A number of gardeners prefer to use organic fertilizers to grow their plants and flowers. Compost and other organic fertilizers are not only eco-friendly and inexpensive, but also completely favorable to plants and garden soil. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, can be easily processed in your backyard without much expense and effort. The insects, earthworms, and other similar microorganisms help in breaking down the waste materials. Wait for about six months to one year and you can already make use of your compost produce. If you don’t know how to make organic fertilizers at home, just read through this article.

Since there are so many fertilizers available on the market, you may find it difficult to decide which one is appropriate for your gardening activity. Many home gardeners suggest that the best alternative is to use organic fertilizers. If you don’t have the funds, just make your own untreated fertilizers. Here’s how to do it.

1. Select an appropriate location. The composting area can either be open or shaded. Find an available space in your yard that has a very limited traffic. Most gardeners prefer to make use of a space that is near their kitchen or garden for easy access purposes. It is up to you where you want to situate your compost pile.

2. Gather composting materials. Collect enough amounts of swine manure, coir dust, chicken manure, and other similar organic waste. Discard any non-biodegradable items, such as plastics, metals, broken glass, and stones. If you don’t have a sufficient supply of animal manure, consider asking around the neighborhood.

3. Observe proper layer arrangement. To make a base layer, spread out at least 1/3 of the coir dust. Pour a small amount of water on the layer, and then inoculate. Next, scatter the chicken manure to create another layer, pour water, and then inoculate. Scatter another 1/3 of coir dust, pour water, followed by the swine manure, and then inoculate. For the third time, spread another 1/3 of the coir dust, but do not inoculate this time around. Incubate for 14 days.

   One of the purposes of the top layer is to prevent any undesirable odors from coming out from the compost pile. To cover the heap, use an old laminated sack. The cover will prevent rainwater from penetrating into the compost layer, and conserve the moisture level.

4. Observe close monitoring. After 14 days, check the pile and mix the waste materials. Turn them thoroughly. If the texture looks dry, add water and replace the cover. Repeat the same procedure for the succeeding weeks.

5. Harvesting period. When the compost looks dark brown or black, moist, and has no bad odor, it means it is ripe and ready for harvesting. Before inoculation, use a manual or mechanical sifter to screen the organic fertilizer. Store the compost beneath the shade, and after 3 days, transfer the material to a sack. Keep the fertilizer in an aerated and dry area for four to six months.

Generally, organic fertilizers are capable of increasing both the biological and physical nutrient mechanisms in soil. As a result, the risk of over-fertilization is effectively mitigated. The truth is that the solubility, nutrient release, and nutrient content of organic fertilizers are fairly lower compared to inorganic fertilizers.

Natural fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, soil fertilizer, and plant fertilizer can be created in your own backyard. Your compost produce will surely improve the quality of your garden bed, as well as the growth of your plants. Most organic gardeners make use of chicken manure, seaweed, humus matter, rock materials, and other similar natural items. To get you started, just follow the steps enumerated above on how to make organic fertilizers inexpensively.