Use Organic Fertilizers and Eliminate Toxins From Your Gardens Custom Search
The list here is incomplete, but tried and tested me. They represent materials found all around us, many of which have been used for many centuries. Organic FertilizersAn organic fertilizer which is a good source of iron, potassium, and trace minerals. It's mined from ancient seabeds, which makes greensand a nonrenewable resource. So use with care so as not to waste it! A concentrated organic fertilizer made from fish or fish by-products. Combine it with seaweed to make an excellent fertilizer. NPK approx. 4-1-1 to 7-2-2.
A high-nitrogen fertilizer. To get the best price, search for it at animal feed-supply stores. Greenhouse research showed that soybean meal can prevent the germination of small seeds. At 7% Nitrogen, 2% Phosphorus and 1% Potassium, apply it at the rate of 4 pounds per 100 square feet. Soybean meal fertilizer is a high protein feed that when broken down by microbes provides natural organic nitrogen. It provides a soluble form of phosphorous. Like alfalfa meal, it is particularly beneficial to nitrogen-loving plants, such as roses. Hydrated magnesium sulfate, use it as a fast acting source of magnesium and sulfur. These are micronutrients that are needed in the soil. People are finding that a long tossed substance is rich in nitrogen and can be used in the garden and compost piles. Check with your local coffee shop for a steady supply of grounds. But use them only on acid-loving plants. Warning: keep away from dogs and cats. Cocoa Meal contains 3% Nitrogen, 4% total Phosphate, and 3% Potash. Application rates are normally two hundred to two hundred fifty pounds per acre, due to caffeine content. Cocoa meal is best used as a component in a fertilizer mix than as a single soil amendment. A saltwater plant, when grounded, that will stimulate root growth and has over 60 trace minerals needed by plants. This organic fertilizer when combined with fish emulsion will make the best complete fertilizer. Can be used as a foliar spray. Chilean Nitrate of Soda Also known as Natural Nitrate of Soda, this is a highly soluble, quick acting granular fertilizer that is 16% Nitrogen. It's also high in sodium, so do not use it on arid soils where salt buildup is likely or on plants that are sensitive to salt. Chilean nitrate is mined from a desert in northern Chile. It should not be depended upon as the only source of nitrogen. Applying this nitrate mixed with an organic amendment like cocoa meal, peanut meal or compost will add to the efficiency of both products. Azomite (0-0-2.5, 5% Calcium)
A food for microorganisms in the soil, also contains trace minerals, sulfur and potash. Molasses plays a very important part of the complete organic program. A source of humic acid(organic lawn fertilizer) and trace minerals and is the end result of a successful compost. A broken down form of organic matter. Smells like the forest floor decayed leaves. Ground up lava, loaded with trace minerals, water holding ability, and is a much needed energy soil amendment. Will adjust the pH of the soil(reduces acidity), contains calcium which keeps magnesium low. Crab Meal (5-2-0.5) Considered a soil additive which is a by-product of the crab industry. Once they are kiln dried they are ground up into the meal. Adds life to soil by providing food for microorganisms, especially a protein called chitin. Chitin provides not only slow-release nitrogen but also suppresses pest nematode activity.General usage is anywhere plants grow and to add to compost piles. Natural fertilizer. A source of 22% sulfur, 22% potash, and 11% magnesium. Traces of this mineral show up in organic fertilizers. Too much of this mineral is toxic---do a soil test first. Sustane (composted turkey manure) A very fast acting 100% organic fertilizers with an NPK of 5-2-4. From real turkeys. An excellent source of micronutrients sulfur and calcium. Used in clay soils because of it's draining capabilities and provides aeration. Organic fertilizer high in useful minerals and bacteria. The NPK is high and has over 60 trace minerals, almost an ideal additive to soil. Made from worms digesting organic matter and excreting the castings. *Avoid chemical fertilizers that contain ammonium sulfate, which is toxic to earthworms. Made from cotton seed freed from its hulls. Cotton crops are the most sprayed crop with chemical herbicides and pesticides. Best if composted 1st to rid toxic chemicals. Use in your compost pile. It has an NPK of 6-1-1. It comes from ground cottonseeds, a natural fertilizer considered by many to be the second best source of nitrogen after blood meal. Is a slow release fertilizer and adds acidity to the soil. A natural fertilizer and pre-emergent herbicide. Will keep weeds down if applied at the right time of year and is made from corn. Considered the best organic fertilizer because it is high in microorganisms, humic acid, enzymes, vitamins, and humus. We should make our own. Made from bat excretions, a natural fertilizer, all purpose fertilizer containing nitrogen and lots of trace minerals. is a dried blood material that is a very good source of nitrogen of around 13%. The organisms in the soil turn it into available nitrogen for plants. Lettuce and corn will benefit greatly. Will aid the compost pile. can be used as top dressing or mix with water and used as a liquid fertilizer. A slow release source of calcium and phosphorus used to increase phosphorus levels. Can be recommended for bulbs and most vegetables. Excellent plant food. Bone Meal (steamed) 1-13-0 Is the best source of phosphorus and also contains calcium and some trace minerals. Because of its slow release it is a safe fertilizer especially when potting new or young plants. Perfect for bulbs and good for lowering transplant shock. Promotes healthy root systems. Contains growth regulators and a good source of nitrogen and phosphorus, mostly used around roses. Excellent plant food. A very good organic fertilizer for plants and soil. A plant food growth regulator, high in vitamins and minerals, with an NPK of 3-2-2. This green manure crop contains a plant growth regulator hormone. It jump-starts millions of microbes that will then activate soil organisms that convert the surrounding nutrients into an available form to plants. Roses especially love it, although it's a soil amendment for all plants. Can be added to compost pile to boost the breakdown of carbon rich materials. Use as a top dressing and water in, apply dry at 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Made from dried seaweed. Is a good source of copper and boron. Rich in plant food growth hormones. a natural source of chelated trace elements that increases health of the soil and plants. Use as an additive to organic fertilizers at 10 pounds per 1000 square feet. Should be composted before using because of nitrogen and ammonia can burn plants. Is rich in nitrogen and can be obtained from many different animals, even horses. They are leguminous plants like clover and grains like rye and oats. Planted as a green manure to keep weeds down and, if legumes are planted, provide nitrogen to the soil. Rock Phosphate A dry organic fertilizer used to boost phosphorus levels. Slow to dissolve in water so will last for a long time. NPK 0-25-0. An excellent natural source of phosphorus, calcium and many essential trace elements. It works to build phosphate fertility, increasing root activity in transplants and seedlings. Improves the soil and quality of the crops. Will not burn roots. Apply 2 pounds for trees and shrub transplants. Rock phosphate is great for any transplant. Potash Overall describes material containing potassium. It is potassium carbonate from wood ashes. Feather Meal (12-0-0)--feathers are ground up into a meal. Nitrogen is released over a long period of time. Use with other organic fertilizers as a slow release source of nitrogen. Fermented Salmon (Coast of Maine) (NPK of 1.4 - 0.2 - 0.2)
Granite meal Granite meal is soft granite ground into a rock powder. A source of potassium to help produce sugar and starch for the plants. Its job is to provide trace mineral content where the soil has been overworked and lacking in trace minerals. Apply 75 pounds per 1000 square feet. Leather Meal This is made as a by-product during tanning process. An source of organic, slow-release nitrogen to be added to organic fertilizers mixes. Be careful about using this one though, since chromium is used in the tanning process. Also called Colloidal Rock Phosphate, this is a soft, natural colloidal clay formation that gives up its nutrient slowly enough to last for years without leaching or fixing. Unlike other phosphates, it contains colloidal clay that can bind sandy soils and add to their nutrient holding capacity. Apply 25 pounds per 1000 square feet or a fistful with transplants. Sulfate of Potash This is a natural potash (0-0-52) that is 51% soluble. Potassium is second only to nitrogen in the amount needed for plants. It can be applied as a supplement or mixed with other materials. You do need an accurate soil test first. Other Pages About Organic FertilizersWhich Is More Effective, Organic or Inorganic? Chemical Fertilizer vs. Organic Fertilizer From Organic Fertilizers to Organic Fertilizers Info |
