One of the best ways to naturally feed your plants nitrogen is by using organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and provide a slow-release of nutrients to the plants. This ensures that the plants receive a steady supply of nitrogen over a longer period of time.
One option for organic nitrogen fertilizers is chicken manure. Chicken manure is rich in nitrogen and also contains other essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. It is readily available and can be easily incorporated into the soil or used as a top dressing around the plants. Chicken manure also adds organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and water-holding capacity. However, it is important to age or compost chicken manure before using it, as fresh manure can be too strong and may burn the plants.
Another option is sheep manure. Sheep manure is also high in nitrogen and provides a good source of organic matter for the soil. It can be used in a similar way to chicken manure, either by incorporating it into the soil or using it as a top dressing. Sheep manure is usually more readily available in areas with sheep farming, but it can also be purchased from garden centers or farms.
In addition to using solid manures, you can also make a liquid fertilizer by soaking manure in water. This liquid fertilizer can be used as a foliar spray or applied directly to the soil. The process involves placing a quantity of manure in a container and filling it with water. Leave it to soak for a few days or weeks, stirring occasionally. The resulting liquid can then be diluted with water before use. This liquid manure is rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, and can provide a quick boost to the plants.
It’s important to note that when using manure as a fertilizer, it’s best to use well-rotted or composted manure. This helps to eliminate any potential weed seeds, pathogens, or excess salts that may be present in fresh manure. Composting also helps to break down the manure and make the nutrients more readily available to the plants.
In addition to manures, there are other natural sources of nitrogen that can be used to feed plants. For example, legume cover crops like clover or vetch can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These cover crops can be grown and then incorporated into the soil, providing a natural source of nitrogen for the following crops.
Another option is to use organic nitrogen-rich amendments like blood meal or feather meal. These products are made from animal by-products and provide a concentrated source of nitrogen. They can be applied to the soil or mixed into potting mixes for container plants.
There are several natural ways to feed your plants nitrogen. Using organic fertilizers like chicken or sheep manure, making liquid manure, incorporating legume cover crops, or using nitrogen-rich amendments can all provide a sustainable and effective source of nitrogen for your plants. Experimenting with these options and finding what works best for your garden can lead to healthy and thriving plants.
