Best Organic Fertilizers for a Vegetable Garden

Every plant needs certain nutrients in order to grow and it gets this nutrient supply from the soil. Sometimes though, the soil cannot provide enough nutrients for the plants. This happens because with each harvest, the soil loses some of these essential nutrients. Eventually, there comes a point when nature fails to replenish them. This is when fertilization becomes all the more important, especially in the case of edible crops like vegetables.

Here is why you should only use organic fertilizers for the plants in your vegetable garden: -

Why are Organic Fertilizers Better?

Basically, there are 2 different types of fertilizers - organic and non-organic. Non-organic or chemical fertilizers show faster results in terms of plant growth but they can also cause some serious damage to the health and fertility of the soil.

On the other hand, organic fertilizers take some time to show results. On the positive side, they also increase soil fertility over time in addition to giving them the required nutrition. This rich and fertile soil will help you grow healthier vegetables with maximized yields.

Now that you know why it is best to steer clear of chemical fertilizers, the real struggle starts when you have to identify the best organic fertilizer for vegetables in your garden.

Choosing The Best Organic Fertilizers

There is a long list of options when it comes to organic fertilizers; what’s important is that you choose the ones that are suitable for vegetables. Here are a few options that help your vegetable garden thrive:

Compost

It is definitely one of the best organic fertilizers. You can make it on your own from kitchen waste and other things that are easily available. And the best part - it does not cost you a single penny. Just make sure to add compost to your garden soil on a regular basis.

Worm Castings

This is another great way to boost the nutrient supply to your plants and improve soil health at the same time. Worm castings are easily available in the market. You can use them to fertilize the soil before planting or mix them into the top layer of the soil surrounding existing plants.

Grass Clippings

Fresh grass clippings are a rich source of nitrogen and potassium. You can collect your garden’s grass clippings and then use them later to fertilize the plants.

Manure

Animal manure (like that of horse, chicken etc.) are great for fertilizing the soil in your vegetable garden. They provide enough nutrients to the plants and also replenish lost nutrients within the soil. But, make sure that the manure you are using is well-rotted and not fresh as it can also cause some damage to the plants.

While choosing the best fertilizer for your plants, there are certain factors that you need to keep into consideration, such as the type of the plant and its nutritional requirements. Always figure out whether your plants are light, moderate or heavy feeders and then choose a suitable fertilizer.