It is essential that you provide your vegetable plants with the best nutrients available to maintain a robust and growing garden. Organic fertilizers are natural sources of minerals that have been broken down into smaller particles than those found in synthetic fertilizers. These particles make it easier for the plants to absorb them and use them in the growth process, which is beneficial for the vegetables. In this article, you'll learn how using natural fertilizers can improve the overall health and happiness of your vegetable garden. Discover good, organic fertilizers for vegetables!
Organic or inorganic fertilizers?
Both organic and inorganic fertilizers provide nutrients to the plants they are applied to - but they do so in very different ways. Organic material develops naturally and helps improve soil structure and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Synthetic fertilizers are made from inorganic elements - they do not contribute to soil formation, but directly feed the plants. Additionally, the use of these synthetic fertilizers can disrupt the natural balance of important soil nutrients. Chemical fertilizers may not promote sustainability, but they do accelerate plant growth by providing important nutrients.
When it comes to plant nutrition, organic fertilizers are a better choice for vegetable gardens because they promote the growth of robust microbial communities that serve as a barrier against plant diseases and unwanted pests.
The following list contains some examples of natural fertilizers thatin the vegetable gardencan be used successfully.
Compost for vegetable garden
Compost, made up of living organisms such as bacteria and fungi, adds nutrient-rich, organic material to the soil and helps break down plant waste into its nutrient components. The natural fertilizer is one of the best solutions for your vegetable patch.The compostingalso reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Make your own compost tea:Compost tea is made by mixing water with compost. The mixture should be left in the sun for several days to allow it to decompose. As a direct result, the liquid plant food is a very dark brown or perhaps black color and smells quite earthy.
Feed plants with manure
Not only is manure an excellent source of nitrogen for plants, but if applied in excess, it can also provide a significant amount of phosphorus. Since it contains a high percentage of organic matter, it is a good soil conditioner, which is an additional benefit of its use. Before being applied to the garden, the fertilizers must go through a thorough composting process.
Fertilize vegetables with rice water
After the rice has been cooked, the water that is left over can be used as an easier,organic fertilizerbe used for your plants. In addition to starch, it also contains traces of NPK. These are the three elements nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). All of these elements are necessary for the health and development of the plant. Nitrogen, in its most basic form, is beneficial for the growth of leaves and greens. However, if the nitrogen levels in your soil are too high, you will only harvest leaves and not real fruits or vegetables. Phosphorus promotes the development and division of cells and is therefore an important nutrient for seedlings. Potassium is an important nutrient for plants as it promotes fruit and flower development. It is important that your soil has a healthy NPK balance. Since plants absorb different amounts of individual nutrients as they develop, it is important to supplement them with fertilizers at appropriate intervals.
Rice water contains only small amounts of the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so you don't have to worry about over-fertilization and can build healthy soil while reducing waste. Be careful not to add salt to the water as it is harmful to the plants if they ingest it. Also, make sure the water has reached its final temperature before continuing. It is best to use rice water immediately after preparation as it does not last very long.
Organic fertilizers for vegetables – pasta water
The starch that remains in the pasta water can be used to feed your plants, similar to the starch in the rice water. You can get more fertilizer out of the mixture by diluting it if it seems too cloudy or doesn't contain enough liquid. This way you avoid over-fertilizing the plants.
Use potato water
After you cook potatoes, the water that's left over contains lots of starch and other nutrients that are good for you. As with rice and pasta, make sure you haven't added any salt, then wait until the water is absolutely cold.
Feed vegetables with wood ash
Ash from burned wood added to the ground has the same effect as agricultural lime. It is also an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as many other micronutrients.
Organic fertilizers for vegetables – used coffee grounds
The used coffee grounds supply the soil with nitrogen and contribute to the decomposition of organic waste. You can either sprinkle it lightly over the soil or add it to your compost pile.
Eggshells
Crushed eggshells are an excellent source of calcium and sulfur that can be added to the soil in the form of mulch. Because of the calcium, blossom end rot is prevented. You can use a coffee grinder to grind the peels into a powdery consistency.
