DIY plant fertilizers? Easy to prepare, natural and effective
Improving the well-being of our plants is the goal of every home gardener, and among the many things we can provide for our plants, one of the most important is fertilizer. This is a necessity to ensure the plants always receive the correct supply of nutrients and stay lush and vibrant.
Commercial fertilizers are often laboratory-produced, making them less environmentally friendly, in addition to being relatively expensive. However, we often forget to consider a decidedly cheaper, effective alternative: a DIY fertilizer. Each plant has its specific needs, and only by understanding these properly can we provide the right nourishment by preparing a fertilizer at home, using recycled organic materials.
A good fertilizer must, in any case, provide a plant with the three essential elements for its growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By releasing these elements into the soil, the plant can absorb them, resulting in a healthier and more robust appearance, increasing the growth rate and producing more beautiful flowers.
But how do you prepare a good homemade fertilizer? Here are some useful tips:
Fertilizer based on lemon juice or citric acid and sugar
Lemon juice is an important source of various compounds beneficial for our plants, particularly citric and malic acids. These acids slightly acidify the soil's pH levels, promoting the absorption of essential nutrients through the roots. Additionally, the sugars present in lemon juice provide the carbon necessary for photosynthesis. You can use bottled lemon juice or squeeze fresh lemons, mixing the juice with water until the solution reaches a pH of 5.8.
If you prefer using citric acid, consider adding malic acid to the solution (one part malic acid for every ten parts citric acid) to enhance its efficacy. Sugar is a necessary ingredient as an energy source, providing the plant with the carbon needed for photosynthesis, as mentioned earlier.
Even cut flowers can benefit from this mixture. Add one teaspoon of citric acid and one teaspoon of sugar to a vase, and you'll notice your flowers will last longer.
Other DIY natural fertilizers
Several other products can be used to create a cheap, good DIY fertilizer:
- Vegetable scraps: Put onion peels, potato and carrot peels, or celery leaves in a bowl with water, forming a paste that you can spread around the base of the plants.
- Garlic and apple mixture: Blend 1 or 2 garlic bulbs with an equal amount of diced apple in a blender. Let the mixture rest for 4 weeks in a large container, stirring occasionally. Use the resulting mixture to water your plants.
- Boiled brown rice for flowering plants: Boil brown rice (one cup in two cups of water) and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it cool, and pour this liquid onto the soil around your flowering plants.
How do you fertilize your plants to keep them healthy?