Homemade Plant Fertilizer

Blended organic fertilizers are useful when soil fertility is in question, when starting a new garden or trying to revitalize a garden. Natural source fertilizers are slow release and continue to work as they slowly break down. Over time, once soil fertility is re-established, the need for these supplements will decline.

Learn this fertilizer formula, here:

Steve Solomon’s Formula (NPK 1:1.5:1)
Measure by volume:
4 parts seed meal (canoloa, alfalfa or soy) or fishmeal
1 part dolomite lime
1 part rock phosphate or 1/2 part bonemeal
1 part kelp meal

Blend well, but mix again before application. Work in lightly under young transplants, or sidedress along existing plants. Apply around the drip line of plants and work in gently so as not to damage the roots. Granulated fertilizer takes three to four weeks to break down before roots can access it.

Seedmeals=nitrogen source (N) for healthy leafy greens
Rock phosphate=phosphorus (P) for fruits and flowers
Kelp meal=potassium (potash) (K) for roots and overall good health
Lime counteracts soil acidity and adds calcium and magnesium

Read more: Nature, Lawns & Gardens, npk, plant fertilizer

Adapted from A Year on The Garden Path, by Carolyn Herriot (Earthfuture/Lantern, 2005). Copyright (c) 2005 by Carolyn Herriot. Reprinted by permission of Lantern Books.
Adapted from A Year on The Garden Path, by Carolyn Herriot (Earthfuture/Lantern, 2005).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Brenda T.

7:47AM PDT on May 5, 2012

Thanks.

send a green star

Sandi C.

8:36AM PDT on May 3, 2012

WHEN I WORKED AT THE BAIT SHOP I USED THE WATER FROM THE FISH TANKS TO WATER MY PLANTS, THEY DID GREAT!

Jennifer C.

5:16PM PDT on May 2, 2012

Great ideas. Thanks.

Donna H.

1:48PM PDT on May 2, 2012

Thanks for the info.

John B.

1:44PM PDT on May 2, 2012

Thanks for the info Annie and I have passed it along top my gardening friends via email.

Carole R.

5:19PM PST on Jan 2, 2012

Good idea but sort of hard to do.

Tim C.

12:28PM PST on Nov 20, 2011

KS G.

4:14PM PST on Nov 18, 2011

Thanks for the article.

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2:39AM PST on Feb 23, 2011

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Mari '.

11:28AM PDT on Oct 18, 2010

Banana!