Roses, revered for their elegance, require proper care to reach their full splendor. Homemade fertilizers are a natural and cost-effective way to nourish roses and promote lush blooms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating and using five exceptional homemade fertilizers for your roses.
- Banana peel fertilizer
Ingredients: Collect the banana peels.
How to: Cut banana peels into small pieces and bury them near the base of the rose bush or in the soil surrounding it.
Benefits: Rich in potassium, phosphorus and essential minerals for healthy root development and vibrant flowers.
Dilution and Application: No dilution necessary. Apply directly by burying near the base of the plant.
Frequency: Apply every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season for optimal results.
Watering after application: Water the area where the banana peels are buried to facilitate decomposition and nutrient release.
banana peel as fertilizer on rose plants - Epsom salt solution
Ingredients: Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate).
How to prepare: Dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
Benefits: Increases magnesium and sulfur levels, aiding in chlorophyll production and nutrient absorption.
Dilution and Application: Apply the solution to the base of the rose bush. For potted plants, dilute further to half strength.
Frequency: Apply every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season to supplement magnesium levels in the soil.
Watering after application: Water thoroughly after application to facilitate absorption into the soil. - Compost tea
Ingredients: Compost, water.
How to: Soak the compost in water for 24 to 48 hours, strain and use the liquid.
Benefits: Provides a diverse range of nutrients and microbes beneficial to overall plant health.
Dilution and Application: Dilute the tea in a ratio of 1 part tea to 4 parts water. Apply around the base of the plant.
Frequency: Apply every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season to enrich the soil and promote robust growth.
Watering after application: Water lightly after application to promote absorption and microbial activity in the soil.
compost tea as fertilizer on rose plants - Eggshell Fertilizer
Ingredients: Crushed eggshells.
How to: Crush the cleaned eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of the rose bush.
Benefits: Rich in calcium, prevents blossom end rot and strengthens cell walls.
Dilution and Application: No dilution necessary. Apply by scattering the crushed shells around the plant.
Frequency: Apply at the beginning of the growing season and monthly thereafter for a continuous calcium supplement.
Watering after application: Water lightly to help the eggshells break down and slowly release the calcium. - Fish emulsion fertilizer
Ingredients: fish leftovers, water.
How to: Mix fish scraps into water and let them decompose for several weeks. Strain the liquid before use.
Benefits: Provides a powerful source of nitrogen and essential nutrients for healthy foliage and flowers.
Dilution and Application: Dilute the fish emulsion in a ratio of 1 part emulsion to 3 parts water. Apply around the base of the plant.
Frequency: Apply every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season to promote lush foliage and prolific flowering.
Watering after application: Water thoroughly after application to avoid strong odors and ensure good absorption.