Easy DIY Plant Fertilizer-Better than store bought and inexpensive
1. Alfalfa Hay Fertilizer
Why it works:
Alfalfa is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and the growth stimulant triacontanol, which helps plants grow strong and healthy. It’s especially good for roses, vegetables, and fruiting plants.
How to make it:
Chop or shred alfalfa hay into smaller pieces.
Add about 2 cups of alfalfa to a 5-gallon bucket of water.
Let it steep for 3–5 days, stirring daily.
Strain and use the liquid to water plants at the base.
Extra tip: You can also till shredded alfalfa hay directly into garden soil as a slow-release fertilizer.
2. Worm Casting Tea
Why it works:
Worm castings are packed with beneficial microbes, enzymes, and nutrients like nitrogen and calcium. They improve soil structure, water retention, and plant immunity.
How to make it:
Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water (preferably non-chlorinated).
Add 1 cup of worm castings inside a mesh bag or old nylon stocking.
Let it steep 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally.
Pour the nutrient-rich tea at the base of plants or spray directly on leaves as a foliar feed.
Extra tip:
*Always use worm tea fresh — its living microbes are most active right after brewing.
*Before making the tea, allow tap water to sit uncovered for at least 24 hrs to allow chlorine to evaporate.
3. Wood Ash Fertilizer
Why it works:
Wood ash (from untreated, natural wood) is a great source of potassium and calcium carbonate. It raises soil pH and is especially beneficial for fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers.
How to use it:
Sprinkle a thin layer of cooled, sifted wood ash directly onto garden soil.
Mix it lightly into the top layer to avoid clumping.
Water the area afterward to help nutrients absorb.
⚠️ Note: Avoid over-applying wood ash. Too much can make soil too alkaline, which can harm acid-loving plants (like blueberries and azaleas).
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