Natural Garden Fertilizers: The Ultimate Guide

You don't have to buy expensive fertilizers! Your garden will thrive with these DIY versions made from items around your pantry and backyard!

Taking care of your garden goes beyond just pulling weeds and keeping pests at bay. For your plants to truly thrive, they need a healthy dose of nutrients to reach their full potential. While chemical fertilizers can provide a quick fix, natural fertilizers offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.

Jump to DIY Natural Fertilizer Options

What are natural fertilizers?

Natural fertilizers, unlike synthetic ones, come from natural materials and improve the overall health of your soil. This translates to stronger plants, better yields, and a more vibrant garden ecosystem.

Why use natural fertilizers?

There are many compelling reasons to choose natural fertilizers over synthetic options. Here are just a few:

  • Improved Soil Health: Natural fertilizers promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil, which helps break down organic matter and make nutrients more readily available to plants. This leads to healthier soil that retains moisture more effectively.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Synthetic fertilizers can leach into waterways, causing harm to aquatic ecosystems. Natural fertilizers, on the other hand, are less likely to pollute and contribute to a more sustainable gardening practice.
  • Safety for Children and Pets: Chemical fertilizers can be harmful if ingested by children or pets. Natural fertilizers pose a much lower risk, making your garden a safer space for everyone.
  • Long-Term Benefits: While synthetic fertilizers provide a quick burst of nutrients, they can deplete essential elements over time. Natural fertilizers provide a slow and steady release of nutrients, promoting long-term soil health.

Step 1: Understanding Your Soil

Before diving into the world of natural fertilizers, it’s important to understand the foundation of your garden: the soil. Different soil types have varying nutrient profiles and drainage capacities.

Conducting a simple soil test will reveal your soil’s pH level and nutrient content. This information is crucial for choosing the right natural fertilizers and ensuring their effectiveness. Here are some easy ways to test your soil’s pH:

  • Purchase a home soil test kit: These kits are readily available at most garden centers and provide a relatively accurate assessment of your soil’s pH.
  • Send a soil sample to a testing lab: For a more comprehensive analysis, consider sending a soil sample to a professional testing lab. This will provide detailed information about your soil’s nutrient content and organic matter levels.
  • Use a natural soil pH test: While less precise than other methods, a natural test using vinegar and baking soda can provide a basic idea of your soil’s acidity or alkalinity.

The Most Beneficial Natural Fertilizers

Now that you understand the advantages of natural fertilizers and the importance of soil testing, let’s explore some of the most effective options you can incorporate into your gardening routine. We’ll categorize them based on their benefits and accessibility.

1. Compost

Compost reigns supreme in the world of natural fertilizers. This nutrient-rich material is created by the decomposition of organic matter like food scraps, yard waste, and leaves. Compost feeds the soil microbiome, improves soil structure, and provides a slow-release source of essential nutrients for a wide range of plants.

Natural fertilizers for vegetable garden being shoveled by father and daughter.

How to Use Compost:

  • Amend your garden beds with a 2-3 inch layer of compost before planting.
  • Enrich your potting mix for container plants with compost.
  • Apply compost as a top dressing around established plants throughout the growing season.

Pro Tip: Not all compost is created equal. Aim for well-aged compost that has a crumbly texture and a pleasant earthy smell.

2. Grass Clippings

A readily available source of nitrogen, grass clippings can be a valuable addition to your garden’s fertilizer arsenal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Fresh vs. Dried: Fresh clippings can mat down and hinder air circulation. Let them dry for a day or two before adding them to your garden.
  • Nitrogen Boost: Grass clippings are a green material, high in nitrogen. This is great for leafy vegetables but not ideal for flowering plants that require more phosphorus.
  • Herbicide Warning: If you’ve recently treated your lawn with herbicides, avoid using those clippings in your vegetable garden.

How to Use Grass Clippings:

  • Spread a thin layer of dried grass clippings around your plants as mulch.
  • Add grass clippings to your compost pile for a nitrogen boost.

3. Manure

Manure is a fantastic source of organic matter and nutrients for your garden. However, different types of manure have varying nutrient profiles. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Cow Manure: A well-rounded fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Aged cow manure is best to avoid burning tender plants.
  • Chicken Manure: Very high in nitrogen, chicken manure is best composted before using in the garden.
  • Horse Manure: A good source of nitrogen and potassium, horse manure heats up as it decomposes, making it ideal for raised beds.

Important Considerations:

  • Fresh manure: Fresh manure can be too strong for plants and can harbor weed seeds and pathogens. Always use aged or composted manure.
  • Manure source: Be sure to obtain manure from a reputable source that raises animals without antibiotics or growth hormones.

How to Use Manure:

  • Aged manure can be dug into your garden beds before planting.
  • Create a manure tea by soaking composted manure in water for a few days. Dilute the tea before applying it to your plants.

Return to Top

Beyond the Basics: A World of Natural Options

The world of natural fertilizers extends far beyond our top three contenders. Let’s delve into some unique and effective options you can explore:

  • Coffee Grounds: A good source of nitrogen, coffee grounds can add a slight acidity to your soil, making them ideal for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. However, use them in moderation as too much coffee can impede germination.
  • Eggshells: A natural source of calcium, eggshells can help improve cell wall strength in plants and deter some pests like snails and slugs. Crush eggshells before adding them to your garden bed or compost pile.
  • Fish Emulsion: Made from pressed fish scraps, fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. While effective, fish emulsion has a strong odor. Dilute it heavily before applying it to your plants.
  • Seaweed Extract: Packed with micronutrients and beneficial kelp, seaweed extract can stimulate plant growth and improve overall plant health. Seaweed extract is available in liquid or powder form.
  • Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like clover or ryegrass in your garden beds during the off-season adds organic matter to the soil, fixes nitrogen, and suppresses weeds. Till the cover crops under before planting your main crops.
Best natural fertilizers represented by crushed eggshells.

Natural Fertilizers for Specific Needs

Not all plants have the same nutritional requirements. While some natural fertilizers offer a well-rounded nutrient profile, others excel in specific elements. Here’s a quick guide to some natural fertilizers for targeted purposes:

  • Nitrogen: Blood meal, alfalfa meal, soybean meal.
  • Phosphorus: Rock phosphate, bone meal (use sparingly due to high potency).
  • Potassium: Wood ash (be sure the wood is untreated), kelp meal.

DIY Natural Fertilizer Options

There’s a sense of accomplishment and environmental friendliness that comes with creating your own natural fertilizers. Here are a few easy DIY options you can try:

  • Compost Tea*: Steep composted manure or compost in water for a few days. Dilute the resulting tea before feeding it to your plants.
  • Worm Castings Tea: A powerhouse of nutrients and microbes, worm castings tea can be made by steeping worm castings in water.
  • Banana Peel Fertilizer: Rich in potassium, banana peels can be chopped up and added directly to your soil or composted pile.

*Introducing compost teas rich in beneficial microorganisms or incorporating biochar into the soil can further support microbial diversity, contributing to the overall health of your garden ecosystem.

Return to Top

A Cost-Effective Approach

While natural fertilizers are generally less expensive than synthetic options in the long run, there are ways to be even more cost-effective in your approach. Here are some tips:

  • Embrace what you already have: Before venturing out to buy fertilizers, consider what resources you already have access to. Kitchen scraps like eggshells, banana peels, and coffee grounds can all be composted or used directly in your garden. Similarly, if you have a fireplace and burn untreated wood, the ashes (used sparingly) can be a source of potassium.
  • Befriend your neighbors: Connect with fellow gardeners in your neighborhood. You might be able to barter or share resources. Perhaps you have an abundance of coffee grounds while your neighbor has a steady supply of leaves – a perfect opportunity for a mutually beneficial exchange!
  • Think long-term: Invest in a good compost bin or tumbler. Having an ongoing compost pile allows you to continuously create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden. Look into vermicomposting (composting with worms) for a smaller-scale, indoor option.
  • Buy in bulk (when practical): If you have the storage space and know you’ll use it all, buying certain natural fertilizers like composted manure or bone meal in bulk can be more cost-effective.
A garden with natural fertilizers showing a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

Beyond Fertilizers: A Balanced Ecosystem

Natural fertilizers are a fantastic way to nourish your plants, but they are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a healthy and balanced soil ecosystem. Here are some additional practices to consider:

  • Practice crop rotation: Planting different crops in the same bed year after year can deplete specific nutrients from the soil. Rotating your crops helps maintain a more balanced nutrient profile.
  • Introduce beneficial insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial predators can help control pest populations naturally. Planting flowers that attract these beneficial insects can create a welcoming habitat.
  • Mulch your garden beds: A layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Choose organic mulch materials like wood chips, shredded bark, or leaves.

3 additional Aspects to keep in mind:

Microbial Diversity

Microbial diversity plays a crucial role in soil health and plant nutrition. While this article highlights the benefits of natural fertilizers in promoting soil microbial activity, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of fostering diverse microbial communities on a larger. Encouraging microbial diversity through the use of natural fertilizers can enhance nutrient cycling, improve soil structure, and boost plant resilience to diseases and environmental stressors.

Sustainable Packaging and Sourcing

In addition to discussing the benefits and applications of various natural fertilizers, it’s important to address the sustainability of their packaging and sourcing. Choosing products packaged in biodegradable or recyclable materials reduces environmental impact and aligns with eco-conscious gardening practices.

Additionally, sourcing natural fertilizers locally or from reputable suppliers supports sustainable agriculture and reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation. By prioritizing products with transparent sourcing practices and minimal packaging waste, gardeners can make informed choices that contribute to a healthier planet.

Community and Knowledge Sharing

We would like to underscore the role of community and knowledge sharing in sustainable gardening practices. Joining community gardening groups, attending workshops, or participating in online forums provides opportunities to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and discover new techniques for nurturing thriving gardens.

Collaborative efforts not only foster a sense of camaraderie but also empower individuals to make informed decisions about natural fertilizers, soil health, and ecological stewardship. By engaging with a diverse community of gardeners, enthusiasts can cultivate deeper connections with the land and inspire positive change in your local environment!

A Final Thought

The journey to a thriving garden doesn’t have to rely on harsh chemicals. Natural fertilizers offer a safe, sustainable, and effective way to nourish your plants and nurture a healthy ecosystem. By embracing natural fertilizers and fostering a healthy soil ecosystem, you’re not just nurturing your plants, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. The reward is a thriving garden that is teeming with life and supports a diverse range of pollinators and beneficial creatures. 

Best wishes as you “get growing” with natural fertilizers! Grab your gardening gloves, dig in, and watch the beauty unfold in your backyard!

Which natural fertilizers do you plan to use in your garden this year? 

Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

Farmers’ Almanac Planting Calendar

Long-Range Weather Forecast

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

115 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jeanne Hartley

What is best for cucumbers? I’ve never had any trouble until this year with my cucumber plants. They just wilted up and died within 2-3 days. We water them every day as it is dry this year.

Heather

Cucumbers do not need a lot of Nitrogen, so all-purpose fertilizer is usually not appropriate. Bone Meal, Worm Castings, Tea leaves or used coffee grounds, and egg shells are all great for cucumbers. Best of luck!

Karen Underwood

I have one warning about using leaves. We have a ton of trees, so one year I mulched, bagged, and stored leaves in a dark spot over winter to use for my garden. Found out the hard way that vine borers love to live and reproduce in those leaves. No squash for me that year. So just be careful, please.

Heather

This is a great reminder! Thank you for sharing.

Mike Smolka

Seems that with the abundance of invasive plants and a lake with nutrient rich muck could be a win win

Omprakash Prajapat

Good tips! I’ve been working on my compost bin for 6 months. It’s dry, I think I need to add water perhaps. Your other tips are bang on. No meat, no critters…except the ones you want.

Kumar Medical Care

Sandi Duncan

Great! Thanks for sharing

Rob Shrimp

Very informative, practical advice

Sandi Duncan

Thank you Rob,
Glad you found it useful. Hope you enjoy other articles here as well!

Teressa

Many of these are simply not true (see coffee grounds, eggshells) in the strict sense. They are long disproved gardening myths. Disappointed to see them here.

Nancy

What’s best to use on pumpkins?

Johannes Mosehla

Composting for vegetable garden

Dean B.

I have a Compost Tumbler and it works very well. Also, do not use Walnut tree leaves. They have a compound called “juglone” or something. It is poisonous to other plants. Bad for the garden.

Sandi Duncan

Hi Dean,

Thanks for the tip. Black walnuts themselves shouldn’t be added to the compost either. Happy composting.

Noavy

• Just Coffee info •
If you go to Starbucks and ask for the rest of the Coffee they used from their Machines, the give it away for free. I did that Last year, collect it every Wednesday for a month and share it with my Neighbors.
We made very happy those plants which needed extra Nitrogen.
Happy organic Planting everyone ?

Roxana

I have a small plastic composter. But, am thinking about , not filling anymore. I can’t keep rodents out& afraid I am attracting them to my yard. I live in a suburb with average yard. Any ideas on how to keep rats out?

Shannon

Cats are great for rodents

John

First of all I’m not sure of your experience so if I seem patronising then I apologise.
First no meat, fish or poultry products, cooked or raw, these will definitely attract rats. Also no cooked vegetables or anything off the plate as even the slightest amount of meat juice etc absorbed by them will also attract rats.
I have had my plastic compost bins for 25 years and have never had furry guests, this is possibly because I keep the contents slightly on the moist side, dry compost not only takes longer to process but is just like the warm fluffy bedding in their normal nesting paces. You’ll soon know if it’s too wet, the smell will be almost unbearable due to dead suffocated bacteria.
I hope this has been some help.

Lori

Good tips! I’ve been working on my compost bin for 6 months. It’s dry, I think I need to add water perhaps. Your other tips are bang on. No meat, no critters…except the ones you want.

Kathy

Hi. I;m Kathy. only cats and dogs like the scent of onions- onions repel rodents and other animals, so maybe throw onion pieces in your compost bin. Meat and fish in compost bins attract rodents but composting is so important to restoring all of the things that we have removed from our soils. I hope you don’t give up. . I, too, have a plastic bin and so I put my meat and fish and bones into the citywide green collecting bin and just put other things in my plastic bin so I do not have animal issues..

Green girl

Worms avoid onions garlic and leeks too so you wouldnt want to put these in a compost bin, worms do all the work 🙂

Sean

I am a small time gardener in a raised bed in my backyard. I been tossing egg shells, some coffee grounds and about to amend the soil with manure. Last year I had healthy plants and the soil seemed to have a abundance of earth worms but I couldn’t get peas to grow and Brussel sprouts almost made it to harvest. I am thinking about skipping the broccoli and focusing more on Brussel sprouts. I had bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries and lettuce in my small garden. All of which I plan to grow again as my daughter loves to see everything grow. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Jean K

Be aware that horse and cow manure can have herbicide residue in it and peas, beans will not grow. Search this for more information. I was very careful and this still poisoned my garden. University of MN confirmed it.

C.C.

During the non-growing season, my ducks and chickens have full access to the garden area. A couple months before planting, the fence between my poultry pen and garden is put back up for tillering. They are usually let back in once more to add some fresher fertilizer before doing a second tillering and planting. This year we’re planning on letting our 3 guineas debug plants. We never use any chemicals, just natural ways but again our poultry uses the area too. They get double the pen, we get an abundance of vegetables and they get what falls on the ground (plus a little extra).

KOFI SOMUAH

I’m a small scale farmer and want to use only organic methods for farming and will be happy if you can teach me well how to use these simple methods in details to expand my scope of farming
Thanks and looking forward to hear from you

shadrack

please help i want to know how to make a compost and it takes how long

BMoretich

I purchased 2 roll bins. One is large and one is small. I can roll the small one but the large one gets too heavy for me so I just occasionally stir it around. The reason I have 2 is that I use the smaller one for my fall garden and the larger one for spring. So I alternate adding to it by season. I add layers of brown paper, cardboard that breaks up easily by getting wet and tearing in smaller pieces such as egg cartons. I add vegetable scraps, dryer lint, veggies/lettuce that has expired in my refrigerator, eggshells, banana peels or whole overripe, I don’t add citrus, garlic or onion, no potato peels and no animal meat scraps. Various worms, flies and other interesting insects break it down over time. They get in and out through the air holes.

Clement

I want to start growing sunflower.i want know the. Spacing, weeding, type of fertilizer and the type of chemicals to spray.

Randy Watts

You don’t have to weed sunflowers. They put out a natural weed suppressant. There are lots of different kinds and sizes. Check on the package for spacing recommendations.

Mark

My wife and I make our own yogurt and cheese and have discovered mixing some whey with rabbit manure makes a great fertilizer for tomatoes. They love the acid that the whey adds to the soil

pete

If I am planting something and don’t have compost, but have some old food scraps (peelings, etc) can I just throw it into the hole when I plant?

Nicholette

yes

Randy Watts

yep. You can also add some meat scraps to the hole. Just don’t add a bunch of fats or grease.

Noavy

Do NOT add meat, it will attract Rats or others animals

Dharmaraj NAGARAJAN

How to make natural fertilizer

Dada Harsh

Moon and nakshtra agriculture

Maureen

Explain please

Lorraine O'LEARY

Is a row cover going to protect plantings through a last frost? This year I am able to plant about a month earlier according to the Almanac and I plan on watching the weather closely. Should I double cover with row cover or cover with row cover and plastic?

Susan Higgins

Hi Lorraine, you didn’t mention where you live but we’re pretty sure everyone is out of the woods right now with frost. but at this point, if you hear of a frost coming in your local forecast, a double cover with row cover should suffice.

Paul Valadez

Thanks.

Surendra Kumar singh

Yes

Johnny M

I’d like to know the best natural manure or fertilizer for lawn grass (Mexican grass). I would like to avoid the suggested chemical DAP (diammonium phosphate) and urea. Are there natural (possible that you can make at home) equivalents of DAP and urea? TIA.

Susan Higgins

Hi Johnny, we found this information that may be helpful. Take a look here.

Haytham

I want where to make NPK fertilizer in a natural and inexpensive way, and therefore I work to sell it to farmers because its cost to farmers is small compared to expensive imported chemical fertilizers. Also, our country is poor and from developing countries, and for this reason I decided to do something simple to support my country that is rife with tragedy and wars. So what are the main steps and tools for this project? You have all the respect for me. Agricultural engineer / Haitham Al-Sabbari Country / Yemen

Susan Higgins

Hi Haytham, this article recommends garden fertilizers for home use. We appreciate you following the Farmers’ Almanac and wish you luck.

Teresa mcnutt

I am wanting to make my own fertilizer out of egg shells beet greens alfalfa banana peels and comfrey can you tell me the portions to add

Michael Western Washington

You note that coffee grounds are good for roses and tomatoes. Peppers are related to tomatoes, so I’ve read, so I presume coffee grounds would be good for them also. Yes?
Thank you.

Bruce Maine

Where I ground feed birds I’ve been sweeping up organic remnants (like peanut shells, sunflower seed hulls and other grains), to spread in the garden. Is this appropriate? Thanks!

Lukas J Townsend

Just want to thank everyone for all there input I live in north west Florida and haven’t any questions at this time b-cause I’m reading & paying attention to what’s posted thank you all so much

Susan Higgins

Thank you, Lukas! Good luck to you.

Ayan Islam

Wait, I live in northwest Florida too! And I’m just an 8 year old

Alexis

I am learning so many things you can use in your garden instead of throwing away. Rice water, bean water, potato water, can all be used to water your plants instead of going down the drain. Soaking banan peels in water for up to three days is an amazing fertilizer to water your plants.

Nicholette

thanks for the tips!

Kat

I actually have a question. I’d like to save money on fertilizer so I decided to save all my kitchen scraps, like coffee grounds, tea bags, banana peels, the parts of fruits and veggies that we don’t eat (like orange peels, the ends of celery, etc.). The problem is I don’t own my own home and I don’t have enough space for a compost pit. Can I throw all that stuff into a blender then freeze it until I need to use it?

Susan Higgins

Hi Kat, you don’t need to blend it, you can just throw the scraps in a bag and yes, when you’re ready to use it, you can take them out of the freezer. There are bins designed for indoor composting. But stay tuned = we’ll be posting a story on fertilizer teas you can make from those banana peels.

Lil

I started using banana peels (soaked in water for a few days ) last year.. My flower plants were growing wonderfully .My tomatoes and roses grew very well. Will use this natural fertilizer again .

Sandi Duncan

Thanks for sharing! Glad it worked for you. Happy planting.

Lee

Thank you so much for this information, I’m definitely going to try it because I’ve recently started planting tomatoes and cabbage so I want to give my garden soil a boost.

Susan Higgins

Lee, thank you, and good luck!

Diana Hickman

Someone needs to answer Kat’s question.

Jenny Benson

Thank you for your insights! I would warn people against using coffee grounds since even small amounts of caffeine (which ground do still contain) are poisonous to plants. I had blueberry plants turn yellow and loose their leaves because I did this.

Alexis

Coffee grounds apparently can make soil aciditic, especially if you use too much. Is it possible blueberries don’t like acidic soil and you may have used too much? Coffee grounds can provide good nitrogen when used properly and are wonderful for cirtus trees and tomatoes.

Sam

Hi, I’ve read that the best ways to avoid creating too much acidity is making ‘coffee ground tea’ which is really diluting it in heaaaps of water for several weeks. I added some egg shells to mine that’s one week in just to experiment

zara

helo i am a 10 years old girl so i want to plant something so i looking on google to just make fertiliser so it superb easy but i am thinking about to use dry leaves banana peal egg cover shell can i leave the grass I want to ask that how many days it will take to be maked

Beth

So informative! Thanks for sharing

Vanessa

I love the learnings that I’m getting in here.It’s so informative and easy to understand.

Christopher Sullivan

Can you kindly advise me of the best natural fertiliser for a vegetable garden ie potatoes, broccoli,&cabbage
Kind regards Christy.

patricwill11

Hey I made a Tea with , used tea bags and banana pells in a trash can and put 2 cups on my cabbage and they grow like crazy. love it.

Glen Inglesbirth

Hi Christopher, I am from the Caribbean and I do lots of organic vegetable gardening. From my experience, I get the best produce not only from my homemade compost, (decomposed grass cuttings and leaves) but mainly from the timing of this Farmers’ Almanac. From my experience, even though I have the best in compost, I will not get the best produce unless I use the given timing for planting.

Christopher Sullivan

Thankyou I found this piece very informative can you kindly advise me of the best natural fertiliser for a vegetable patch ie potatoes, broccoli, cabbage
Regards Christy

Jim

I’m new at growing things so I have to know. You’re saying that egg shells & coffee grounds have an opposite effect and should not be combined ?

patricwill11

Jim, I use them and love it.

Athos

You actually must combine both to keep the pH soil level stable.
Coffee will make the soil more acid.
Egg shells will make it more alkaline.

Glen Inglesbirth

True Athos, but when you say “balance” I know that you mean approriate. So if your soil is already neutral or appropriate for your crop, which differs from crop to crop, then the combination may maintain that position on the pH scale, but then why use something to maintain that value when we can get the same result if we just leave it alone? Just the same, we MUST remember that different crops require different pH values to do their best. Some crops love Acidic soils whereas others prefer Alkaline soils. This is one of the reasons it is recommended that we alternate crops on the same spot for a particular crop will tend to utilize the nutrients that it prefers, causing a change in the pH, hence leaving the soil void of some nutrients. So if we replant with the same crop on the same location, that crop will be lacking the missing nutrients necessary for proper growth and yield, hence we will then have to add, using fertilizers, to the soil for that crop to produce well.

Glen Inglesbirth

Hey Jim, I don’t know what you were replying to in this comment but I might be able to help, hopefully. Egg shells add calcium or it increases the alkaline of your soil where as the coffee grounds tend to increase the acidity of the soil. Actually those are some natural additives used to alter ones pH of their soil form better results. For instance, if one soil is too acid or its pH is too low, they can use some egg shell to bring the soil closer to about 6 where their plants might like better than a 4 and the inverse of that, if the soil is too alkaline, lets say 7 on the scale, one can use the coffee grounds to bring the pH closer to what is preferred by the plants.

Remedios E. Cabcabin

I enjoy reading your item. Very nice and easy to follow. I hope to do it the soonest possible time.

R Cheadle

It would help if the supplier of fertilizers reported the chemical composition of their products

Persis Hepburn

Is there any use for clothes dryer lint? Bearing in mind that most materials are made of or with polyester

Mary

Lint is very flammable and make great fire starters when camping

Khara

lint and used wax from my scent burners makes great fire starters….i mix them together and put that back in the wax containers and they make perfect little cube starters, cleanly contained, and molded back into cubes, just break 1 off and light it up….they burn well for about 20 min each!

Larry

Thanks for the fertilizer tricks and tips

Jarek gardyn was heltier

Gardyn was heltoer

Melvinreeves

Works very well

Melvinreeves

Use all of that works really well

Melvinreeves

I use all that works very well

Beverlie S. Alstott

I had no idea egg shells could be used so many ways!!

linda O.

I bought a bag of lime to sweeten the garden question is do I side dress or what .

Susan Higgins

Hi Linda, we assume you’ve tested your soil pH and have determined it needs a dose of lime. Vegetables, such as peas, beans, corn, members of the cabbage family, lettuce, spinach and other greens grow well in recently limed soil. So yes, side dress and then water well.

Jill

What does side dress mean?

EMILE JAMES

HOW DO YOU USE THE LIME?

Gopal

Best way to make inexpensive compost well done

Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life.

Enter your email address to receive our free Newsletter!