Organic Gardening and Fertilizers: The Complete Guide

Going organic is the thing of today. Due to the rising environmental concerns, more and more people are dropping their ‘chemical loaded’ choices. Organic fruits and vegetables are no longer just for the old hippies; they are experiencing an upsurging trend among the health-conscious crowd.

Considering how adversely chemical fertilizers affect humans with breast cancer, damaged brain function, congenital disabilities, infertility, autism, depression, and much more, organic fertilizers have marked a prominent place in many’s mainstream diets.

What is Organic Gardening?

Growing organically is described as increasing food and gardens without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc., which can upset the ecosystem’s balance. This type of gardening works on the principle – feed the soil, not the plants, i.e., figuring out your soil’s makeup and giving it what it needs.

Organic gardening is observing nature as closely as possible and using organic fertilizers that occur naturally in nature, like animal manure, human excreta, compost, and crop residues. Although slower than their chemical counterparts, organic fertilizers are far more efficient and play a better role in enhancing soil fertility and crop yield.

What are the Types of Organic Fertilizers?

Organic fertilizers generally come from plants, animals, or minerals and contain various nutrients to intensify the soil ecosystem. Some of the most common organic fertilizers are –

• Seaweed: is available easily on the coasts and is used for cereal grains and other high-potassium-rich crops.
• Cow Manure: is the most commonly used fertilizer in the world. It has great nutritional value and is indeed a gardener’s best friend.
• Chicken Manure: is used when organic growing needs a quick boost. It is mostly added after harvest and before a second planting.
• Compost: various waste products are decomposed in a process called composting. It is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, urban agriculture, and organic farming.
• Fish Emulsion: An acidic additive made to the soil when nitrogen levels are low and leafy plants need a boost.
• Cotton Seed Meal: is used to boost cotton growth. It results in rich nitrogenized soil in the spring.

What are the Benefits of Organic Fertilizers?

Using organic fertilizers is a safe, kind, and gentle way to give plants nutrients. They have various benefits –

• Healthy Food

By using organic fertilizers, you can enjoy superior and non-toxic food items. The fruits and vegetables you grow will have no chemical residue, and the grown-up products will be less prone to harmful diseases.

• Save Money

The best thing about organic fertilizers is that they can be prepared on the farm itself rather than bought at farmers’ markets or food stores, saving you plenty of money.

• Increased Soil Fertility

Using organic fertilizers, you can ensure that the soil structure is well-maintained and the nutrient-holding capacity is improved, keeping the soil fertile for years to come.

• Environmental Friendly

Organic fertilizers are extremely eco-friendly, unlike chemical fertilizers. Since they are easily bio-degradable, they do not cause any environmental damage.