How to Fertilize Organic Soil

Organic is a buzz word right now, however, the benefits of organic eating and organic gardening are not hype. Stores are lining their shelves with "organic" over-priced rip-offs. Don't be fooled. True organic fertilizer is easy to make and free.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn to read the fertilizer labels. The most common nutrient that needs replenished in the soil is nitrogen. This is also the first number listed on the package. For example, (3-2-2) means the fertilizer is 3% nitrogen.

2. You can estimate the value of organic commercial fertilizers with a simple equation. In the example above the package was 3% nitrogen. Multiply the weight of the package, for example 10 pounds, X .03 (or 3%). You get a result of 30.

3. Take the price of the package X 100. Divide this by the number you got in the previous step. The result is the price per pound of nitrogen. To show an example, assume the price of the package is 5.85. 5.85 X 100 = 58.50. Divide this by the 30 we got in the previous step, and the cost per pound of nitrogen is 1.95.

4. It is interesting to note there are products on the market that range from $4,000 - $16,000 per pound of nitrogen. These commercial organic fertilizers are not better. In some cases, they provide less fertility to the soil.

5. Consider starting a compost pile. Grass clippings, leaves, food scraps, etc. have a nitrogen ratio of 1-5% and they are absolutely free. They won't cost you a penny. See my other article under resources to learn to compost.

Resources

• How to Compost
• How to Choose Organic Produce
• How to Read Organic Labels
• How to Detox Your Diet
• How to Eat Local

[GreenGardenChic]

on 7/4/2008 Compost is "garden gold." Nice article.