Organic gardening is method of growing vegetables and other plants using
natural fertilizers to enrich the soil, instead of synthetic
fertilizers. While both fertilizers supply plants with necessary
nutrients, natural fertilizers contain no harmful chemicals or
processing. Learning about natural fertilizers, including what they do,
how and when to use them can help anyone grow an organic garden.
Not all organic fertilizers are the same. Some fertilizer products
available are labeled as organic or natural, but a gardener must look at
the ingredients to be sure. Look for fertilizer labels that list ground
feathers, manure, or other natural products as the primary ingredients.
Natural fertilizers have an advantages over synthetic products. T hey
feed plants more evenly and slowly. Most natural fertilizers increases a
soil's ability to retain essential water and nutrients. Nitrogen
contained in these fertilizers is a slow-release form, so it feeds
plants over time, which means plants do not need feeding as often as
with synthetic fertilizers.
Gardeners can use natural
fertilizers anytime without worrying about overfeeding. When using
synthetic products, gardeners must read and follow label directions
carefully to avoid overfeeding or burning plants. While you can apply
natural fertilizers at any time, the ideal time is in spring, before
sowing seeds or putting out transplants. This gives plants a good start,
while also improving soil drainage. Gardeners can choose from a variety
of natural fertilizers, such as blood meal, fish emulsion, kelp,
composted manure, feather meal and bone meal.
- Blood meal is rich in nitrogen and beneficial to ground cover and annual plants.
- Fish emulsion is rich in both nitrogen and phosphoric acid, which is beneficial as a lawn fertilizer and for encouraging growth of rose bushes. It promotes more blooms or fruit.
- Kelp is dried seaweed that is high in nitrogen and phosphorous and ideal for fertilizing shrubs.
- Composted manure may be obtained from poultry or cows. Poultry manure is high in nitrogen and beneficial for annual flower beds. Cow manure adds nutrients to the soil and improves drainage; it is beneficial for vegetable gardens and annual flowerbeds.
- Feather meal is made from poultry feathers and a good source of slow-release nitrogen. It is a good fertilizer for shrubs and roses.
- Bone meal raises the soil pH and is rich in phosphorous, which encourages strong root development. It is beneficial for spring-blooming bulbs and shrubs.
Grass clipping are useful as an organic fertilizer. They
provide continuous food for leafy plants that require a lot of nitrogen.
Allow grass clipping to dry out before spreading them in thin layers
around shrubs and trees. Gardeners must take care not to use fresh
clippings or apply them in thick layers to prevent the clippings from
forming a mat that prevents air and water from getting to the soil and
plant roots.
Organic gardening
is rewarding and beneficial. Mother Nature provides gardeners with some
of the best materials to feed plants and increase soil health.
