All Natural Garden Fertilizers & Plant Food

Herbivore Manure

• Well-aged herbivore manure ( from cows, sheep, goats, horses or chickens) is rich in micro-organisms, nutrients and minerals beneficial to plant growth and development. Always compost manure before adding it to the garden. The heat generated in the composting process destroys harmful bacteria. Active compost piles will reach temperatures between 140 to 160 degrees F. Apply composted manure to the garden in the fall, cultivating well.

  Aged manure is available from local farmers or you can purchased bagged manure from home and garden centers or your local landscape contractor.

Fish Fertilizer

• Save fish entrails and trimmings to create fish emulsion to add new energy to garden plants. You can keep fish scraps in the freezer until you accumulate enough to prepare a fish emulsion. Use approximately 5 lbs. of fish scraps, bones and skin per batch. Place fish scraps in a 5-gallon bucket, add 1 cup molasses, and fill the bucket with water. Cover with a tightly fitting lid, and place in a sunny location. After four to six weeks, the emulsion with be dark brown and foamy. Mix 1 part emulsion with 5 parts of water. Filter the mixture and apply with a garden sprayer, or mix directly in a watering can and apply around the base of plants.

  You can also purchase ready made fish fertilizer from garden centers, home supply stores and online. Apply following package label directions. Fish fertilizer provides naturally balanced plant food, rich in essential oils, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes required for healthy plant growth.

Kitchen Compost

• Save egg shells, vegetable scraps, fruit peels, coffee grounds and tea leaves to add to the compost pile. Virtually all kitchen waste, with the exception of meat, can be added to the compost pile. You may choose to use a commercial compost unit or simply start a pile in hidden spot in the landscape. Water the compost pile frequently, and turn over the material to aerate once a month. In cold climates, continue to add to the compost pile while the materials are frozen and toss well in the spring.

  Compost is ready to apply to the garden when the material is dark brown, crumbly and presents a strong "earthy" odor. Spread around the base of plants, cultivate lightly, and water well.

Worm Castings

• Purchase worm castings from your local garden supply or home and building center. Worm castings contain a wealth of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and enzymes to feed gardens and houseplants. You can start a worm box at home. Worms thrive on coffee grounds and vegetable scraps. Recycle your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich garden, and house plant fertilizer.