10 All-Natural Fertilizers for Your Lawn and Garden

December 15th, 2013

For many Americans, taking care of their lawn and garden is a top priority. But it is also important for us to keep our family and pets out of harm’s way when it comes to harsh chemicals. When you use homemade, natural fertilizers, you know exactly what you are putting on your lawn and into your garden.

Most homemade fertilizer ingredients are inexpensive household items. These remedies will have your lawn and garden looking great, while giving you peace of mind.

• Banana Peels— Bananas are full of potassium that our bodies need, and our plants love them too! Try throwing bananas in the ground before laying sod or new plants.
• Coffee Grounds—Many acid loving plants such as tomatoes, roses, azaleas and blueberries will love the jolt they get out of coffee grounds mixed into the soil.
• Egg Shells—Washed egg shells are great for everyday garden stapes like tomatoes and peppers. The calcium in egg shells helps to fend off a condition called blossom-end-rot.
• Seaweed—Whether it be fresh or dried varieties, seaweed is a great soil amendment. Soil microbes love the elements found in seaweed. Their health means healthy soil.
• Weeds—Believe it or not, those pesky weeds on our lawn and in our garden can be used as fertilizer! Chopped, sun-dried weeds are great for mulch. Be sure to sun dry the weeds, especially if they have gone to flower!
• Molasses—Mix one to three tablespoons of molasses into a gallon of water. Use this to water your plants. You’ll be wowed by the results.
• Human Urine—Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Urine is sterile and contains more nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium than store bought fertilizers!
• Grass Clippings—Like weeds, you can dry grass out and turn it into mulch, or make a grass tea. Add clippings to some water and let it sit in the sun for a few days. Pour the concoction over your plants.
• Manure—With a little research, you can find people who are looking to give away composted chicken, horse and cow manure for free, or close to it! Ask around at your local nurseries.
• Cat and Dog Food—To rejuvenate a patch of soil, mix in dry cat or dog food. It is full of protein and other nutrients that will enrich your soil.

You needn’t look further than the pantry, or your own lawn and garden, for many of these fertilizing options. Save yourself money, a trip to the store, and the worry that your family and pets are around harmful chemicals. Use these homemade remedies today!