The cheapest fertilizer of all: And yet hardly anyone knows about it

Growing your own vegetables, and healthy and organic ones at that, can be a hobby and alchemy at the same time. Just finding the right place and the right soil for planting is sometimes harder than it looks. And fertilizing? That’s a chapter in itself. The internet and garden shops are bursting with choice, with one brand trying to outdo another, yet there are fertilisers that are not only effective but also cheap and readily available. Many of these can be made at home.

What nutrients are needed?

Vegetables, whether tomatoes, peppers or cucumbers, need not only water and sunlight to grow, but also plenty of nutrients. Good soil rich in organic matter can do a lot, but not everyone is lucky enough to come across such soil. Sometimes plants need a little help.

The three main nutrients your vegetables absolutely need are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, otherwise known as NPK.

• Nitrogen is crucial for overall growth and promotes green and leaf formation.
• Phosphorus is essential for root, flower and fruit development. A deficiency can lead to stunted growth and lower yields.
• Potassium is essential for overall plant development, fruit quality and disease resistance.

If your soil lacks nutrients, so will your crops – the health of the soil is one of the main factors that determine how successful it will be. If your garden has everything the plants need, they will grow to a larger size, the fruit will be better quality and they will also be more resistant to disease and pests.

Organic vs. synthetic fertilizers

Whilesynthetic fertilisers can deliver the nutrients you need faster, they need to be handled with care – they can burn plants in large quantities. By using organic, i.e. natural, fertilisers, you avoid consuming harmful synthetic toxins that also damage the natural microbiology in the soil and kill beneficial insects and pollinators. Organic fertilisers are gentler and support the natural ecosystem of the garden.

Make your own fertiliser at home

You don’t have to go far to find quality fertiliser, you can often find it in your own home. Here are some tried-and-tested tips:

Composted chicken manure

Chickens can give you much more than just eggs and meat. Their droppings consist of urine, feathers, undigested food and litter – these materials make great plant food when composted. Keep in mind, however, that fresh and raw manure can burn plants, so it should be allowed to mature and composted properly.

(Note: Chicken manure may contain pathogens such as E. coli or salmonella. To reduce the risk, it is important to handle it properly and store it in a protected area.)

Composted cow manure

Cow manure is rich in nutrients and is great for plant growth. It contains 3% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus and 1% potassium, making it a versatile fertiliser for almost all types of crops. In addition, it improves soil structure and helps soil regeneration. The only drawback is that it is time-consuming to collect, store and process and can be somewhat messy.

Rice water

The liquid that remains after rinsing the rice is full of starches and minerals that benefit the soil microflora. Unsalted water from boiled potatoes or pasta has a similar effect. This alone will not fully nourish the soil, but it is ideal as a support.

Banana peels

Banana peels are another thing you’re probably throwing away, yet when combined with other organic fertiliser, they can provide your garden with potassium, magnesium and other essentials.

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen. If you add it to your soil or compost, it will help your plants grow strong and healthy. But use it only as a supplement, as it will not provide enough nutrients on its own.

Wood ash

Fire or wood ash can be very beneficial for your garden as it contains potassium, which is vital for many crops. However, bear in mind that it raises the pH of the soil and does not contain nitrogen, so it is also a supplement rather than a complete fertiliser.