Enhancing soil richness without manure or expense: A guide to herbal fertilizers
Looking for a natural and cost-effective way to fertilize your garden? Look no further! This DIY eco-friendly grass fertilizer is just what you need. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make and use this fertilizer.
1. Choosing a Container
Select a large container, such as a 5-gallon bucket or a water butt, with a lid to loosely cover it. This will help prevent drying out and rainwater contamination while allowing some air circulation. The container should be sturdy and easy to move, made of plastic or another material that won't react with the fertilizer mix.
2. Preparation of Fertilizer
Collect fresh, seed-free leafy green weeds like dandelions, chickweed, clover, or comfrey. Fill the container loosely with the plant material and pour water over it until the plant matter is fully submerged. Cover and place the container in a shaded, warm outdoor spot. Stir the mixture every few days to help fermentation and breakdown of nutrients. Let it steep for about 7 to 14 days until the mixture turns into a dark, murky liquid and the plant material has broken down.
3. Straining and Optional Additions
Strain out the solid plant matter using a fine sieve or the container’s tap, keeping the liquid fertilizer tea. To reduce odor during fermentation, a few drops of peppermint essential oil can be added (optional).
4. Storage
Store the strained liquid in a clean container with a lid, ideally in a cool, dark place. Use the fertilizer within 2 weeks for best results; it can be stored up to 3 months if properly sealed and gas buildup is managed by loosening the lid periodically. Avoid storing feeds made from fresh manure or compost longer than necessary since they degrade rapidly.
5. Usage
Dilute the fertilizer tea before use: For mature grass and plants, mix 1 part tea to 5 parts water; for seedlings or delicate plants, dilute further to 1 part tea to 10 parts water. Apply the diluted fertilizer early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid plant heat stress. Reapply weekly for vegetables or lawn grass, and every two weeks for flowers or after harvesting periods. Fertilizer can be applied as a soil drench (pour around base of plants) or as a foliar spray.
Additional Tips
- Use gloves and work in a ventilated area during preparation due to strong odors.
- Complement your fertilizer with homemade compost or worm casting tea to provide a broader range of nutrients.
- Ensure to mix the fertilizer well before use, as nutrients may settle.
By following these steps, you'll have a natural, cost-effective, and chemical-free fertilizer that enriches soil health and promotes grass growth sustainably. You can even add hops shoots, chop the grass, or use the fertilizer for any type of plant, including vegetables, berry bushes, and flowers. Store the fertilizer in Hessian or other natural material bags to ensure proper air circulation. Happy gardening!
Incorporating the suggested fertilizer into your lifestyle and home-and-garden routines might bring natural growth and vitality to your garden. This eco-friendly grass fertilizer, made from common weeds, can also be used to nourish vegetables, berry bushes, and flowers.
