With plant fertilizer prices at an all-time high, many growers are finding themselves struggling to maintain cost-efficient feeding systems for both commercial and at-home growing. Reports indicate that fertilizer prices have risen nearly 30% since the start of this year. Moreover, many feel uncomfortable using low-priced fertilizers, often known to include excess fillers used to dilute, or reduce, the concentration or the fertilizer’s active ingredients. Overuse of fillers can lead to changes in your soil’s consistency and texture while inhibiting the soil’s ability to hold moisture.
While proper growth can be achieved through plant nutrient supplements, Mike Straumietis, the founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients, emphasizes that gardeners don’t need to rely solely on commercial fertilizers for their crops’ nutrients.
Vitamins and minerals that are vital for optimal plant health can be found all around you. If you know how to properly incorporate them into your plant care, you won’t need to splurge on overpriced supplements.
Growers often include the following ingredients in their DIY fertilizer mixtures:
● Eggshells – Calcium found in eggshells can help plants build a strong cell structure.
● Grass clippings – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium found in Grass clippings help to provide vital macronutrients.
● Coffee – A must-have on your gardening list for acid-loving plants like marigolds, sweet potatoes, parsley, etc.
● Banana Peels – Rich in phosphorus and potassium, banana peels can help strengthen your plants while helping them to fruit and protection them from diseases.
● Vinegar – Boost alkalinity and keeps ants and weeds away. Dilute 1 cup of vinegar in 2 gallons of fresh water when watering your plants.
● Tea – Tea contains citric and tannic acid, which help maintain the pH levels of soil.
Testing for Efficacy
Is your DIY fertilizer not producing results? Contrary to popular belief, dumping fertilizer on your crops doesn’t automatically induce growth. Plants have very specific nutritional requirements. You won’t unlock your crops’ full genetic potential unless you provide them with the specific vitamins and minerals needed by the plant at any given time.
However, you don’t have to study horticulture yourself. Instead, Mike Straumietis encourages using the Advanced Nutrients hydroponics calculator. As its name suggests, it creates an accurate, in-depth feeding chart based on your crops and gardening goals. Use it as a reference guide when gathering ingredients the next time you plan to fertilize your plants!
To maximize results, follow feeding schedules as well. Plants absorb nutrients at different speeds; you need to time your fertilizing accordingly so that the vitamins and minerals you are providing don’t go to waste.
Using Homemade Fertilizers Without Compromising Quality
Mike Straumietis encourages growers to explore homemade fertilizers and research the different recipes online. See which ones contain the mineral nutrients your crops need, and test them in small batches.
Also, expect some trial and error. Although you can seek help from more experienced growers, remember that one-size-fits-all feeding plans don’t exist. You need a system customized to your and your crops’ individual needs.
