by Rex Trulove

Created on: March 31, 2009

These days, there is quite a push on for growing gardens and plants organically. The good part is that it not only results in a better and healthier crop, it also isn't tremendously difficult to do. While growing organically includes not using pesticides, it especially has to do with using organic rather than chemical fertilizers.

When people think of organic or natural fertilizers, they often think first of manure. This isn't necessarily bad. Some kinds of manure such as rabbit droppings are extremely high in nitrogen, and once broken down can give plants a huge lift. However, these are not the only natural fertilizers.

Think of what fertilizer actually is. It is a substance that replenishes and adds nutrients to the soil to help plants grow and to produce. At the same time, it normally improves the soil structure so the dirt has a better balance for holding water and air.

The true garden and plant wonder is compost. Almost everyone has ingredients to make compost; vegetable and fruit peelings, grass clippings, leaves, and other plant wastes, as well as clean eggshells that have been crushed. Oils and animal products (except for the shells and hair) should be avoided. If they are, the compost won't smell bad and generally won't attract vermin.

The finer the pieces of vegetation that are added to a compost pile, the faster they will break down, but also the pile size will make a difference. The most productive piles are maintained at about four feet deep (1 1/3 meters). Manure can be added to the pile, and in fact, it is a great idea. Nitrogen is needed for proper breakdown in the pile, and the manure supplies this.

The pile should be turned periodically to make sure that air gets to all parts, however it should also be kept damp (not wet) so the plant material can break down. Once broken down, the compost will look rich and will have an earthy smell.

Finished compost can be added around trees, bushes and flowers, and it can be turned into the garden soil. Since the breakdown is either mostly or entirely complete, it also doesn't give the plants too many nutrients all at once, which can burn roots. It also helps the soil. As it works in or is turned in, it can make sandy soil less granular because of the plant matter, but can also make clay soil more porous.

It doesn't stop there, though. Most vegetable matter is low in nitrogen, so it can be turned right in to the soil. As it breaks down naturally, it adds nutrients. Manure can even be added this way, though if it is raw manure, it should be allowed to decompose before plants are planted. Raw manure can burn the plants. Also, avoid cat and dog manure, as this often contains viruses and bacteria that don't readily break down, even in a compost pile.

Organic fertilizer replenishes the soil naturally, without leaving chemical residues. The plants end up healthier and safer than chemical fertilizer. They cost less. They even have benefits not mentioned here. They also utilize things that would normally be thrown away. Isn't it time to start using organic fertilizers for your garden, plants, or flowerbeds?

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