost is better understood as a soil conditioner that enhances the overall quality of your soil. Its primary benefits include improving tilth, increasing water-holding capacity, and introducing beneficial microorganisms. Furthermore, compost has the unique ability to transform your soil into a nutrient-rich environment, supporting plant growth and health.
Compost can even provide a concentrated source of essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), as well as a range of micronutrients including calcium, magnesium, and many others, depending on the specific composting methods employed.
Aged Compost (+/- 0.5-0.5-0.5)
The challenge lies in the unpredictable blend of nutrients found in every compost heap. Without expensive testing, it’s difficult to determine the exact composition of each batch. To overcome this hurdle, we employ a clever strategy – allowing our compost to mature for an extended period before incorporating it into our garden. This ‘aging’ process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, during which time the nutrients are gradually mellowed out.
The end result is not only a more balanced fertilizer but also the addition of humus, a vital component that enriches the soil and supports a thriving ecosystem.
Humus
Humus, a mysterious and beneficial substance, plays a crucial role in gardening without relying on excessive amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium (NPK). Despite scientists’ efforts to understand its effects, the precise mechanism behind humus’s ability to promote healthy plant growth remains unclear. One thing is certain, however: as humus levels increase in a garden, the need for NPK fertilizers decreases.
This observation has significant implications for gardening practices, suggesting that adding compost to soil may be more important than simply providing essential nutrients. By building up humus quantities, gardeners can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers over time, leading to a more sustainable and balanced approach to plant cultivation.
Beneficial Bacteria, Fungi, and Invertebrates
As a result of allowing compost to mature, it becomes home to an array of beneficial microorganisms. This includes diverse bacteria, fungi that thrive on woody and leafy matter, as well as other helpful organisms such as worms and insects that play a crucial role in the decomposition process. When you incorporate this rich compost into your garden soil, you simultaneously introduce these beneficial critters, effectively populating your garden with a thriving ecosystem.
Compost Comes First
To cultivate a thriving garden, it’s essential to have a solid foundation of rich, dark soil extending at least 2 feet deep. If your soil falls short in this regard, supplementing with 2-4 inches of well-aged compost annually will provide the necessary boost for optimal growth. Compost is the backbone of organic soil fertility and plays a crucial role in making other natural fertilizers effective.
Without a consistent supply of compost, the nutritional value of these products can be significantly diminished.
Manures
Manure from Down To Earth Distributors Inc. in Eugene, Oregon, can be utilized as either compost or fertilizer on the homestead. The majority of what we produce is manure compost, which adds organic matter and small amounts of N-P-K to the soil, enhancing fertility.
However, to preserve high levels of these nutrients, controlled carbon-to-nitrogen ratios are necessary, along with high-temperature composting using fresh materials (130°F to 160°F) and monitoring nutrient levels until they reach desired levels by drying or direct application to garden beds.
While some homesteaders may strive for precision in their composting process, many of us simply aren’t that meticulous.
By the time we collect our materials into a sizable pile, the window for preserving nutrients has likely passed. Consequently, N-P-K levels in our homemade compost typically fall below 1-1-1.
Chicken Manure (3-2-3)
Some animal manures are commercially processed into fertilizers rather than just composting them. A notable example is bagged chicken manure fertilizer, which may boast an N-P-K analysis of 3-2-3. Moreover, dehydrated and pelleted chicken manure can even contain up to 4-5% nitrogen, making it a valuable addition to your garden’s nutrient profile.
Bat Guano (10-3-1)
In addition to blood meal, bat guano is another unconventional fertilizer that packs a nutritional punch. Unlike its more common composted counterpart, guano has an impressive array of macronutrients, boasting nitrogen levels ranging from 10% and above, as well as phosphorus at around 3% and potassium at approximately 1%. This unique profile makes it an attractive option for gardeners looking to add a natural and potent boost to their plants.
Seabird Guano (0-11-0, Calcium)
While seabird guano may not be a significant source of nitrogen, it does boast impressive levels of other essential nutrients. Specifically, it contains a notable 11% concentration of phosphorous (0-11-0), making it an attractive option for gardeners seeking to boost their plants’ growth and development. Additionally, the guano also harbors a substantial 20% level of calcium, which can help to support healthy plant growth and development.
Worm Castings (1-0-0)
Worm manure, also known as vermicompost, is an innovative approach to composting where worms serve as the primary decomposers. In this method, you maintain a cooler compost pile that worms break down into nutrient-rich castings. One of the unique characteristics of worm castings is their low nitrogen content, making them suitable for plant growth. However, they are teeming with beneficial bacteria, which can support healthy plant development when used as fertilizer.
While worm castings offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to note that a significant amount (around 1 pound per 10 feet of garden bed) is required to serve as the primary fertilizer source. Alternatively, purchasing vermicompost can be quite costly.
Other Animal Manures
Despite the potential for high nitrogen levels in rabbit and alpaca manures, even when home-composted, it’s essential to consider the composting process and aging time. These factors significantly impact the resulting N-P-K composition. While they may still be considered compost, rather than concentrated fertilizers, their value lies in their nutrient-rich properties.
Green Manures
When it comes to incorporating cover crops into your soil management strategy, a key consideration is the role of green manures. These crop residues can be left on the surface or tilled in and allowed to break down naturally over time. A prime example of green manure is when you use a cover crop as either a mulch or incorporate it into your soil through the chop and drop method.
Legumes like clover, which have been grown with bacterial inoculant, are particularly effective at adding nitrogen and other essential nutrients to the soil. In fact, if timed correctly – typically just before flowering – these legumes can impart even more significant amounts of nitrogen back into the soil, making them a valuable addition to any sustainable agricultural system.
“Meal” Fertilizers
Bacterial or Mycorrhizal inoculants
Manufacturers of retail fertilizer mixes often supplement their products with bacterial or mycorrhizal inoculants. This is because they cannot guarantee that the soil in which the mix will be used already possesses adequate life to break down water-insoluble nutrients. To facilitate the breakdown process, they include these microorganisms in the mix. For gardeners looking to supercharge their gardens, it’s possible to purchase inoculants separately and add them to fertilizer mixes.
However, as long as a sufficient annual application of compost is maintained, the need for additional inoculants may be obviated.
Alfalfa Meal (2.5-0.5-2.5)
Although the product contains nitrogen, its slow-release rate means it’s often handled similarly to potassium-based fertilizers. In fact, when I incorporate it into my homemade blends, I mentally categorize it as a 0-0-2.5, effectively treating the nitrogen as a secondary component.
Blood Meal (12-0-0)
When it comes to immediately available organic nitrogen, I turn to blood meal – a powdered form of blood that’s a game-changer for my plants. For my high-nitrogen needs crops like corn, lettuce, or cabbage that seem sluggish, I’ll side dress with blood meal and follow up with a good watering. I typically start with half the recommended dose on the bag, but if needed, I’ll add more a week or two later.
Beyond its direct plant benefits, blood meal is also an effective compost pile activator – just be aware that it may attract meat-eating pests like rats and raccoons, although it can also help deter vegetarians like deer, mice, and rabbits.
Bone Meal (2-13-0, Calcium)
Phosphorus-rich bone meal, typically made from dried and ground cow bones, is an excellent natural fertilizer. In addition to its high phosphorus content, it also contains significant amounts of calcium. While it does contain some nitrogen, the release rate is slow, making it less relevant for calculating nutrient levels. For simplicity’s sake, I categorize bone meal as a 0-13-0 source of nutrients, with calcium being another notable benefit.
Corn Gluten Meal (0.5-0.5-1)
While corn gluten meal’s fertility levels are relatively low, its potential as a tool for mitigating fungal pathogens in soil has garnered significant attention. This affordable and accessible option has become a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts seeking to balance their soil’s microbiome.
Crab Meal (4-3-0, 20%)
Crab meal, often overlooked as a byproduct of crab meat production, offers a unique set of benefits for gardeners. When compared to traditional chicken manure fertilizer, crab meal is an attractive alternative for those looking to manage potassium levels in their soil. The high calcium content within crab meal also makes it an excellent choice for tomato cultivation, providing the essential mineral boost necessary for optimal fruit development.
Cottonseed Meal (6-2-1)
When it comes to plant-based nitrogen-rich soil amendments, this option stands out for its slow-release properties and lack of animal-derived components. With a slow-release mechanism, the benefits won’t be immediate, but they will be consistent over time. To maximize its effectiveness, consider combining it with fresh compost for optimal results.
Feather Meal (13-0-0)
I’m particularly fond of utilizing feather meal as a slow-release nitrogen source. When combined with compost, it allows me to reap great benefits without needing to reapply every four weeks – instead, I can go up to eight weeks between applications. Additionally, I take pride in being able to repurpose a significant amount of the estimated 9 billion chickens consumed annually in the US by utilizing their waste products in my garden, thereby giving back to the environment.
Fish Bone Meal (3-16-0)
Fish bones share similar properties with livestock bone meal in terms of providing phosphorus-rich nutrients to your plants. Unlike other natural fertilizers, the nitrogen release from fish bones is extremely slow, rendering it virtually insignificant. Additionally, they contain calcium, further enriching the soil’s nutritional profile.
Fish Meal (8-6-0)
While fish meal offers a unique combination of slow-release nitrogen and immediate phosphorus availability, its high cost makes it less appealing to me. However, for individuals living near areas where it’s produced, the proximity can make it a more viable option.
Horn and Hoof Meal (12-2-0)
While some organic gardeners have successfully utilized horn and hoof meal as a primary nitrogen source, it’s not as widely available as other options. Similar in its slow-release properties to feather meal, this alternative nitrogen source is gaining popularity among eco-friendly farmers.
Kelp Meal (1-0-2)
When discussing the nutrient profile of kelp meal, it’s essential to note that it offers a unique combination of slow-release nitrogen and rapid-release potassium. As such, similar to alfalfa meal, I categorize kelp meal mainly as a potassium-rich additive, with its nitrogen content serving as a secondary benefit.
Neem Seed Meal (6-1-2)
Recently, I stumbled upon neem seed meal, a natural wonder that’s been lying in wait for me to discover its potential. As someone who regularly employs neem oil to tackle fungal pathogens and pest issues in my garden, it only makes sense that the seed meal would share similar characteristics. According to my research, neem seed meal functions as a soil conditioner, working in tandem with the oil to prevent the proliferation of fungal problems and deter unwanted pests from invading your crops.
With its impressive range of benefits, I’m excited to explore the possibilities this natural marvel has to offer.
Shrimp Meal (6-6-0)
This shrimp industry by-product boasts a relatively small amount of fast-release nitrogen (less than 1%), making it primarily a slow release source of nitrogen. Additionally, it serves as a rich source of immediately available phosphorus. For those who concoct their own seed starting soil mixes and incorporate fertilizer, this by-product is an excellent choice for providing balanced N-P levels.
Soybean Meal (7-1-2)
While soybean meal is commonly utilized as an animal feed additive owing to its exceptional protein levels, it also holds value as a natural fertilizer for gardening purposes. The slow release of nitrogen from this organic material makes it an ideal supplement for promoting healthy plant growth and development.
Foliar Sprays
Organic farmers frequently employ a range of methods beyond traditional soil-based amendments to promote healthy plant growth. One effective approach is the application of foliar sprays, which enables plants to rapidly absorb essential nutrients through their leaf surfaces. By targeting the undersides of leaves with these sprays, growers can provide immediate nourishment to their crops.
Compost Tea
Compost tea is a innovative method for harnessing the nutritional value of compost and delivering it directly to plants. By incorporating techniques like aeration and fermentation, you can enhance the microbial content in your compost, making its water-soluble nutrients more accessible to your plants. Recent studies suggest that the key to compost tea’s effectiveness may not be the nutrients themselves, but rather the beneficial bacteria they support.
As such, maximizing bacterial count through proper brewing techniques is crucial for optimal results from compost tea applications.
Liquid Fish Fertilizers
Hydrolized fish fertilizers employ an enzymatic process to transform fishing industry by-products into nutrient-rich compounds, renowned for their superior quality at a higher cost. In contrast, fish emulsions are produced through a thermal process that involves heating these by-products to release their nutrients, followed by concentration. While generally more affordable than hydrolized products, some users express concern over the potential chlorine residue generated during processing.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses plays a crucial role in compost tea as a bacterial activator and feed source for beneficial bacteria. Its unique property also makes it an excellent source of water-soluble potassium, containing up to 6% of this essential nutrient. When used correctly, blackstrap molasses can be applied to leaves on a weekly basis to achieve optimal results.
Trace Mineral Fertilizers
In my gardening endeavors, I primarily rely on organic matter such as manures, meals, and foliar sprays to meet the nutritional needs of my plants. While these natural sources cover most of what my garden requires, there are instances where supplementing with mined minerals makes sense. One instance is when it comes to potassium, which can be challenging to obtain in sufficient quantities solely through organic means.
Similarly, trace micronutrients like those found in ancient sea salt beds offer an efficient and convenient way to provide essential nutrients to my plants.
Azomite (trace minerals)
Azomite’s comprehensive profile of micronutrients makes it an attractive option for many gardeners. Nevertheless, one potential concern is the risk of excessive aluminum accumulation in the soil, which warrants careful consideration.
Greensand (0-0-3)
This innovative soil conditioner enhances water retention and supplies slow-release potassium to your soil, while boasting notable levels of iron and magnesium. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when using this product if your soil already contains high concentrations of these minerals, particularly magnesium. Excessive magnesium can impede calcium uptake by plants, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of nutrients in your garden.
Langbeinite (0-0-22)
A stand-out feature of this product is its ability to provide a steady, slow-release supply of potassium, making it suitable for even the most delicate plant species. Beyond its potassium content, it’s also rich in magnesium and sulfur, offering a comprehensive nutrient profile that supports robust growth and overall plant health.
Sea Salt (trace minerals)
A multitude of sea salt-based supplements are available for gardening enthusiasts, each offering a rich array of micronutrients that can significantly enhance soil conditioning. By incorporating these products into your garden’s ecosystem, you can expect to see improvements in soil structure and overall fertility.
Rock Phosphate
While rock phosphate is largely known for its phosphorus content, it may also include minor amounts of other essential minerals. Notably, most rock phosphate products do not carry organic certification. Nevertheless, there exist some natural sources that conform to the standards, offering an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking a more sustainable solution.
Other Rock Dusts
Beyond the popular rock dusts, other options exist for those looking to enhance their garden’s natural beauty. These alternatives come from various sources such as rock mining or river dredging. While they may not provide precise mineral analysis, they can still serve a dual purpose – improving soil texture and adding essential trace nutrients.
In my personal experience, I’ve found that having a granite quarry nearby has been incredibly beneficial for my garden, allowing me to utilize this natural resource to its fullest potential.
Conclusion
With this list of fertilizers as your foundation, you’re ready to start exploring the art of creating custom blends at home. Not only can this approach save you money, but it also allows for greater control over your gardening regimen, tailoring your nutrient intake to suit your specific needs. Keep in mind that the N-P-K values provided are estimates, as they may vary slightly between manufacturers.
When making comparisons, remember that these figures represent a percentage of the product’s weight. To ensure accurate purchasing decisions, multiply the percentage by the bag weight. By using different soil amendments and switching up your routine, you can promote biodiversity in your garden just as you would in your soil. This variation will help prevent an overload of particular nutrients, ensuring a balanced and healthy growing environment.
As you strive to cultivate a thriving and bountiful garden, may your efforts be rewarded with fertility and fruitfulness.
