While it is true that we can buy many types of manure and fertilizers in specialized stores, the most economical and ecological option is to create our own compost, even for the vegetables that we have in pots or planters . We all generate organic waste that we can use for this task. For this reason, in this article we are going to explain to you how to make homemade compost for potted plants.
In addition to explaining step by step how to create our own compost, we will also talk about the best natural fertilizers. So keep reading if you want to learn more about homemade compost.
Contents
What is the best natural fertilizer for plants?
There are many homemade organic fertilizers that are highly recommended for vegetables as they provide many nutrients and benefits for both soil and crops. It should also be noted that obtaining and applying most of them is very simple. Some very obvious examples that everyone usually has at home are banana peels, who have a high potassium level, and egg shells, for its calcium content. Of course, it is advisable to crush them well before throwing them in the compost.
Although less common, we can also use our own urine. It has high levels of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. To apply it, it must first be diluted in water. Vinegar is also great for enriching the soil. One option we have is to dissolve it in water and water the plants that need acidic soils directly with this mixture. We will comment below on the other most recommended natural fertilizers.
Manure
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What types of manure are there and what are their characteristics?
Without a doubt, one of the best and most well-known fertilizers is manure. It can be acquired by using the droppings of rabbits, goats or chickens, among others. In the case of rabbit droppings, they can be added to the soil as is, because their nitrogen content is higher. Instead, others must go through a pre-composting process first.
coffee grounds
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How to use coffee grounds to take care of plants
The leftovers left after having a cup of coffee can be used to create our fertilizer, pthey contain nitrogen. Another option is to mix the soils directly into the ground or spread them on the surface.
Grass
When it comes to mowing the lawn and/or removing weeds, all of this waste can be added to the compost we create. These organic remains not only have a high nitrogen content, but also they retain certain nutrients that they have come to absorb from the soil.
fireplace ashes
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Uses of Wood Ash in Organic Gardening
Another recommended natural fertilizer is the ash produced by burning wood, as is the case with the fireplace. It is rich in calcium carbonate and potassium, which will be useful for our homemade fertilizer. Of course, it should not be applied directly to alkaline soil or around acid-loving vegetables.
earthworm humus
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What is earthworm humus and what is it used for?
Earthworm humus is also one of the best organic fertilizers. While it is true that this type of humus is obtained in its best form in forests, produced by earthworms that live in the soil, it can be made at home by making vermicompost. Find out how to do it here.
Lenses
Finally, the lentil sprouts. They are not only an excellent fertilizer, but also a good rooting agent. Once we have the sprouts, we need to mash them in water and strain them. One part of this liquid can be mixed with ten parts of water and used for irrigation.
How to make homemade fertilizer?
Now let’s get to the topic that really interests us: How to make homemade fertilizer for potted plants. While it is true that some organic waste can simply be deposited directly on the ground, It is best to follow a series of steps so that these remains break down properly and thus create an ideal home compost or fertilizer. To achieve this, we must follow these points:
- Get a small container about a meter deep (a large or medium-sized container will also work, depending on your needs). Once we have it, make holes in the surface.
- Put between four and five fingers of land inside. If the container is bigger, we will have to place more.
- Add organic waste like the ones we mentioned above. Of course, they must not be made from any animal products except eggshells.
- Return to put earth on it, to cover debris.
- Remove with a shovel approximately every two weeks. To do well, you have to bring the remains that are lower to the surface and those from the surface to the bottom. In this way we aerate our homemade fertilizer.
When can you apply homemade fertilizer for potted plants?
After a few weeks fruit flies, worms and other insects will start showing up in the homemade compost we have created. Don’t worry, that’s a good sign. It tells us that the decomposition process is going well. But when can we use it? As well, once the soil took on a lumpy appearance and a dark or black color, the organic waste we threw in it completely decomposed. So now is the perfect time to apply this compost in our orchard, garden or in pots. Regarding the smell, it should be similar to that of the earth when it is wet.
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How to Fertilize Potted Plants
Generally, home composting It usually takes about two months if we start in summer, because heat greatly promotes the decomposition process. On the contrary, if we start this task in winter, it usually takes about five months.
When applying the homemade fertilizer we created, it is best to spread it using a rake or other type of tool. In order to further favor the plants, it is better to spread it well around the roots of vegetables.
As you can see, making homemade fertilizer for potted plants is no big deal. Moreover, it is a fairly simple task that almost does itself. So you no longer have an excuse not to create your own compost! You can tell us about your experiences in the comments.