4 Ecological Fertilizers To Nourish Your Plants

Fertilizers are products used in the garden. Its purpose is to nourish the plants to stimulate their growth and prevent them from wilting after a short time.

At present, in the market there are different varieties and brands that seek to meet the needs of all types of crops and soils; however, there are also homemade alternatives that can provide good results.

Next, we have wanted to compile some of the options that may be more useful and easy to apply when making your garden more fertile and beautiful. 

1. Leftover coffee

As some studies show, the remains that remain from the preparation of coffee (the so-called “coffee grounds”) can function as good fertilizers for those plants with acidic soil, such as blueberry plants, rose bushes and azaleas, among many others.

How to use

• You will need to bury 3/4 cup (86 grams) of coffee grounds close to the roots. Repeat the process once a month.
• Another option is to add six cups of coffee grounds to a full bucket of water. You let it sit for two or three days, and then you sprinkle it all over the soil in your garden.

Note : There are those who mix coffee grounds with banana peels, eggs and other foods to make a more nutritious and complete fertilizer or compost for their plants.

2. Eggshells

Although they are almost always used in mixtures with other ingredients, eggshells can be used on their own thanks to their high calcium content that will help prevent blossom end rot in tomato and pepper plants.

It is also healthy for fruit trees, rose bushes, and various types of herbs. Its use can be regular.

• Take the peels and mash them with your hands as much as you can.
• You do not need to wash them, in fact, it is better if they still have traces of white.

• Carefully place it in the soil where you have your plants, if it is a pot, you can scoop up some soil with the help of a small spoon or shovel, and distribute the eggshells in different sections near the roots.

3. Banana peel

Potassium is considered one of the most important nutrients for plants after nitrogen. This intervenes in the photosynthesis process, in the osmoregulation of water in the plant and the formation of resistant tissues.

When plants burn easily, appear dull and reduce flowering, they may be deficient in this nutrient. To add a good amount, it is worth adding a little banana peel tea.

How to use

• Cut the banana peels into small pieces and bring them to a boil in enough water for 15 minutes.
• When it’s ready, let it sit and dilute it in an additional two cups of water before placing it in the plant soil.
• Another way to take advantage of banana peels is to simply cut them into small pieces and place them on the plant, close to the roots.

Note : If you have cacti or succulents, refrain from adding fertilizers and homemade compost without first consulting with an expert in these types of plants. They generally prefer poor substrates and survive very well on them, so a rich substrate could be detrimental to them.

4. Wood ashes

Another of the homemade fertilizers that you can make at home has wood ashes as its main ingredient .

They are rich in potassium and phosphorus ; the latter helps in the ripening of flowers and fruits, enhancing their aroma and flavor. However, by altering the soil pH, they are not recommended for acidic soil species.

Before preparing it, it is important to verify that the ashes do not come from woods that are compromised with heavy metals or other contaminants.

How to use

• Dilute a good amount of ashes in water and use the liquid for daily watering of the plants.
• Another good option is to spread a layer of ash two to three centimeters away from the stem. And ready! Now to enjoy your plants and your flowers.

As you can see, there are many varieties of fertilizers of natural origin that you can take advantage of when you do not have the usual one that you buy in garden stores or supermarkets. You can also combine or alternate them, as you prefer.

The important thing is that you bear in mind that each plant has a series of specific requirements and that it is necessary to know them in order to have beautiful plants in good condition.