4 Recipes For Organic Fertilisers

Seaweed

If you live near the beach then you have an continuous supply of compost material all year round!  Seaweed is rich in iodine and potassium but not much phosphate and nitrogen.

Collect enough seaweed until you have filled a sealable container. Cover with water and leave to decompose for two months until the liquid has turned brown and the seaweed has dissolved. 

Dilute one part to four parts water, but be warned, there will be a slight fishy smell for two days afterwards. 

Nettles

Nettles are high in nitrogen which make them an excellent fertiliser.  Make nettle fertiliser as you would seaweed fertiliser.  Fill a sealable container with young nettle shoots.  Cover with water and leave for 2-4 weeks until the nettles have dissolved and you have a smelly greeny/brown liquid. 

Dilute one part to four.  The smell last for around 24 hours. 

Coffee

Acid loving plants such as azaleas, roses, heathers and evergreens love to have your coffee grouts once you've finished with them!  Coffee contains potash, nitrogen, phosphoric acid among other minerals and vitamins.  Just apply your grouts as you would mulch, around the base of the plant.

Egg Shells

Egg shells are 93% calcium carbonate and 1% nitrogen so they are the perfect fertiliser for all types of plants.  Calcium is an essential plant nutrient, important for cell function and growth. 

Collect your egg shells, place on a piece of kitchen towel and leave them to dry out either in an airing cupboard or on a warm sunny windowsill.  Crush them, then blend them into a fine powder with a hand blender, then apply around the base of the plant.

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