In general, organic fertilizers come from plants, animals, or minerals. The material gets broken down by soil organisms into nutrients that plants can utilize. Organic fertilizers usually contain significant amounts of only one major nutrient and some traces of many other beneficial nutrients. A bone meal, for example, contains large amounts of phosphorus and some small amounts of trace nutrients.
Some gardeners opt to add organic material that improves soil structure and supports microorganisms present in the soil, which helps the nutrients to be available more quickly. This is especially true in warm weather when these microorganisms are more active. Generally, organic fertilizers release half of their nutrients during the first season and will continue to feed the soil over the succeeding years. They build up soil health over time, which is a big advantage of organics.
What Kind of Fertilizers Should you use on Your Organic Garden?
Keep reading and learn more:
Plant-based Fertilizers
Plant-based fertilizers, in general, have low to moderate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium values. But the good thing about this kind of fertilizer is that their nutrients become available more quickly so plants can utilize them sooner. In addition, some of them can even provide an extra dose of other minerals and micronutrients. If plant-based fertilizers are unavailable at the garden center, you can check out your local feed store. Looking for a more sustainable option? Grow comfrey on your property for use as a fertilizer tea. It’s so nutrient dense that, it makes a surprisingly great fertilizer.
Below are the most common plant-based fertilizers available:
Alfalfa Meal for your Organic Garden
This is a fertilizer derived from alfalfa plants and turned into pellets. It can be beneficial for adding nitrogen and potassium as well as some trace minerals as growth stimulants. Farmers often use alfalfa meal for their crops, but it can also be used in gardens. It’s important to note that alfalfa meal has a high level of protein, so it may attract animals and insects if used excessively.
Organic Matter and Compost Amendments
Doesn’t add as much nutrients as fertilizers do, but composting is beneficial for adding organic matter to the soil. In addition, it also enhances the soil biome and helps any nutrients become more available. Composting is easy to do and can be made from a variety of organic material such as food scraps, yard waste, and manure. It’s a great way to not only improve the health of your plants but also reduce waste.
Corn-gluten Meal
This powder that is derived from corn contains 10% nitrogen fertilizer. Keep in mind though that this should only be applied to actively growing plants because it hinders seed growth. It is recommended that you wait 1-4 months before planting seeds if this product is used depending on the soil and weather conditions. If you plan to use it on your lawn, do it in early spring to green up the grass and prevent annual weed seeds from growing.
Kelp or Seaweed Fertilizers
Available in liquid, powder or pellet form. As the name suggests, this is derived from sea plants. They may contain small amounts of N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer but they add important micronutrients, growth hormones, and vitamins that help increase yields, reduce drought-stress and increase tolerance from frost. You may apply it directly into the soil or as a foliar spray.
Soybean Meal as a Fertilizer
Used in pellet form, this is derived from soybeans. Contains 7% nitrogen and 2% phosphorus. Gardeners can till in soybean meal at a rate of 8 to 10 lbs per 100 square feet for an organic slow-release fertilizer. You can also mix soybean meal into your compost pile or topdress around plants and water it in.
Organic Humus
Often found on compost, this can increase soil microbial activity, improve soil structure, and enhance the plants’ root development. However, these products have no fertilizer value. So they only serve as stimulants to support the microbial life of the soil which in turns support the plants. Note that they should only be used as supplements but not as a replacement to proper soil building and nutrition.
Potash
Potassium is an essential macronutrient that helps plants with root development, water regulation, and overall health. Potash fertilizers can be found in both organic and synthetic forms, with the most common being potassium chloride. However, there are more sustainable options such as potassium sulfate and langbeinite. These sources of potash not only provide necessary nutrients for plant growth but also help improve soil structure and increase microbial activity.
Animal-based Fertilizers
Animal-based fertilizers are a fantastic source of nitrogen, which is essential for promoting lush, leafy growth in plants. When you see a plant with vibrant green leaves, it’s often a sign that it has access to plenty of nitrogen. These fertilizers release nutrients as they decompose, improving soil structure and feeding beneficial microorganisms in the process.
Below are some of the most common animal-based fertilizers:
Livestock Manures
Provide lots of organic matter but low nutrient value. Note to use only composted manures as fresh ones can burn the roots of tender seedlings. Till manure into soil at least 10 inches (25cm) deep to prevent ammonia odors in the garden during the growing season.
Poultry Manures
Richer in nutrients than animal manures, making them an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Poultry manure can be applied directly to the soil or used as a top dressing for plants. Beware that this is what gardeners consider to be a ‘HOT’ fertilizer that might burn your plants with too much nitrogen. There’s also sanitation aspects to consider when using poultry manure, so be sure to properly compost it before use.
Bat or Seabird Guano Fertilizer
Poop from bats and seabirds that comes in powdered or pellet form and has a high nitrogen content which is around 10-12%. It is important to use this kind of fertilizer carefully as the high nitrogen content can burn young plants. Often used in hydroponic growing, bat guano can also be used in traditional gardening methods. However, it’s important to note that bat guano is often harvested from natural habitats and may not be sustainable or environmentally friendly.
Blood Meal Powder
Powdered blood from slaughtered animals that contains around 14% nitrogen and some more micronutrients. It is said to repel deer but attract dogs and cats. As a fertilizer blood meal is fast acting but can also burn plants if not used properly. It’s important to wear gloves when handling blood meal as it can be a potential health hazard.
Bone Meal Powder
Derived from animal or fish bones, it contains 11% phosphorus, 22% calcium, 2% nitrogen, and many micronutrients. Bone meal is commonly used in a powdered form on root crops and bulbs. However, it is said to attract rodents. It’s important to wear gloves when handling bone meal as it can also carry harmful bacteria.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Products
This makes an excellent fertilizer and it’s available in several forms.
- Fish emulsion (liquid form) – derived from fermented fish remains and is a complete fertilizer with a 5-2-2 ratio. It is very effective in stimulating the growth of young seedlings.
- Hydrolyzed fish powder – has a high nitrogen content of 12%. Usually mixed with water and sprayed on plants.
- Fish meal – high in nitrogen and phosphorus and is applied to the soil.
It’s a slow-release fertilizer and is great for promoting root growth.
Fish bone meal – high in phosphorus, calcium, and trace elements. It’s best used as a side dressing or mixed into the soil before planting.
Choose Organic Fertilizers
Still unsure what organic fertilizer to feed your organic garden? Visit our website and shop for quality yet affordable organic fertilizers. Our products are carefully selected and tested to ensure the best results for your plants. We also offer expert advice and tips on how to properly use organic fertilizers in your garden.
Choosing the right type for your vegetable garden should be based on the nutrient needs of your plants. Don’t wait any longer, give your plants the nutrients they need with our organic fertilizers at Fertilizer For Less!
