Keep in mind that chemical fertilizers are not a long-term solution. Over time, synthetic fertilizers diminish soil fertility.
Cheaper products can sometimes shock and burn plants, causing a horde of new problems. Since chemical fertilizers can negatively affect the soil over time, less frequent applications can help preserve the health of your soil. Slow release fertilizers often come in the form of pellets.
Some other ingredients to use include tea bags, old condiments, rotting bread, corn cobs, leftover nut shells, fruit rinds, and much more. In the case of shells (from shellfish, nuts, or eggs) and fruit pits, it’s best to smash them up with a hammer or another heavy tool before putting them in compost. [8] X Research source Avoid adding bones, cheese, meat, oils, or animal waste to your compost.
Spread the grass clippings across a towel for a few hours to let them dry before dumping them into your compost. Otherwise, the grass may rot in a wet mass and leave behind an unpleasant odor. [10] X Research source
Turn your tiller to its medium depth setting (if your soil is moist) or its most shallow depth setting (if your soil is hard). Move the tiller in straight lines all throughout your gardening area. [15] X Research source Let the crab meal rest within the soil for anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. The nutrients will begin to break down and seep into the soil. [16] X Research source
You may want to cover your mouth and nose as you use fish emulsion; it has a very strong, unpleasant smell![17] X Research source Keep pets away from your fresh fertilizer if you use fish emulsion so they don’t dig up your plants.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle it in a hole in the soil before you plant your next crop.
You can also buy aged manure from your local garden center.
To really revitalize your soil and prepare it for the next planting season, distribute manure-based compost across your garden during the autumn months. The nutrients will soak into the soil over winter.
