Things You'll Need
Fish emulsion
Powdered seaweed
Dried cow manure
Distilled water
Measuring cups
Plastic tub with lid
Stew pot
Dried nettle
Cheesecloth
Healthy root growth and stimulation are essential to healthy plants. The roots carry nutrients to the rest of the plant, giving it the nutrients and support it needs to thrive. Well-fertilized roots not only ensure a long-lived plant but they also help plants develop high-yield, healthy fruit harvests. Hundreds of commercial fertilizers are available at gardening supply stores. However, they can be expensive and often contain artificial chemicals. Replace these refined nutrients with organic, homemade root stimulators.
Organic Matter Stimulator
Step 1
Measure out a single tablespoon of fish emulsion, 2 tbsp. of powdered seaweed, 10 tbsp. of dried cow manure and 3.25 cups of distilled water into a plastic tub with a lid.
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Step 2
Place the lid on the plastic tub and swish it gently back and forth to mix the stimulator.
Step 3
Allow the mixture to sit and mingle for about 48 hours.
Step 4
Pour about 1 cup of mixture around the base of each of your plants. The mixture may smell slightly unpleasant, but the plants will love the nutrients it provides their roots.
Step 5
Water the area around your plants after fertilizing to help the fertilizer sink into the soil and reach the roots faster.
Nettle Tisane
Step 1
Pour 1 gallon of distilled water into a large stew pot. Bring the water to a boil. Don't salt the water first; salt in the mixture may be caustic to your plants.
Step 2
Crumble 16 oz. of dried nettle into a piece of cheesecloth. Tie the corners of the cheesecloth together.
Step 3
Turn off the heat under the stew pot and add the nettle bundle to the hot water. Allow the nettle to steep for about 30 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the nettle bundle from the water and squeeze it out to remove the moisture. Let the nettle tisane cool overnight; hot liquid could damage the roots of the plants.
Step 5
Water the plants with the nettle tisane.
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