Organic fertilizer is the most natural, sustainable, and economical way to enrich the soil of your garden and orchard with essential nutrients. Making your own fertilizer allows you to use organic waste, reduce waste production, and avoid the use of chemical fertilizers that can be harmful to the environment and the health of the ecosystem.
What is organic fertilizer and why is it important?
Organic fertilizer is a mixture of decomposing plant and animal materials that restore and improve soil fertility. Its main function is to provide key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium to plants, promoting healthy growth, abundant blooms and high-quality harvests.
Among the many advantages of organic fertilizer are:
- Utilization of organic waste generated at home or in the garden.
- Increased microbial and macrobiological activity on the ground, which favors the nutrient retention and water absorption.
- Improving soil structure and aeration.
- pollution reduction caused by synthetic fertilizers.
- Recovery and maintenance of organic matter on the ground, contributing to the carbon fixation.
- Boosting sustainability, cost reduction and ecosystem care.
However, it must be treated correctly to avoid the proliferation of possible pathogens, so it is essential to follow a correct preparation.
Types of organic fertilizer for the orchard and garden
The world of organic fertilizers is vast and adaptable to all types of crops, surfaces, and needs. Let's look at the main alternatives you can prepare at home, combining components and techniques to obtain a complete and balanced fertilizer.
1. Traditional composting
El compost It is the result of the controlled decomposition of organic plant and animal waste. To make good homemade compost, follow these steps:
- Select a suitable container: You can use a composter made of plastic, wood, or a hole in the ground protected with mesh. The recommended depth is approximately one meter.
- Add alternating layers: Add a layer of soil, followed by organic waste (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, pruning waste, dried leaves, grass), and finally cover with more soil. Avoid dairy products, meats, oils, and chemicals.
- Keep moist: If the weather is dry, water lightly to encourage decomposition.
- Stir the mixture every few weeks: This will allow oxygenation and accelerate the process.
- Wait between two and five months: The compost will be ready when it acquires a dark brown color, a spongy texture, and a moist earthy smell.
El compost It provides a large amount of nutrients, improves soil structure and increases microbial life, being suitable for all types of plants.
2. Worm humus
El earthworm humus It is considered one of the best organic fertilizers, since it is the result of the work of worms (especially eisenia foetida, the so-called "Californian worms").
- To obtain it, simply set up a worm composter and feed the worms with plant waste. They will process this waste and transform it into a compost rich in microorganisms, nutrients, and biostimulants.
- It can be used solid or liquid (liquid humus, extracted by filtering), and is excellent for potted plants, seedbeds, orchards and gardens.
Worm castings improves the physical and chemical structure of the soil, increases nutrient retention, enhances flowering and root development, and protects against soil-borne diseases.
3. Compost tea and banana tea
El compost tea and the banana tea They are liquid extracts obtained from mature compost or banana peels. These liquids concentrate nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that can be applied by irrigation or spraying.
- El compost tea It is obtained by soaking a small amount of mature compost in water for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally. Finally, it is filtered and applied diluted to improve the microbial life of the soil.
- El banana tea It is prepared by boiling banana peels in water, allowing it to cool, and then watering it near the base of the plants. It is ideal during flowering and fruiting seasons thanks to the high potassium content.
4. Crushed eggshells
The eggshells They are rich in calcium, a micronutrient essential for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers and zucchini, and for the formation of cell walls in plants.
- They should be washed and dried well, then finely ground and spread over the surface of the soil or mixed with compost.
- Additionally, they act as a snail and slug repellent if used in larger pieces.
5. Coffee grounds
Los Coffee grounds, a very common waste in homes, are a source of nitrogen and organic matter.
- They can be added directly to the compost or sprinkled moderately on the substrate.
- They improve drainage, water retention and provide nutrients gradually.
- They encourage the presence of worms and can be used for acidophilic plants.
6. Potato peeling fertilizer
The potato peels They can be collected and used to prepare an infusion especially useful for watering indoor plants. Avoid scattering them in the garden, as they can attract rodents. They are rich in organic matter and minerals. It is recommended to water with the potato peel infusion every two months, especially during periods of less sunlight.
7. Animal manure
El manure Cow, horse, sheep, goat, or poultry manure is another classic organic fertilizer. It's recommended to use it well-composted to avoid the presence of pathogens and weed seeds.
- Manure is rich in nitrogen and other essential micronutrients.
- It should be mixed with the soil several months before planting, so that it finishes decomposing.
8. Wood ashes
La wood ash It is a valuable contribution of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. To use it correctly:
- Collects natural wood ash (no varnish or paint).
- Dilute it in water or sprinkle a small amount on the soil.
- It is ideal for improving acidic soils and providing potassium during flowering and fruiting.
9. Grass and lawn mowing
El freshly cut grass and weeds can be used by preparing a "green slurry":
- Fill a large container with the clippings and add enough water to cover them.
- Let it ferment for one or two days.
- Dilute one cup of the resulting liquid in ten cups of water and water your plants.
This slurry is rich in nitrogen, ideal for stimulating vegetative growth.
10. Bocashi
El Bocashi It is a fermented fertilizer of Japanese origin, made from a mixture of organic waste, bran, molasses, and mountain microorganisms. Although its preparation is more complex, it offers a very complete contribution of nutrients and improves the biological structure of the soil. Bocashi is ideal for revitalizing tired soils and providing extra energy to the garden.
Other recipes and alternatives for homemade organic fertilizer
Chicken manure
If you have chickens, the chicken manure It's a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Simply dilute well-composted chicken manure in water and apply it during periods of greatest nutritional demand, such as vegetative growth.
Lentil rooting agent
To facilitate the propagation of cuttings, you can prepare a natural rooting agent blending sprouted lentils and straining the liquid. This preparation stimulates root development and is 100% natural.
Common mistakes and tips for quality organic fertilizer
- Do not add animal remains, dairy products or oils to the compost.
- Make sure there is sufficient ventilation: stir the compost every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Do not allow it to dry completely, but don't over-soak it either; the moisture should be similar to that of a wrung-out sponge.
- Avoid weed seeds in the compost without reaching temperatures sufficient to destroy them.
- Do not use treated wood ashes or contaminated debris.
- Let manure and compost mature before application.
Why choose organic fertilizers and avoid chemical fertilizers?
Continued use of Chemical fertilizers It negatively affects the soil by causing acidification, pH imbalance, water pollution, and a decrease in biological diversity. On the other hand, organic fertilizers offer multiple benefits, including:
- They regenerate the soil and restore their natural fertility.
- They promote healthy and tasty crops, free of toxic waste.
- They allow organic and sustainable agriculture in gardens, urban and rural orchards.
- Reduce domestic waste and help tackle climate change.
- They increase the resistance of plants against pests and diseases.
Making your own organic fertilizers is an enriching, simple, and effective practice that will allow you to care for your crops and the planet with small, everyday gestures. Incorporating organic fertilizers into your vegetable or garden makes a difference in plant vitality, soil health, and the sustainability of your environment. With techniques such as composting, using worm castings, and applying homemade teas and fertilizers made from household waste, you'll have stronger, more environmentally friendly, and more productive crops, while contributing to environmental well-being and obtaining harvests full of flavor and nutrients.
