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Some plant species should be fertilized from time to time so that they are supplied with valuable nutrients that they themselves do not find in the soil. Since artificial fertilizer pollutes the environment several times over, it is a good idea to make your own plant fertilizer. This is very simple and also free of charge.
Plant fertilizer from garden and kitchen waste
High-quality compost from your own kitchen or garden waste is the most climate-friendly source of fertilizer, as composting closes the natural cycle of materials without emitting pollutants. At the same time, compost not only provides nutrients for plants, but also nourishes the soil and promotes humus growth. In this way, you can avoid reaching for the expensive mineral fertilizer pack and at the same time minimize the impact on the climate.
In our guide to composting and composting correctly, you can find out what you need to pay attention to when composting. If you want to make the work a little easier, reach for a ready-made garden composter.
The advantages of organic fertilization
- domestic fertilizer production saves emissions
- free of charge, since it is obtained from waste
- soil and plants are optimally supplied
How often and how much should fertilizer be applied?
We recommend that you always fertilize sparingly, regardless of whether you use organic or man-made fertilizers. Fertilizing should be done only when needed and in moderation. As a rule of thumb, four to five liters of compost per square meter per year is quite sufficient for plants that have medium nutrient requirements.
Of course, there are also plant species that have a comparatively high demand for nutrients. These are referred to as “heavy growers.” These include tomatoes, pumpkins and cabbage. Here you can distribute a little more fertilizer.
Organic fertilizers for your garden are also available at specialty stores. These include, for example: Earthworm droppings, herbal extracts or fertilizers made from horn shavings or plant components.
Organic fertilizer recommendations
AgroThrive All Purpose Organic Liquid Fertilizer - 3-3-2 NPK (ATGP1128) (1 Gal) for Lawns, Vegetables, Greenhouses, Herbs and Everything Else...
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Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Plant Nutrition Granules - 1 lb. Shaker Bottle, Organic, All-Purpose Plant Food for Vegetables, Flowers...
High climate pollution due to artificial fertilizers
Many hobby gardeners resort to artificial fertilizers out of ignorance or convenience. After all, they have the reputation of being particularly effective. Although a large quantity of nutrients is available to the plants when using artificially produced fertilizers, this can quickly lead to an oversupply. The elements phosphorus and nitrogen in particular are often present in excessive concentrations.
The result of oversupply is that plants become more susceptible to pests. In addition, the remaining nitrogen is quickly washed out, which can lead to contamination of the groundwater. In addition, phosphate quickly settles in the soil and the plants can no longer use it.
Furthermore, the production of synthetic fertilizer requires large quantities of petroleum – up to two liters of oil for one liter of artificial fertilizer. Energy consumption is therefore enormously high.
