DIY Gardening: Preparing Your Own Plant Extracts for Fertilizer

Introduction

Gardening is not just a hobby; it's an art that involves nurturing and growing plants. One of the keys to a successful garden is the use of fertilizers. While commercial fertilizers are widely available, making your own plant - based fertilizers from plant extracts can be a more natural, cost - effective, and environmentally friendly option. In this article, we will explore the wonderful world of DIY gardening with plant extract fertilizers.

Suitable Plants for Extraction

Comfrey

Comfrey is a popular choice for making plant extracts. It is a perennial herb that is rich in nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. The roots and leaves of comfrey are especially high in these essential elements for plant growth. Comfrey also contains allantoin, which promotes cell division and growth in plants. It can be used to fertilize a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Nettle

Nettle is another excellent plant for extraction. It is a common wild plant that is full of nitrogen, iron, and other minerals. Nettle tea made from the leaves of the nettle plant is a great natural fertilizer. It can help improve the soil structure and boost the growth of plants. Nettle fertilizer is particularly beneficial for plants that require a lot of nitrogen, such as leafy greens.

Chamomile

Chamomile is not only known for its calming properties in herbal teas but also as a useful plant for making extracts. It contains sulfur, calcium, and potassium. Chamomile extracts can be used to prevent fungal diseases in plants and also act as a mild fertilizer. It is especially suitable for use in organic gardens where chemical fungicides are not desired.

The Step - by - Step Process of Preparing Plant Extracts

Collecting the Plants

1. For comfrey, you can harvest the leaves and roots. It is best to do this in the spring or fall when the plant is most active in nutrient uptake and storage. Make sure to use a clean and sharp tool to cut the leaves or dig up the roots.
2. When collecting nettle, wear gloves to protect your hands from the stinging hairs. Harvest the young, tender leaves. These are usually more nutrient - rich than the older leaves.
3. For chamomile, pick the flower heads. The flower heads contain the highest concentration of the beneficial compounds.

Preparing the Extract

1. For a comfrey extract:
   • Chop the comfrey leaves and roots into small pieces. This will increase the surface area for extraction.
   • Place the chopped comfrey in a bucket or a large container. You can fill the container about half - full.
   • Add water to the container until the comfrey is completely covered. Use non - chlorinated water if possible, as chlorine can be harmful to beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
   • Cover the container loosely with a lid or a piece of cloth. This will allow air to enter while preventing debris from falling in.
   • Let the mixture sit for about 2 - 3 weeks. Stir it occasionally during this time.
2. For a nettle extract:
   • Wash the nettle leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.
   • Put the nettle leaves in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the leaves.
   • Bring the water to a boil and then let it simmer for about 15 - 20 minutes. This process will extract the nutrients from the nettle leaves into the water.
   • Let the nettle tea cool down before using it as a fertilizer.
3. For a chamomile extract:
   • Place the chamomile flower heads in a clean glass jar.
   • Pour boiling water over the flower heads until the jar is about three - quarters full.
   • Seal the jar tightly and let it steep for several hours or overnight. The longer it steeps, the stronger the extract will be.
   • Strain the liquid through a fine - mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flower heads.

Using the Extracts

1. Once the comfrey extract is ready, it can be diluted with water. A general ratio is 1:10 (extract to water). This diluted extract can be poured around the base of plants, taking care not to get it on the foliage as it may cause burning in some cases.
2. The nettle tea can be used as is or diluted slightly. It can be sprayed onto the leaves of plants as a foliar fertilizer or poured onto the soil around the plants.
3. The chamomile extract can be sprayed on plants to prevent fungal diseases. It can also be used as a mild fertilizer by diluting it with water and applying it to the soil.

Why These Natural Fertilizers are Superior

Environmentally Friendly

Natural plant - based fertilizers are much better for the environment compared to chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers can leach into groundwater and cause pollution. They can also disrupt the balance of soil microorganisms. In contrast, plant extract fertilizers are biodegradable and do not leave harmful residues in the soil or water.

Soil Health

These natural fertilizers improve soil health in multiple ways. They add organic matter to the soil, which helps improve soil structure, water - holding capacity, and aeration. The nutrients in plant extracts are released slowly over time, providing a continuous source of nourishment for plants. This is in contrast to chemical fertilizers, which can cause a rapid spike in nutrient levels followed by a sharp decline.

Plant Health and Growth

Plants respond well to natural fertilizers. The nutrients in plant extracts are in a form that is more easily absorbed by plants compared to some synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, the presence of other beneficial compounds in the extracts, such as allantoin in comfrey, can promote plant growth at the cellular level. Natural fertilizers also help plants develop stronger root systems, which in turn makes them more resistant to diseases and environmental stresses.

Conclusion

DIY gardening with plant extract fertilizers offers a sustainable and effective way to nourish your garden. By using suitable plants for extraction and following the proper preparation steps, you can create natural fertilizers that are superior for a healthy and vibrant garden. Not only will your plants thrive, but you will also be contributing to a more environmentally friendly gardening practice.

FAQ:

Q1: What are the benefits of using plant - based fertilizers?

Plant - based fertilizers offer several benefits. Firstly, they are natural and free from harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of contaminating the soil and water sources. Secondly, they can improve soil structure over time, making it more fertile and better able to retain moisture. They also release nutrients slowly, providing a continuous supply to plants. Additionally, they can enhance the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which in turn helps plants to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Q2: Which plants are suitable for making plant extract fertilizers?

Many plants can be used. Comfrey is a popular choice as it is rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Nettle is also great as it contains high levels of nitrogen and other essential nutrients. Seaweed is another excellent option, being a source of various minerals like iodine, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, plants like borage, which is rich in micronutrients, and yarrow, which can help improve soil health, can be used for extraction.

Q3: Can you briefly describe the step - by - step process of preparing plant extract fertilizers?

For most plant extracts, first, collect the suitable plants. For example, if using nettles, pick young, healthy plants. Then, chop the plants into small pieces. Next, place the chopped plants in a container, like a large bucket. Fill the container with water, making sure the plants are fully submerged. Let it sit for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the plant. Stir the mixture occasionally. After that, strain the liquid through a fine - meshed sieve or cheesecloth. The resulting liquid is your plant extract fertilizer.

Q4: How often should I apply plant extract fertilizers?

The frequency of application depends on various factors such as the type of plants you are growing, the soil condition, and the strength of the plant extract. As a general rule, for young plants, you can apply a diluted plant extract fertilizer once every two weeks. For more established plants, once a month may be sufficient. However, it's important to monitor your plants' growth and appearance. If they seem to be lacking nutrients, you may need to adjust the frequency or concentration of the application.

Q5: Are plant extract fertilizers suitable for all types of plants?

Most plant extract fertilizers are suitable for a wide range of plants. However, some plants may have specific nutrient requirements that may not be fully met by a single type of plant extract. For example, plants that are heavy feeders like tomatoes may need additional supplementation. Also, acid - loving plants may require an adjustment in the pH of the plant extract. But in general, plant extract fertilizers can be beneficial for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and many other types of plants.

Related literature

• The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control"
• "Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening"
• "Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home - scale Permaculture"