Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables

Orgnaic fertilizers contain nutrients that promote vegetable growth.

Commercial fertilizing products can lead to environmental problems, such as polluter water running off land and infecting water supplies. For this reason, many farmers and gardeners now choose to use organic alternatives to fertilize their vegetables. Organic fertilizers are usually just as effective as they contain high levels of nutrients that are steadily released into the soil, optimizing vegetable growth.

Alfalfa Meal

Alfalfa pellets or alfalfa meal are highly effective at increasing levels of organic matter in soil and helping vegetables grow. They are rich in both nutrients and trace minerals and can also be used as animal feed. Alfalfa meal also contains trianconatol, which stimulates growth levels of naturally occurring fatty acids. Alfalfa meal can be purchased from feed stores.

Corn Gluten

Corn gluten contains high levels of nitrogen once broken down, making it a very effective organic fertilizer. It has also been commercially marketed as a weed control agent. Corn gluten is usually used on lawns, but can also be applied to vegetable gardens once the plants have matured.

Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is produced from the waste elements of various fish types. It is renowned for its terrible odor, but this smell fades after a few days following application. Fish emulsion has a rich nitrogen content and contains micronutrients which help sustain vegetable growth. Fish emulsion can be purchased from farmer's stores or gardening shops and should be applied at a rate of around six tablespoons for every gallon of water.

Grass Clippings

Grass clippings are particularly effective at stimulating growth in vegetables such as tomato plants. Grass clippings work by warming up the soil at the base of the vegetable plants, and releasing high levels of nitrogen into the soil into the process. Don't pile you're the layers of glass clippings any more than around 4 inches high as this will starve it of oxygen and cause an unpleasant smell.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Organic Fertilizers; Adrian Card, et al; 2009
• National Gardening Association: Organic Fertilizers 101
• Virginia Cooperative Extension; Mowing To Recycle Grass Clipping - Let the Clips Fall Where They May!; David R. Chalmers; May 1, 2009