A low-cost fertilizer for your plants? You can try using milk
Anyone who loves taking care of plants is always looking for effective methods to keep them thriving. Most gardeners have various (expensive) plant products in their sheds, but sometimes it is also possible to resort to DIY methods and potions. One of these is milk and this can act as a fertilizer if used correctly.
Read on to find out more:
Milk as a fertilizer for plants: but what type?
Creativo
When we talk about using milk as a fertilizer for plants, we generally mean cow's milk. Specifically, the best appears to be skimmed milk with a low fat content. This discovery was made by accident by a farmer who poured his processed milk waste on his plants (after removing the fat to make butter).
Over time, this Nebraska farmer, David Wetzel, saw that his cows were "competing" to graze on grass where he had poured the low-fat milk waste. In this area, the grass was green and healthy and definitely tastier for his cows! A researcher found out about this and decided to investigate the phenomenon.
What effect does milk have on plants?
Creativo
This research has shown that where the land is "watered" with milk - diluted/skimmed - grass production rises by up to 26%. Furthermore, the soil itself becomes softer, becoming more porous and capable of better absorbing water and air.
According to scientists, it is the natural enzymes and bacteria present in milk that stimulate microbial activity in the soil. Furthermore, milk contains a a number of elements (proteins, sugars and more) that promote plant growth.
It is believed that milk can:
- Prevent plant buds from rotting before flowering, thanks to the calcium present in it;
- Functions as an antifungal substance, especially against powdery mildew.
How to use milk on plants
The important thing to remember when using milk on plants is to dilute it with enough water. Typically, a 15% solution is recommended: thus, 150 ml of milk diluted in 1 liter of water, for example. Then, simply pour this mixture at the base of the plants.
Remember that this fertilization should only be done occassionally: "over-milking" could lead to the formation of mold.
Would you like to try using milk as fertilizer in your garden?
