12 Homemade Fertilizers for Plants Using Common Household Items

1. Banana Peels:
– Nutrient: Potassium
– How to Use: Bury the peels in the soil or soak them in water for a few days and use the infused water to water your plants.

2. Coffee Grounds:
– Nutrient: Nitrogen
– How to Use: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of plants, especially those that thrive in acidic conditions like blueberries, azaleas, and roses.

3. Eggshells:
– Nutrient: Calcium
– How to Use: Crush the eggshells and sprinkle them on the soil surface or mix them into the soil. They help with soil structure and reduce blossom end rot in tomatoes.

4. Epsom Salt:
– Nutrient: Magnesium
– How to Use: Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants. It helps with chlorophyll production and nutrient uptake.

5. Molasses:
– Nutrient: Trace minerals and beneficial microbes
– How to Use: Dilute 1-2 tablespoons in a gallon of water and apply it to your soil. It also helps promote beneficial soil microbes.

6. Aquarium Water:
– Nutrient: Various, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
– How to Use: Use water from your fish tank as a liquid fertilizer when changing the water. It’s rich in nutrients and beneficial bacteria.

7. Wood Ash:
– Nutrient: Potassium and calcium
– How to Use: Sprinkle a small amount on the soil or mix it into compost. Avoid using ash from treated wood or charcoal.

8. Gelatin:
– Nutrient: Provides nutrients for leafy growth
– How to Use: Dissolve a packet of unflavored gelatin in water and use it to water your plants. It contains nitrogen and other nutrients.

9. Milk:
– Nutrient: Calcium and protein
– How to Use: Dilute 1 part milk with 2 parts water and apply it to your soil. It helps with calcium deficiency and can also help deter pests.

10. Seaweed:
– Nutrient: Minerals and growth hormones
– How to Use: Rinse and chop fresh seaweed, then mix it into your compost or use it as a mulch. Alternatively, soak seaweed in water for a few days and use the liquid to water your plants.

11. Vegetable Scraps:
– Nutrient: Various, depending on scraps
– How to Use: Boil vegetable scraps in water to create a nutrient-rich broth. Let it cool before using it to water your plants.

12. Weed Tea
– Nutrient: Nutrients from weeds
– How to Use: Steep weeds (without seeds) in water for 1-2 weeks. Strain and use the liquid as a fertilizer for your garden. This method helps recycle nutrients from weeds.

Experiment and Observe

Each plant has unique needs, so it’s important to monitor how your plants respond to these homemade fertilizers. Adjust the amounts and frequency as needed to ensure healthy, robust growth. Happy gardening!