Here are seven homemade fertilizer recipes for you to put to the test.
Shake the solution thoroughly.
Use the solution to water your plants.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Water them with this solution once per month during the growing season.
It works because Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate, both vital plant nutrients.
Some magnesium-loving plants to try it on include houseplants, roses, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Like any fertilizer, a little goes a long way!
Be sure to use the correct dose for plant size.
Try Coffee Ground Fertilizer
Line a cookie sheet with newspaper.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Spread your used coffee grounds out on the sheet, and allow them to dry completely.
Sprinkle the grounds around the base of your acid-loving plants.
This works because coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and potassiumall-important plant nutrients.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
They’re also naturally acidic, so they can help you boost the acidity of the soil.
Tip
Be careful not to overdo it with the grounds.
Even acid-loving plants can get too much acid.
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
Use Eggshells as Fertilizer
secure your eggs shells and allow them to air dry.
Place the dried shells in a blender and pulse until they’re powdery-fine.
Sprinkle the shell powder around the plants in your garden.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
This works well because eggshells are made up almost entirely of calcium carbonatethe main ingredient in agricultural lime.
Use this in place of lime in the garden.
Create Vinegar Fertilizer
Combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and water.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Use the solution to water your plants.
Repeat every three months.
Use this in place of houseplant fertilizer, rose plant food, and soil acidifiers.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
Never use straight vinegar to fertilize your plants.
Undiluted vinegar is an herbicide.
Use it generously and often to water any plants.
This works because used fish tank water is full of nitrogen and other nutrients that plants need to thrive.
This can be used in place of any other throw in of fertilizer.
Employ Fireplace Ashes
Collectfireplace ashesafter they cool down.
Sprinkle cool (never hot) fireplace ash over your garden beds and work it into the soil.
Fireplace ash is rich in potassium and calcium carbonate.
Use it in place of garden lime.
Fireplace ash should not be used if your soil is alkaline.
It also shouldn’t be used around acid-loving plants, unless you’re trying to turn hydrangeas pink.
Use them to start a compost bin or pile.
Compostis loaded with nutrients and microorganisms that are good for your garden.
It is a top-notch organic addition to your soil that can be used anywhere in the garden.
Quick Guide to Fertilizing Plants.UMN Extension.
