Organic Fertilizers to Enrich the Soil

Organic gardening calls for organic fertilizers to enrich the soil. They may be organic fertilizers that you yourself make, or you may purchase organic fertilizers. The key is to avoid chemical additives when making the soil rich for your organic garden.

Organic fertilizers require no more work than synthetic versions, and make the soil healthy so that it will feed your plants well. Your yield will increase, making each hour of work worth more to you.

It is important to add organic fertilizers to your garden at least twice a year, working them well into the soil. Spring is the more obvious time to enrich the soil, but fertilizers should be used at the end of the growing season also.

Types of Organic Fertilizers

There are several types of organic fertilizers. Each makes a specific contribution to the soil. Some will contribute potassium while others add phosphorous. You will want to have the soil of your organic garden tested so that you know what to add.

Animal-based Organic Fertilizer

You know this fertilizer as manure. Most animal-based organic fertilizer is composed of animal droppings. You cannot use manure from predator animals such as cats, since their digestive systems contain bacteria that cause disease in humans. You may use the following animal-based organic fertilizer.

* bat guano
* chicken manure
* cow manure
* horse manure
* rabbit manure
* worm castings

When using animal-based organic fertilizer, be sure it is aged or composted. This will remove dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. You can add composted organic fertilizer in either liquid or solid form. Work it into the soil until a good loam is achieved. After adding manure, wait several weeks before planting.

Plant-based Organic Fertilizer

Besides the dung of animals, you can use organic fertilizer made from plants. Seaweed and kelp, purchased dried and processed, are good organic fertilizers as are cover crops that are later plowed into the soil. The latter is known as “green manure” and it usually a nitrogen-fixing crop such as soybeans.
If you are unsure as to what type of organic fertilizer is best for your needs, ask a local nursery or garden store that offers organic gardening supplies.

Commercial Organic Fertilizers

In addition to regular, unprocessed animal and plant-based organic fertilizers, commercial organic fertilizers provide for specific soil needs. For example, “Heart and Soil pH+Plus” is an organic fertilizer that sweetens soil to the proper pH. This helps plants grow and get strong. It makes it easier for their roots to drink in nutrients. “Heart and Soil pH+Plus” uses wood ash from trees to make an organic fertilizer that contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients.

Commercial fertilizers can be organic fertilizers, and not chemical, but be sure you read the labels and ask questions.