DIY: Plant Fertilizer

Use this homemade fertilizer on both indoor and outdoor plants.

You can help your plants grow and stay healthy by fertilizing them. Buying plant fertilizer, however, can become costly. Furthermore, some commercial fertilizers contain ingredients that may not be safe for use on edible plants. You can make your own plant fertilizer at home for a fraction of the cost. Not only will you save money with do-it-yourself plant fertilizer, you will know exactly what it is you are feeding your plants.

Things You'll Need

• Gallon-sized jug
• Water
• 1 tsp. Epsom salts
• 1 tsp. saltpeter
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/3 tsp. household ammonia

Instructions

1. Fill a clean, empty gallon-sized jug almost full with tepid water. Leave only about 2 inches of space from the top of the jug.

2. Add 1 tsp. Epsom salts, 1 tsp. saltpeter (potassium nitrate), 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/3 tsp. household ammonia to the jug.

3. Secure the lid on the jug and shake it up well. Transfer the mixture to a clean, empty garden sprayer and spray it on your plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Unused fertilizer can be stored in the milk jug.

• You can buy saltpeter--also known as potassium nitrate--at most garden centers.

• Only use this fertilizer once every four to six weeks.

References

• The Gardener's Rake: Homemade Plant Food