Fertilizer is a product that can be spread or mixed into the soil to provide plants with the nutrients they need for growth. It helps fertilize plants and stimulate flowering. You can use chemical fertilizers or ingredients from your kitchen.
To fertilize the soil and stimulate the growth of your plants, you can use natural and readily available ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen.
What fertilizing nutrients does a plant need?
The main nutrients a green plant needs are:
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Potassium: allows the plant to protect itself from external attacks and to regulate its water intake.
Phosphorus: promotes flowering or fruiting of a plant and stimulates the development of its roots
Nitrogen: stimulates plant growth and allows them to produce new tissues.
These fertilizing elements can be found in different types of mineral fertilizers, such as nitrogen or complex fertilizers, or in organic fertilizers.
What are some natural fertilizers that promote plant growth?
The kitchen is full of natural ingredients that are effective in stimulating plant growth.
Natural fertilizer made from coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are a natural fertilizer rich in phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, and potassium. Its pH is slightly acidic, making it particularly suitable for acid-loving plants, which thrive in acidic soils, such as tomatoes or hydrangeas. Sprinkle a little coffee grounds around the base of the plants or incorporate them into the soil, but do not overdo it to avoid stimulating plant growth at the expense of flowering. Note that coffee grounds can also act as a compost activator. They can then be incorporated into compost, like nettle manure. Avoid overdosing to avoid inhibiting plant growth. Note that compost is also an excellent fertilizer for plants. This fertilizer is made from plant waste and organic matter.
Natural eggshell fertilizer
eggshells
Thanks to their mineral and amino acid content, eggshells make an excellent organic fertilizer for plants. To do this, you can crush your shells with a mortar and pestle to obtain a powder that you can sprinkle at the base of your plants. Lightly scratch the soil with a garden claw to better incorporate it. You can also use eggshell tea as watering water to hydrate your plants and feed them the nutrients they need to grow. Note that eggshells are also effective in repelling pests, parasites, and gastropods. They also serve to enrich compost and balance its pH, making it less acidic.
Natural fertilizer with orange peels
Fruit peels, especially citrus peels, can also be used to fertilize the soil. Orange peels are an example. They are rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen, among other nutrients. To do this, finely chop fresh orange peels with a knife. Then lightly scrape the soil with a garden claw and place the pieces of orange peel in the soil. Cover them with soil and water. Another tip is to first dry the orange peels and blend them to obtain a powder, which you can then distribute at the base of your plants .
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Natural fertilizer from banana peels
banana peels
Banana peels are an organic waste product that enriches the soil thanks to their nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron content. Placed in compost, banana peels release nutrients essential for plant growth, which also stimulate root growth and make them resistant to disease. You can choose to mulch your plants with banana peel strips or prepare a liquid fertilizer. To do this, cut the banana peels into small pieces and soak them in a bucket of water. Let them sit for a few days, then strain the liquid and use it to water your plants. To fertilize the soil and help your plants grow, you can also use Epsom salts, wood ash, or horse manure.
Feel free to use these natural fertilizers to fertilize the soil and stimulate the growth and flowering of your indoor, garden or vegetable plants.
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