5. Manure

Manure can go a long way. I mix cow or manure with straw and sawdust, in order to prevent the manure from over-powering my plants. The nitrogen content is high, so it’s easy to kill plants with an over abundance of nitrogen by dumping straight manure in your garden.

4. Grass Clippings

Be sure to not use clippings from a yard that is riddled with weeds. Using weedy clippings will allow the weed seeds to be transferred to your garden area. Battling weeds is hard enough without planting additional ones in your garden.

3. Blood Meal

This can be a powder or a spray fertilizer. Blood meal is perfect for revitalizing garden soil. It can also be stored anywhere and is cheap.

2. Wood Ash

If you’re in need of potassium for your garden, then wood ash is a great source. Ash from hardwood trees provides a higher percentage of nutrients to your garden. Be sure to sprinkle this fertilizer evenly, since piles of ash can actually be harmful to your plants.

1. Fish Emulsion

Once I get past the initial smell of this stuff, I find it easier to apply. My advice is to try not to breathe too much when applying this to your plants. It’s easy to mix and plants go crazy over it.

I’m sure you’ve tried at least one type of fertilizer mentioned above. Which one worked best for you? Do you have another method of fertilization that you prefer?

Top Photo Credit: Socially Responsible Agricultural Project