Your Food Plants Need Your DIY Plant Food

Your Food Plants Need Your DIY Plant Food

This post was last updated on the 27 July 2024.

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Yes, here it is, the science section of mom gardening!

If you’re struggling growing certain food plants and don’t know what you’re doing wrong, it often boils down to the soil and the food you probably aren’t giving them.

All living things need to eat, right?

And if your plants are in containers, there’s even more reason you will need to feed them because the soil they have is limited, and so the nutrients in the soil are limited.

But I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in!

You should fertilize your food plants every 2-4 weeks during the growing season, adjusting the frequency based on their growth and health.

Not all food plants require the same amount of fertilizer; some may need more frequent feeding, while others thrive with less.

Pay attention to your plants’ needs and signs of nutrient deficiency.

Look for things like:

> yellowing leaves
> poor growth
> leaf discoloration
> weak stems
> reduced yield
> pale or off-color leaves.

Why Do Plants Need Fertilizers?

Just like humans need food to grow and stay healthy, plants need nutrients to thrive.

Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that plants might not get enough of from the soil alone.

These nutrients help plants grow stronger, produce more fruits and vegetables, and fight off diseases.

Without proper nutrition, plants can become weak, produce less, and be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

How Do Plants Make Their Own Food?

Plants generally make their own food through a process called photosynthesis, where they use sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.

This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, primarily in the leaves, and provides the energy and nutrients plants need to grow and thrive.

Plants cannot make their own food at night.

Photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their own food, requires sunlight. During the day, plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

At night, photosynthesis stops because there is no sunlight.

But plants continue to use the glucose they have stored during the day for growth and other functions.

Types of Fertilizers

Fertilizers are broadly categorized into two main types: organic and chemical (inorganic).

Organic fertilizers are derived from once-living organisms. They have a few common characteristics: 
they typically have a low nutrient content and are in a slow-release form
they require warm soil to become active
they have high levels of carbon, which gradually increases the level of humus in the soil.

Organic fertilizers come in various forms, including granular, liquid, powdered, and solid.

Their slow-release nature means they provide nutrients to plants over a longer period, contributing to the long-term health of the soil.

On the other hand, chemical (inorganic) fertilizers are composed of synthetic chemicals and minerals. These fertilizers are generally salts, which can interfere with water availability to plant roots if they accumulate excessively in the soil.

However, the nutrients in chemical fertilizers are quickly available to plants, making them fast acting. Chemical fertilizers are also available in multiple forms and can provide an immediate nutrient boost to plants.

Despite their different origins and compositions, both organic and chemical fertilizers supply essential nutrients that plants require for growth.

Plants cannot distinguish between the nutrient sources, benefiting from either type as long as they are used appropriately.

What is NPK Fertilizer?

NPK stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), the three primary nutrients that plants need.

Nitrogen (N): Helps plants grow strong and green. It’s essential for leafy growth and is particularly important for vegetables like lettuce and spinach.

Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flowering. It’s crucial for fruit and vegetable production.

Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health and helps plants withstand diseases and very cold or dry conditions. It also helps move water and nutrients around the plant.

Different Types of Organic Plant Fertilizers

Plant fertilizers vary in type, including general-purpose fertilizers for balanced nutrition, nitrogen fertilizers for gorgeous green foliage, and bonemeal fertilizers for strong root development and flowering.

Plant Fertilizers

These are general fertilizers that contain a mix of essential nutrients (NPK) to support overall plant growth. They can be used on most plants to ensure they get a balanced diet of nutrients.

Nitrogen Fertilizers

These are high in nitrogen and are specifically used to promote leafy growth. They are ideal for green, leafy vegetables and herbs. You usually apply them in the early stages of plant growth to boost foliage.

Bonemeal Fertilizers

Made from ground animal bones, these are rich in phosphorus and calcium. They are great for supporting root development and flowering, making them perfect for fruiting plants. Bonemeal is typically mixed into the soil before planting or sprinkled around the base of established plants.

Benefits of DIY Plant Food

Creating your own plant food at home is easy, don’t cost anything extra and its closing the loop on the great sustainable living/ plant recycling circle.

1. Cost-Effective: DIY plant food is much cheaper than store-bought fertilizers. You can use kitchen scraps and other household items that would otherwise go to waste.

2. Environmentally Friendly: By making your own plant food, you reduce the use of synthetic chemicals, which can harm the environment.

3. Customizable: You can tailor your DIY plant food to the specific needs of your plants, ensuring they get the right nutrients at the right time.

4. Safe and Organic: Homemade plant food is free from harmful chemicals, making it safer for your family and pets.

Natural Things You Can Use to Feed Your Plants

Why DIY Plant Food is Better

Making your own organic plant food ensures that you know exactly what goes into your garden. You avoid harmful chemicals and support sustainable practices that are better for the environment. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to recycle kitchen and garden waste, turning it into valuable nutrients for your plants.

By using DIY plant food, you’ll be taking a big step towards a healthier, more productive garden and a greener planet. Happy gardening!

Conclusion

Go the DIY route to organically boost your home garden’s health while keeping it eco-friendly and cost-effective. With a little creativity and some basic ingredients from your kitchen and home, you can provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

Not only will your garden flourish, but you’ll also be reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices.

Ready to get started? To make it even easier, we’ve created a quick cheat sheet just for you! Download our Organic Fertilizers Cheat Sheet to discover the best homemade fertilizers you can use from your kitchen and home. It’s packed with easy-to-follow recipes and tips to help you grow a lush, vibrant garden.

Start transforming your garden today with these simple and effective DIY solutions. Happy gardening!

Also take a look at these…

1. The benefits of growing your pumpkins organically
2. The different types of organic gardening you should try!