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Organic liquid fertilizers

Top 6 Organic Liquid Fertilizers for Plants in (2024)

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Plants, like humans, require regular nutrients for sustenance and survival. These vital nutrients are typically supplied in the form of fertilizers.

In this article, we will explore some organic liquid fertilizers capable of enhancing plant growth and prolonging the life of your beloved greens.

Top Organic Liquid Fertilizers for Plants

 

1. Cow Dung Liquid Fertilizer:

 

cow dung liquid fertilizer
cow dung liquid fertilizer

Crafted from cow dung cakes, this fertilizer is rich in nutrients and easy to make. Dilute before applying to plants for comprehensive nourishment.

Benefits:

1. Serves as a comprehensive nutrient source for plants, rich in micronutrients alongside NPK.

2. Regular application over 2-3 months results in noticeable growth, vitality, and robustness of plants.

3. Naturally fortifies plants, ensuring sustained strength and vigorous growth.

4. Enhances soil quality, extending moisture retention and reducing water requirements post-application.

2. Neem Cake Tonic:

neem kernel

Made from neem cake, this tonic fortifies plants internally, protecting roots from pests and fungal attacks. It enhances soil quality and boosts plant immunity.

Benefits:

1. Fortifies plants internally, safeguarding roots against pest and fungal attacks.

2. Strengthens plant immunity, inhibiting insect, snail, or ant invasions.

3. Enhances soil quality, improving moisture retention and nutrient availability.

4. Acts as a natural pesticide and fungicide, promoting plant health and vitality.

Suitable for: It is suitable for all types of plants and promotes shiny, healthy leaves.

3. Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer:

 

Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer
Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer Pic credit: Pinterest

Despite myths, banana peel fertilizer doesn’t attract ants. Rich in potassium and phosphorus, it promotes robust flowering and fruiting in plants.

Benefits:

1. Rich source of potassium and phosphorus, promoting robust flowering and fruiting in plants.

2. Enhances soil fertility and microbial activity, improving overall plant health.

3. Eco-friendly and sustainable way to recycle kitchen waste, reducing environmental impact.

4. Improves soil structure and moisture retention, reducing water requirements.

4. Onion Peel Liquid Fertilizer:

 

onion peel liquid fertilizer
onion peel liquid fertilizer

Derived from dry onion peels, this fertilizer is effective for foliage plants, enhancing growth and leaf shine. Apply monthly for best results.

Benefits:

1. Enhances plant growth and leaf shine, promoting overall plant health.

2. Enriched with essential nutrients including sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and more.

3. Suitable for foliage plants, encouraging robust growth and vitality.

4. Eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for plant nourishment.

5. Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer:

seaweed liquid fertilizer

Seaweed liquid fertilizer is made from extracting and processing seaweed, typically varieties such as kelp or algae.

  • Soaking or fermenting the seaweed in water to release nutrients and beneficial compounds.
  • Filtering or straining the liquid to produce a nutrient-rich fertilizer solution.

Benefits of Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer:

1. Seaweed liquid fertilizer contains a wide range of micronutrients, including but not limited to iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and boron.

2. Rich source of trace minerals, vitamins, and plant growth hormones essential for plant health and growth.

3. Enhances root development, leading to stronger and healthier plants.

4. Boosts plant immunity, making them more resistant to stress, diseases, and pests.

5. Improves soil structure and fertility, promoting microbial activity and nutrient uptake.

Best for:

  • All types of plants indoor, outdoor, vegetables and flowering plants.

6. Kitchen Compost Tea Liquid Fertilizer:

 

kitchen waste

Made from composted kitchen waste, this fertilizer is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. It improves soil health and enhances plant growth.

Benefits:

    • Provides a nutrient-rich solution for plant growth, promoting healthy foliage and robust root development.
    • Enhances soil structure and fertility, improving moisture retention and nutrient availability.
    • Contains beneficial microorganisms that support plant health and suppress soil-borne diseases.
    • Eco-friendly way to recycle kitchen waste and nourish your garden without chemical additives.

These magical tonics possess potent qualities, capable of elevating your plants to the next level, showcasing magnificent growth. Utilize them to breathe new life into your garden and enhance its vitality.

Application Tips:

 

liquid fertilizer tonic

1. Dilution:

seaweed liquid fertilizer

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution rates to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm your plants.

2. Frequency:

Most liquid fertilizers should be applied every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.

3. Application Method:

banana peel liquid fertilizer

Use a watering can or garden sprayer to apply the fertilizer to the base of the plants, ensuring even distribution.

Plant-Specific Needs:

 

all plants outdoor

Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so choose a fertilizer that matches your plants’ needs.

Happy Gardening!
groundnut cake fertilizer

Groundnut Fertilizer: Strongest Fertilizer for Plants

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What is Groundnut Organic Fertilizer?

Groundnut cake is an organic fertilizer derived from the byproduct of the groundnut oil extraction process. During the extraction of cooking oil from groundnuts using machines, the residual cake is obtained. This cake, free from any chemicals, serves as an excellent organic fertilizer, enriched with nutrients beneficial for plant growth.

groundnut fertilizer

The composition of groundnut cake includes essential elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commonly referred to as NPK, along with fibers and proteins. It is important to note that groundnut cake lacks certain micronutrients.

Nutritional value of Groundnut Cake:

  • Nitrogen: 7.3
  • Phosphorous: 3
  • Potassium: 2.2

By incorporating groundnut cake into soil, gardeners and farmers can provide plants with a natural and organic source of nutrients, promoting healthy and robust growth.

Benefits of Groundnut Cake as a Fertilizer:

groundnut cake fertilizer
groundnut cake

When applied at the appropriate time, groundnut cake significantly enhances overall plant growth, stimulating the development of new leaves and branches. This organic fertilizer, enriched with nitrogen, effectively addresses the problem of yellowing leaves in plants, providing a valuable solution when leaf discoloration occurs. Furthermore, groundnut cake expedites the process of photosynthesis in plants, contributing to a more vibrant and lush garden.

In essence, it is a potent fertilizer with essential NPK components that visibly improves the overall health and growth of plants.

Groundnut Fertilizer: Strongest Fertilizer for Plants

1. Where to obtain Groundnut Fertilizer

Groundnut cake can be easily obtained from nearby factories where the extraction of ground oil takes place.

  • Additionally, it is readily available online, with approximately Rs 300 per kilogram.

2. Process of Applying Groundnut Cake to Plants:

Groundnut cake can be incorporated into plant care through three methods:

1. Soil Mixture Addition:

    • Grind the obtained groundnut cake pieces into a fine powder using a mortar.
  • groundnut cake fertilizer in soil
    adding groundnut cake fertilizer in soi-mix
    • Mix this powder into a prepared soil mixture, adding a handful of the fertilizer powder to approximately 5 kg of the soil blend.

2. Adding in Pot Soil:

    • When preparing soil mixtures repeatedly is not feasible due to time constraints, directly add groundnut cake powder to the pot soil.
  • adding in pot soil - groundnut cake fertilizer
    adding in pot soil – groundnut cake fertilizer
    • For a 12-inch pot used for a plant, incorporate 2 tablespoons of groundnut cake powder.
    • Ensure that you loosen the soil before adding the powder, then water the plant after application.

3. Making Liquid Fertilizer:

    • Dilute approximately 100 grams of groundnut cake in 4-4.5 liters of water to create a liquid tonic. This quantity is suitable for approximately 300 plants.
    • Be vigilant for any insects in the cake that may emerge after dilution, and remove them.
    • Keep the solution covered in an area with no direct sunlight exposure.
    • Allow it to ferment for at least 2 days for the cake to dissolve properly in water. This process is best practiced during winter.
    • If left for more than 4 days, it may attract insects and fungus, so it’s advisable to keep it for 2-3 days only.
    • Dilute this tonic with a significant amount of water; for example, add 2 mugs of this solution to 40 liters of water.
    • The final solution’s consistency should be very thin, not resembling a thick paste, as it is enriched with a large quantity of nitrogen and has a warm nature that could potentially harm the plant.
groundnut cake liquid fertilizer
groundnut cake liquid fertilizer

Note:

  • For a small garden with around 20 plants, take 2 small pieces of groundnut cake, dissolve them in 1 liter of water, and allow the mixture to dissolve for 2 days.
  • After 2-3 days, dilute it with 8-10 times the amount of water before applying it to the plants.

The efficiency of the liquid tonic in boosting the growth of plants is much higher compared to the first two methods.

Precautions to take while using Groundnut Cake Fertilizer:

1. Temperature Considerations:

    • Avoid using this fertilizer in hot weather with temperatures above 30-32°C, as it can warm the soil and potentially harm the roots, causing them to burn.

2. Plant Compatibility:

    • While suitable for all types of plants, including outdoor, indoor, flowering, or fruiting plants, refrain from using it on decorative succulents.

3. Timing of Application:

    • In cold weather, apply the fertilizer at any time of the day. As temperatures rise, especially in March, administer the fertilizer during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or evening after sunset.

4. Soil Moisture:

    • Ensure that the soil is neither too dry nor too wet before application.
    • If the soil is dry, moisten it with water before adding the fertilizer. If the soil is too wet, adding fertilizer may lead to fungus growth and root rot. Maintain consistently moist soil.

5. Application Method:

    • Feed the plant with the well-diluted solution until it starts draining out from the bottom hole of the pot.
    • The diluted solution should not have adverse effects on the plant at this point.

6. Application Cycle for Different Plants:

    • For leafy outdoor plants (e.g., tulsi, curry patta, and coriander), administer the fertilizer once a month.
    • Avoid using other potent fertilizers during the application month.
    • For heavy feeder plants (e.g., hibiscus and lemon), apply the fertilizer every 20 days.
    • Avoid using the fertilizer during flowering and fruiting stages.

7. Specific Application Situations:

    • Apply the fertilizer when the plant becomes nutrient-deficient, showing yellowing leaves after growing numerous branches and flowers.
    • After hard pruning, wait for 15 days before applying the liquid fertilizer to stimulate new branch growth and enhance overall plant health.

8. Seedlings and Micronutrients:

    • Never feed this fertilizer to seedlings.
    • If necessary, provide micronutrients instead.

9. Compatibility and Neem Oil:

    • Do not mix this fertilizer with any other and avoid applying additional fertilizers for at least 15 days after use.
    • Neem oil can be sprayed while using this fertilizer.

10. Application Method:

  • Never use this fertilizer as a foliar spray; always apply it through the soil.
  • Prepare the required quantity as it cannot be stored due to the risk of attracting fungus and insects.

Limitations of Groundnut Cake Fertilizer:

1. Seasonal Application:

Groundnut cake fertilizer is season-oriented and should not be used in summer.

It is best applied to plants during the period from October to March. Therefore, an alternative fertilizer may be required for the rest of the growing season.

2. Micronutrient Deficiency:

    • Lacks Micronutrients: This fertilizer lacks micronutrients.
    • To meet the required nutrient levels for heavy feeder plants, additional micronutrients should be applied after 15 days of using groundnut cake fertilizer.

In conclusion, while groundnut cake fertilizer has its limitations, it remains an essential addition to your gardening supplies. It significantly enhances the growth of heavy feeder plants to remarkable levels when used appropriately.

Also read:

Mustard Cake Fertilizer Benefits and Uses

Happy Gardening!!

From Soil to Soul: The Benefits of Organic Gardening

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In an era where environmental sustainability and personal well-being are paramount.

Organic gardening is a powerful practice with numerous benefits. By prioritizing organic methods and materials, we can create flourishing gardens while preserving the health of our planet and safeguarding our well-being.

Organic gardening offers us an opportunity to be stewards of the earth, cultivating beautiful gardens and a sustainable future for coming generations.

organic gardening

Organic fertilizers lie at the heart of organic gardening.

    • These fertilizers are derived from natural sources like compost, manure, and plant-based materials and enrich the soil with essential nutrients, fostering the growth of strong and healthy plants.
    • They also improve soil structure, moisture retention, and microbial activity, creating a balanced ecosystem that supports plant vitality.
organic gardening

Some Organic fertilizers are cow dung compost, vermicompost, kitchen compost, leaf compost, mustard cake, neem cake, groundnut cake, banana peel, onion peel, bio enzymes, seaweed fertilizer, etc.

Leaf compost fertiizer

When it comes to Pest control, organic gardening takes a different approach.

    • Rather than relying on harmful synthetic pesticides, organic gardeners employ integrated pest management techniques.
    • These involve promoting beneficial insects, utilizing companion planting, and using organic pest repellents.
Organic gardening

“Furthermore, organic gardening practices contribute to the safety and well-being of birds.”

    • By avoiding chemical pesticides, organic gardening preserves the delicate balance of nature, safeguarding beneficial insects and minimizing harm to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
    • This approach promotes biodiversity and creates a harmonious ecosystem within our gardens.
    • Neem oil, neem leaf water, cinnamon powder, turmeric powder, and garlic paste are some popular and effective organic pesticides.
Organic gardening

Synthetic pesticides are likely to cause adverse effects on bird populations, including habitat loss, reduced food sources, and declining reproductive success.

By embracing organic methods, we create safe havens for birds, free from harmful chemicals.

Benefits of Organic Gardening:

    • Organic gardens provide natural habitats and offer shelter, food sources, and nesting opportunities. Welcoming birds into our gardens helps maintain a balanced ecosystem as they play a crucial role in pollination and insect control.
    • An additional benefit of organic gardening is its ability to rejuvenate soil health. Using organic matter such as compost and rice husk, organic gardeners enhance soil fertility, structure, and nutrient content.
    • These practices promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, earthworms, and other soil-dwelling organisms, creating a thriving soil ecosystem.
    • Healthy soil, in turn, supports plant growth, improves water retention, prevents erosion, and reduces the need for excessive watering.

Embracing organic gardening practices is not merely a trend but a significant step towards a sustainable and healthier future. We nourish the earth and our plants, creating vibrant and resilient gardens with organic fertilizers.

Let us embrace the importance of organic gardening as a holistic approach to nurturing the earth and our well-being. Through conscious choices and sustainable practices, we can create thriving gardens that contribute to the health of our planet and enhance our connection to nature.

Happy Organic Gardening!

How to Make Cow Dung Fertilizer for Plants

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Plants are fed with different fertilizers to maintain the soil’s nutrients and minerals level. After a certain time, when the crop has grown suitably the quality and nutrient level of the soil starts depleting. By adding fertilizers, the productivity of crops can be increased and improved.

cow

In this article, we will discuss:

  • benefits of cow dung fertilizer,
  • why we should decompose cow dung fertilizer,
  • how to make cow dung fertilizer at home,
  • what precautions should be taken before using cow dung fertilizer.

Cow dung fertilizer is a type of organic fertilizer that can be easily made at home. It contains all the essential nutrients required by plants to grow and thrive. By using cow dung fertilizer, the soil’s quality can be maintained, and plant growth can be enhanced. The organic nature of cow dung fertilizer also makes it a safe and environmentally-friendly option for giving fertilizer to plants.

cow dung cake

Important note:

Do not add raw cow dung directly to the soil plants.

  • As cow dung contains high levels of ammonia and salt, which can cause soil heating.
  • Additionally, wet cow dung should also not be added directly, as it can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria in the soil, potentially harming the plant.

Benefits of Cow dung fertilizer

Cow dung fertilizer is rich in organic matter that helps in improving aeration and breaking down compacted soil.

All the elements like

  • nitrogen,
  • potassium,
  • phosphorus,
  • calcium,
  • magnesium,
  • sulfur,
  • iron,
  • manganese,
  • copper and
  • zinc, etc. are found in small amounts in cow dung fertilizer.

All these ingredients are key for the full-fledged growth of the plants.

cow dung fertilizer
    • This fertilizer maintains the soil moisture accurately and it is a habitat for earthworms also.
    • Earthworms do the loosening of the soil without affecting the plant and its growth.
    • In 1 gram of cow dung fertilizer, 300-500 crore microorganisms are present which makes the soil fertile.
    • It increases the water holding and water absorption capacity of the soil.
    • It improves the structure of heavy clay soils and light sandy soils.

Why should we decompose Cow dung/Cow dung cake?

Cow dung or cow dung cake needs to be decomposed completely before adding it to the soil. Decomposing cow dung has several benefits.

cow dung liquid fertilizer in process

When cows eat grass, chapattis, or anything else, it has carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fibers, or fats. All these nutrients go inside the stomach of cows, some of them get digested by the intestine but some of them do not get digested completely and come out as it is along with dung.

1. Fresh cow dung contains high levels of nitrogen and other nutrients, which can be too strong for some plants and can burn their roots.

2. Decomposition allows the nitrogen to break down into forms that are more easily absorbed by plants, making it a milder and more effective fertilizer.

3. Additionally, decomposing cow dung can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria and parasites that may be present in fresh dung.

Overall, decomposing cow dung before using it as fertilizer can result in more effective and safer use.

Let us start with the process of making cow dung fertilizer

How to make Cow dung liquid fertilizer at home?

cow dung liquid fertilizer

Here are the steps to make liquid cow dung fertilizer at home:

Step 1: Break down the cow dung cake into small pieces.

cow dung cake

Step 2: Soak the cow dung cake in water until it is completely submerged. Mix it well with a stick.

adding water in cow dung cake

Step 3: Cover the container and place it in a shaded area.

Step 4: After 3 days, the solution will turn into a dark brown color.

  • Mix it again with a stick.
  • You can add mustard cake as an optional ingredient.
cow dung liquid fertilizer
    • Stir the mixture with a stick every 3 days for the next 2 months.

Step 5: After 2 months, the solution will be fully fermented and turn into a dark brown color. Initially, it may have a strong odor, but this will disappear in the final product.

cow dung liquid fertilizer after 2 months

The liquid cow dung fertilizer is now ready, but it is a potent solution and needs to be diluted before application.

Step 6: Dilute one mug of cow dung solution with four mugs of water (1:4, cow dung solution: water) to make liquid cow dung fertilizer.

final result of cow dung liquid fertilizer

The solution can be stored for up to 6 months.

Precautions should be taken before giving liquid fertilizer to plants

    • Apply the liquid fertilizer only when the soil is dry.
    • Ensure that the solution is not applied too close to the stem, as it may damage the plant.
    • Use a light solution and apply it twice a month.
    • For small pots, use one mug of solution, and for larger pots, use two mugs.

This was all about “Liquid Cow Dung Fertilizer”.

Enjoy Planting !!

neem cake powde

FAQs on Neem Cake Fertilizer

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Neem cake organic fertilizer has emerged as a remarkable, all-natural solution for nourishing plants and enriching the soil. But what exactly is Neem Cake organic fertilizer, and how can it benefit your garden?

In this article, we will provide some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Neem Cake Organic Fertilizer:

Ques 1. What is neem cake fertilizer?

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer is a type of organic fertilizer obtained from the residue left after extracting oil from the kernels inside Neem seeds (Azadirachta indica).

neem kernel
neem kernel

Ques 2. How is Neem Cake Organic Fertilizer made?

Ans: The neem cake is made by crushing the kernels which are present inside the neem seeds and extracting the oil.

neem cake powder
neem cake powder
  • After the oil is removed, the remaining seed residue is dried and ground into a fine powder, which is then used as a fertilizer.

Ques 3. What are the benefits of neem cake fertilizer?

Ans: The followings are the benefits of neem cake fertilizer:-

    • It is completely organic and free of chemicals.
    • It acts as both a fertilizer and a pesticide.
    • It improves soil texture and quality.
    • It can be used for all types of plants.
    • It is non-toxic to bees and useful insects.
    • It boosts plant immunity.

Ques 4. How does neem cake fertilizer act as a pesticide or insecticide?

Ans: The primary active ingredient responsible for the pesticidal and insecticidal properties of neem cake fertilizer is ‘Azadirachtin,’ a bioactive compound found in neem seeds.

  • When neem cake is mixed with soil, it acts as a protective shield for plant roots, safeguarding them against harmful bacteria, diseases, fungi, and insects.

Ques 5. Is neem cake fertilizer easy to prepare and use?

Ans: Yes, neem cake fertilizer is easy to make and use. It does not require a long decomposition period.

  • Neem cake can be incorporated directly into the soil or can be fermented with water and subsequently added to the mixture.

Ques 6. Can neem cake fertilizer be used for all types of plants?

outdoor plant
outdoor plant

Ans: Yes, neem cake fertilizer can be used for both outdoor and indoor plants, including flowering and non-flowering plants.

Ques 7. Does neem cake fertilizer harm bees and beneficial insects?

butterfly in garden
butterfly in garden

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer is organic and does not harm bees, butterflies, caterpillars, or earthworms, among others.

  • It remains safe for these beneficial insects as long as it is used in accordance with recommended guidelines and in limited quantities.

Ques 8. What happens when neem cake fertilizer is added to the soil?

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer eliminates hidden insects and fungi in the soil and protects plant roots from damage caused by these organisms.

Ques 9. How to use dry neem cake fertilizer directly in the soil?

Adding neem cake powder in soil
Adding neem cake powder in soil

Ans: There are two methods for using dry neem cake fertilizer directly in the soil:

1. Mix neem cake fertilizer with the soil, along with sand and compost, during soil preparation. Add a small quantity and stop when a mild odor is noticeable.

2. Prior to applying neem cake, till the soil by digging or loosening the surface with a garden fork or tiller. This allows for the addition of neem cake fertilizer in small quantities, followed by watering.

Ques 10. How should neem cake liquid fertilizer be used?

neem cake liquid fertilizer
neem cake liquid fertilizer

Ans: Neem cake liquid fertilizer is prepared by mixing neem cake with water and allowing it to ferment for 24-48 hours, during which a mild odor may develop.

  • Before applying it to plants, it should be diluted in a 1:10 ratio with water.
  • If the neem cake liquid fertilizer is left to ferment for more than 48 hours, for example, a week, it’s important to check for the presence of fungus in the liquid fertilizer.
  • If fungus is present, the fertilizer should not be used.

Ques 11. How often should neem cake fertilizer be given to outdoor plants?

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer can be given once a month to outdoor plants, especially before the rainy season to prevent insect, bacterial, and fungal problems.

Ques 12. How often should neem cake fertilizer be given to indoor plants?

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer can be given to Indoor plants once a year in the spring season or before the rainy season in a very limited quantity.

  • It is important to note that proper dosage and application techniques are crucial for indoor plants since it requires less quantity of water.

Note:

  • Avoid giving heavy quantities of fertilizer, as it can lead to nutrient imbalances or salt buildup in the soil.

Ques 13. Can neem cake fertilizer be used in any season?

Ans: The best time to use neem cake fertilizer is in the spring season or in the rainy season in limited quantities.

  • In spring, when plants are entering their active growth phase, it is a suitable time to apply neem cake fertilizer.
  • This can provide a nutrient boost to support vigorous growth, enhance root development, and improve overall plant health by protecting from bacteria, diseases, fungus, and harmful insects. 

Ques 14. Where can we purchase Neem Cake Organic Fertilizer?

neem cake powder
neem cake powder

Ans: Neem cake fertilizer is easily available at nurseries or can be purchased online. Pure neem fertilizer has a mild smell, which can be used to check its purity.

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Happy Gardening!