Vegan Organic Fertilizers for Spring (Page 5)

Vegan organic fertilizers to use sparingly:

While all of the fertilizers below are stock-free and valuable, they are obtained through mining, so we use them very sparingly or not at all. They are valuable soil amendments though, so if there is a particular deficiency in your soil, which these products will rectify, attempt to use them in small quantities.

You’ll also notice that a number of the ready-made mixes contain some of the ingredients listed below. So if you do choose to purchase a prepackaged mix, make sure to use it sparingly and supplement with compost and other sustainable soil amendments.

Lime

A source of calcium and magnesium, it is also used to help break up heavy clay soil. Calcium is essential for strong plant growth and aids in the intake of other nutrients. Lime can be used to raise the pH level, if your crop requires this.

Gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate)

Gypsum adds calcium to the soil without raising the pH.

Dolomite

A finely ground rock dust and prized source of calcium and magnesium.

Rock Phosphate

Prized for its high phosphorus content, the primary mineral in phosphate rock is apatite.

Rock Dusts (or Stonemeal)

Containing a blend of different powdered rocks, when mixed with the soil its mineral content is slowly released, revitalizing overworked soils and stimulating microbial activity.

Green Sand

Used as a soil amendment and fertilizer, it has the consistency of sand but 10 times the moisture absorption. Green Sand is mined from deposits of minerals that were originally part of the ocean floor. It is a natural source of potash, along with iron, magnesium, silica and as many as 30 other trace minerals. It may also be used to loosen heavy, clay soils.

Rock Potash/Potassium

Potassium enhances flower and fruit production and helps harden up foliage, making it less susceptible to disease. Rock potash is very slow-acting (it may take years to fully release its minerals). Because the potash is released gradually as the mineral weathers, it is usually used when preparing the soil for planting.

Wood ash

Contains some potassium, phosphate and trace amounts of micro-nutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc. It can have an alkalizing effect on the soil, which many plants do not like, so use it sparingly.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Sherry C.

5:40PM PDT on May 21, 2012

Anything for caliche soil that is high alkaline?

May 21
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Debbie C.

9:51AM PDT on Mar 28, 2012

Last summer we did not have much luck with our garden. I don't know if it was because we had too much rain, or because my husband was dumping the ash from our grill in the garden. I wonder what charcoal is made out of...

March 28
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Sarah M.

8:18AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

thanks

March 19
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Olivia S.

6:57AM PST on Mar 9, 2012

Thanks. I find that compost, rock phosphate, and my wonderful worms provide everything the garden needs.

March 9
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Ruth P.

3:49AM PST on Mar 2, 2012

I just use compost, compost teas and, if something really needs help, seaweed. It's good to know there are stock-free options out there to buy, though.