Homemade fertilizer for potted plants: Which is the best and how to make it

Although it is true that we can buy many different types of manures and fertilizers in specialized stores, the most economical and ecological option is to create our own compost, even for the vegetables that we have in pots or planters. We all generate organic waste that we can use for this task. For this reason, we are going to explain in this article how to make homemade compost for potted plants.

Apart from explaining step by step how to create our own compost, we will also talk about which are the best natural fertilizers. So keep reading if you want to know more about homemade compost.

What is the best natural fertilizer for plants?

There are many homemade organic fertilizers that are highly recommended for vegetables, as they provide many nutrients and benefits to both the land and the crops. It should also be noted that both obtaining and applying most of them are very simple. Some very obvious examples that everyone usually has at home are banana skins, who have a high level of potassium, and egg shells, for its calcium content. Of course, it is advisable to crush the latter well before throwing them into the compost.

Although it is less frequent, we can also use our own urine. It has high levels of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen. To apply it, we must first dilute it in water. Vinegar is also great for enriching the soil. One option we have is to dissolve it in water and directly water the plants that need acid soils with this mixture. We are going to comment below on other of the most recommended natural fertilizers.

Manure

Without a doubt, one of the best and also best-known fertilizers is manure. We can acquire it using the droppings of rabbits, goats or chickens, among others. In the case of rabbit droppings, we can add them to the soil as they are, since their nitrogen content is higher. Instead, the others have to go through a previous composting process first.

Coffee grounds

The remains that remain after having a cup of coffee can be used to create our fertilizer, pthey contain nitrogen. Another option is to mix the grounds directly into the soil or spread them on the surface.

Grass

When it comes to mowing the lawn and/or removing weeds, all this waste can be added to the compost we are creating. These organic remains not only have a high nitrogen content, but also they retain some nutrients that they have come to absorb from the soil.

Fireplace ash

Another recommended natural fertilizer is the ash that is produced by burning wood, as is the case with the fireplace. This is rich in calcium carbonate and potassium, which will come in handy for our homemade fertilizer. Of course, we should not apply it directly on alkaline soil or around acidophilic vegetables.

Earthworm humus

Earthworm humus is also one of the best organic fertilizers. Although it is true that this type of humus is obtained in its best form in the forests, produced by the earthworms that live in the soil, we can get it homemade by making vermicompost. Discover here! how to do it.

Lentils

Lastly are the lentil sprouts. They are not only an excellent fertilizer, but also a good rooting agent. Once we have the sprouts, we must crush them in water and strain it. One part of this liquid can be mixed with ten parts of water and used for irrigation.

How to make a homemade fertilizer?

Let’s go now with the topic that really interests us: How to make homemade fertilizer for potted plants. While it is true that we can simply put some organic waste directly on the ground, It is best to follow a series of steps so that these remains decompose correctly and thus create an ideal homemade compost or fertilizer. To achieve this, we must follow these points:

1. Get a small container that is about a meter deep (a large or medium-sized container will also work, depending on your needs). Once we have it, make holes in the surface.
2. Put between four and five fingers of land inside. If the container is bigger, we will have to place more.
3. Add organic waste like the ones we mentioned above. Of course, they should not come from any animal product except for eggshells.
4. Return to put earth on top, to cover the debris.
5. Remove with a shovel approximately every two weeks. To do it well we must bring the remains that are lower to the surface and those on the surface to the bottom. In this way we aerate our homemade fertilizer.

When can we apply homemade fertilizer for potted plants?

After a few weeks fruit flies, worms and other insects will start to appear in the homemade compost we have created. Don’t worry, it’s a good sign. It tells us that the decomposition process is taking place correctly. But when can we use it? As well, once the soil takes on a lumpy appearance and a dark or black color, the organic waste that we have thrown inside has completely decomposed. Then it is the ideal time to apply this compost in our orchard, garden or in pots. Regarding the smell, this should be similar to that of the earth when it is wet.

Generally, home composting It usually takes about two months if we start in summer, because the heat considerably favors the decomposition process. On the contrary, if we start this task in winter, it usually takes about five months.

When applying the homemade fertilizer that we have created, it is best to distribute it using a rake or other type of tool. In order to favor the plants more, it is best to spread it well around the roots of the vegetables.

As you can see, making a homemade fertilizer for potted plants does not have much of a mystery. Moreover, it is a fairly simple task that almost does itself. So you no longer have an excuse not to create your own compost! You can tell us about your experiences in the comments.