If you’re looking to grow healthy potted plants, the key lies in the soil and the nutrients you provide. Just like other plants, those in pots need nutrients, but they can’t always get them from the earth. So, creating a high-quality potting soil is crucial for potted plant growth.
A good potting soil mix is made up of 60% top soil, 30% compost, and 10% horticulture or coarse sand. This blend ensures that your potted plants have all the nutrients they need to start growing.
But your job isn’t done once the plants are in the pots. You need to keep feeding them nutrients to help them grow strong and healthy. This is where a good homemade fertilizer can make a big difference. Are you interested in learning about some of the best homemade fertilizers for your potted plants? Keep reading this blog post, and we’ll guide you through it.
Bio-Complete Compost
When it comes to fertilizing, compost emerges as the ultimate homemade fertilizer for potted plants. Whether you have flowering plants or leafy greens, compost works wonders in providing them with essential nutrients. But what makes compost so beneficial?
The answer lies in its versatility and composition. You can opt for high-quality bio-complete compost, which serves as both a fertilizer and a soil conditioner for your pots. A well-balanced bio-complete compost consists of key materials, including 15% nitrogen-rich substances like horse or cow manure, 35% green materials such as grass clippings, and 50% woody materials like wood chips.
To further expedite the decomposition process, consider adding some compost tea to your new compost pile. Packed with a plethora of decomposing microbes, compost tea acts as a catalyst, ensuring a faster breakdown of organic matter.
When it comes to potted plants, especially indoor ones, using only composted manure is strongly recommended. Raw manure should be avoided as a fertilizer in your garden. By using composted manure, you ensure a safer and efficient nutrient supply for your beloved potted plants.
Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is a good, homemade plant food that’s perfect for potted plants, offering a great boost to your gardening routine. Unlike ordinary compost that usually consists of manure and wood chips, leaf mold is made entirely from composted leaves, which sets it apart.
Even though turning leaves into mold takes a bit longer, it’s well worth the wait. While it’s true that leaf mold may not be as nutrient-rich as regular compost, it’s a superb soil enhancer. It makes your soil an ideal home for helpful earthworms and friendly microbes, and also boosts the soil’s ability to hold onto water.
Banana Peels
Banana peels, often overlooked as waste, can actually serve as a fantastic homemade fertilizer for your plants. While using them, keep the following tips and methods in mind:
Nutrient Slurry – To create a nutrient-packed mixture, blend banana peels with water using a food processor. This slurry can provide a rich dose of nutrients for your plants.
Direct Application – For a slow-release fertilizer, chop up banana peels and bury them around the base of your potted plants. This method allows the peels to gradually release nutrients into the soil.
Composting – Enhance your compost pile by adding banana peels to it. As they decompose, they contribute valuable nutrients that can benefit your plants.
It’s important to understand that banana peels contain relatively low levels of nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth. However, they do contain potassium and phosphorus, which are equally important for healthy plant development.
Lastly, ensure you clean banana peels thoroughly before using them as fertilizer. If not properly prepared, they can attract pests that may harm your plants.Top of Form
Eggshells
Eggshells, that we often discard after use, have a secret garden-friendly identity: they are beneficial for plants. As nature’s own fertilizer, eggshells contain substantial amounts of calcium carbonate, a vital nutrient that strengthens the roots and structure of plants, promoting sturdier growth.
Crushed to a fine powder, eggshells can be effortlessly sprinkled onto the soil surface. This pulverized form eases the job of the microbes in the soil, aiding in quicker decomposition and timely release of essential nutrients to the plants.
Moreover, eggshells work as a fantastic pH adjuster. If your soil is on the acidic side, these shells can tip the balance towards a more alkaline environment, creating more favorable conditions for many plants to thrive.
However, before reaping these benefits, there’s an important step: cleaning. A good rinse with hot water and drying them out for a few days keeps the eggshells free from any harmful organisms. This simple, yet significant act protects your plants from any potential harm.
Biofertilizers – Trichoderma
When it comes to nurturing your potted plants, there’s a secret weapon that nature has bestowed upon us: Trichoderma species. These beneficial fungi are hailed as the superheroes of biofertilizers, and here’s why.
First and foremost, Trichoderma species are highly recommended for potted plants. They work wonders by strengthening the plant roots and acting as a shield against soil-borne diseases like verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and tomato gray mold.
But that’s not all. Trichoderma has another superpower—it unlocks the nutrients that are trapped in the soil. This means your plants can now access those valuable nutrients, promoting healthier growth and development.
What’s more, Trichoderma proves to be a loyal companion during challenging weather conditions. It acts as a guardian, safeguarding your plants from the clutches of unfavorable weather, ensuring their survival and well-being.
And the best part is, you can easily produce Trichoderma in the comfort of your own home. Just check out our article for a step-by-step guide on how to harness the power of Trichoderma and unlock its potential for your plants.
Biofertilizers – Lactic Acid Bacteria
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), while often linked with fermented foods, play a surprising, pivotal role in your potted plant’s health. They are beneficial microorganisms that have been enhancing agriculture for years by boosting soil fertility, warding off diseases, and encouraging plant growth.
One of the secret superpowers of LAB is their ability to promote the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. This process releases vital nutrients that feed and nourish your plants, ensuring they thrive.
LAB also have an extraordinary ability to produce organic acids. These acids help in acidifying the soil, creating a friendly environment for certain plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Please read our Lactic acid bacteria article to learn more about their benefits and how to make them at home.
Bacterial and Fungal Foods
Taking care of your potted plants extends beyond fertilizing, watering and sunlight – it also involves feeding their invisible allies: beneficial bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms improve plant health by enhancing soil activities, thus ensuring your plants thrive. Although not essential, this step can add a significant boost to your plant’s vitality.
Adding fish hydrolysate and molasses in small quantities can serve as food for fungi and bacteria respectively. Not just feeding the microorganisms, these ingredients double up as a good homemade fertilizer for your potted plants. Hence, using these fungal and bacterial foods can be a valuable step in your plant care routine, fostering a healthier and happier garden.
