DIY Natural fertilizer for organic gardening
You don’t need to spend a fortune on boutique fertilizer for organic gardening. While there are plenty of store-bought options available, many of the best fertilizer ingredients are found right at home.
Here is a quick guide to the best DIY fertilizer for your organic garden:
Kitchen scraps
Some of the best organic fertilizers are found right in your kitchen trash. Instead of throwing everything away, try collecting your organic food waste and composting it. Your homemade fertilizer made from compost will provide plenty of nutrients to every plant in your organic garden.
Eggshells
Washed and crushed eggshells make a simple DIY fertilizer for plants that love calcium. In addition to providing this valuable mineral plants crave, the calcium carbonate in eggshells can also help lower the acidity of your garden soil.
Coffee grounds
If your plants prefer more acidic soil, coffee grounds are your perfect choice of DIY fertilizer. You can sprinkle used coffee grounds over the soil surface, or soak the grounds for a few days to make “plant coffee.”
Banana peels
Bananas and their peels are an excellent source of potassium. Some plants such as roses thrive with extra potassium in their environment. If you have an organic rose garden, bury banana peels in the top layer of soil to feed your blooms.
Garden weeds
No need for a yard waste bin - pesky weeds from your garden can actually help your plants grow when used as fertilizer. To prevent them from propagating and taking over your garden, however, create a “tea” by soaking pulled weeds in water for a week or more.
Grass clippings
Grass clippings are another form of yard waste you can put to good use instead of throwing them away. Collect the clippings from your lawn mower to create a DIY weed-blocking mulch layer for your garden soil.
Fallen leaves
Rather than throw away bags and bags of leaves in fall, use them as a DIY organic garden fertilizer. Leaves can benefit your garden by attracting earthworms, retaining moisture, lightening soil texture and providing trace minerals to the soil.
Manure
No matter the source, manure is rich in nitrogen and other key nutrients perfect for plants. If you have chickens, cows or horses, you have a free and plentiful supply of natural fertilizer at the ready.
Whether you’re growing flowers or a vegetable garden, keep these natural fertilizers in mind as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Not only will you be recycling valuable organic resources, you’ll be saving money at the same time.
About the Author
Daniel Martin, Higgins Group Private Brokerage, Licensed in CT, Lic. #RES.6767971
With over two decades of experience in Connecticut real estate, Daniel Martin is a seasoned Realtor at Higgins Group Private Brokerage, renowned for his exceptional market insight and unwavering client dedication. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Daniel's deep roots in the community, coupled with his extensive professional background, provide an invaluable advantage to both buyers and sellers across Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
Daniel's distinguished career is marked by consistent achievement, earning him the prestigious Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor award from 2014 to 2025. He is a perennial Top Producer, recognized as both a Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent, a testament to his strategic approach and keen understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of real estate needs, including guiding First Time Home Buyers, navigating transactions for Single and Multi-Family Homes, Land, New Construction, New Residential Developments, Condominiums, Downsizing, and Rentals.
Beyond his impressive track record, Daniel's professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR), Bridgeport Board of Realtors, Smartmls and Greenwich MLS. His foundational education in real estate from Naugatuck Valley Community College, complemented by studies at Connecticut School of Electronics and Housatonic Community College, underpins his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Daniel's unique blend of customer service acumen and technological proficiency sets him apart. He leverages every available marketing resource to ensure his clients' homes gain maximum exposure and stand out in the competitive market.
When not orchestrating successful real estate ventures, Daniel cherishes time with his family, including his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A passionate musician and golf enthusiast, he embodies the vibrant spirit of the Connecticut communities he serves. Daniel's network extends globally, allowing him to facilitate referrals anywhere in the world.
