Fertilizing the Garden, Naturally
By Claudia Groth
Selecting the right kind of fertilizer can be confusing, no doubt about it. Besides the many conventional fertilizers on the market, home gardeners can also consider fertilizing with all-natural plant foods. Using all-natural fertilizers offers many benefits for the backyard gardener and the environment.
Reducing waste. Many natural fertilizers recycle waste products that might otherwise end up in landfills. For example, once cotton is picked for use in clothing and the oil pressed out for frying-up potato chips, the leftover cottonseed meal is a great source of nitrogen to feed garden plants.
Rich in nutrients. Seaside gardeners are familiar with the nutrients packed into kelp meal, both the major elements – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – and the critical trace or micro-nutrients. This traditional plant food has been known for centuries to promote strong plant growth. Ancient inland gardeners found that the floor of a bat cave was a rich source of nutrients. Modern gardeners continue to benefit from this knowledge. Today, bat droppings (called guano) are removed from caves only when bats have moved to winter quarters, and no harm can come to the colony.
Safe for plants. Natural materials are gentle in the garden. They won't burn plant roots, even when gardeners over-do it a bit. This is because they are less concentrated than most synthetic plant foods. But, that doesn't mean they are less effective. Watering can easily wash soluble nutrients deep into the soil. Natural fertilizers release their nutrients slowly into the root zone, where plant roots can take them up as needed.
Adds organic matter. The high level of organic matter in natural plant foods encourages the "good guy" microbes in the soil to multiply and thrive. These beneficial bacteria and fungi work hard to help roots battle disease-causing microbes. They also convert soil nutrients into the form roots can use and help plants get through hot, dry summer weather. Some all-natural fertilizers, such as the Whitney Farms Life Link line, even add specialized microbes designed just for the backyard environment.
Easy to use. Animal manures are so rich in nutrients that they are widely used as a natural plant food ingredient. That doesn't mean, though, that getting a pick-up load of steer manure from the farm down the road will be just as good for your garden. Fresh manure (whether chicken, steer, or horse) must be handled properly to ensure that it will be free of weed seeds, low in root-burning salts, and high in nutrients. Manufacturers flash-dry, wash, compost, and even, deodorize the manures, before blending them into the balanced fertilizer found in the garden center.
What should I buy?
Like conventional fertilizers, some natural plant foods are blended to feed a variety of plants – vegetable garden food or an all-purpose mix. All supply a basic level of nutrients to most plants.
But, there are those special plants that have special needs. Azalea and camellia foods help keep the soil more acid for these acid-loving plants. Citrus foods have the extra nitrogen that a fruit tree needs each year. Rose and flower foods will ensure the bright blooms gardeners are looking for.
By checking the labels for all-natural fertilizers you'll find just the right blend for your needs. When in doubt, consult with your local nurseries or visit the OSH garden department for help and advice.
How do I use it?
Natural fertilizers are used just like conventional ones, when getting an entire bed ready to go or when planting a single tomato or tree. Add your plant food along with any compost you mix in as you plant. Use as the package directs, but burning won't be a problem.
Most natural plant foods are long-lasting, so you don't have to feed the garden every week. You will only have to fertilize every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. Large shrubs and trees may only need fertilizer one time each year, to keep them healthy.
Later in the season, the roots have spread out into the soil under the plant and beyond. Sprinkle the fertilizer over this root zone and water it in. In areas with a long growing season, continuing to feed plants can extend their blooming into fall.
For quicker response, some of the all-naturals work a bit faster. About half the nitrogen in bat guano is water-soluble and will get to work fast, when a plant gets forgotten or needs an extra boost.
No one fertilizes the mountain meadow or the forest path. But, we expect more from our vegetable patch, rose gardens, and flower borders. All-natural plant foods, used throughout the season, will help us achieve that garden vision.