Organic fertilizers

Successful natural gardening relies on the use of natural fertilizers. Simply avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers is a primary step that prevents further harm, but using compost and natural fertilizers brings life back to the soil and the garden. This is where our customers will really see results.

To choose a line of natural fertilizers for your garden center, think about the following criteria: Quality is primary, as is diversity of choice for your customers. Next, choose some reliable companies with name-brand recognition, along with other local sources who might not be so well-known. Locally available, natural industry byproducts can provide a quality product to our customers, while reducing waste, shipping costs and fossil fuel pollution. Two examples from our area are Soil Mender brand Composted Cotton Burrs (SoilMender.com) and Lady Bug brand Garden Pep Cottonseed Meal (LadyBugBrand.com). The cotton burr and cotton seed are byproducts of cotton farming. They are harvested in north Texas, where early freezes eliminate the need for chemical defoliants.

Offer both liquid and dry fertilizers. At The Natural Gardener we apply both in our display gardens. Liquid fertilizers are quick-acting, but short-lived. They can be applied every week or two on hungry crops such as vegetables and annual flowers. Dry natural fertilizers are the true slow-release fertilizers – slower to “kick in” but long-lasting. These can be applied every 4 to 6 weeks. If both dry and liquid fertilizers are applied, each may be used less often.
Encourage customers to invest in a soil test – a service provided by agricultural universities or independent laboratories. It’s the best way to determine which of the following fertilizers are most appropriate.

Liquid fertilizers
Seaweed (Maxicrop.com, and other brands). Mild on N-P-K, but strong on bio-stimulants; Used as a transplant and seed-starting product. Seaweed is one of our basic recommendations for plant health and recovery.

Fish fertilizer. Alaska (LillyMiller.com/Alaska.html), Maxicrop and Neptune’s Harvest (NeptunesHarvest.com) are popular brands. Alaska brand is high nitrogen (5-1-1), while Neptune’s is high phosphorus (2-4-1). We carry Alaska and Neptune’s. O’Donnell’s Fairfax Nursery in California sells Maxicrop brand.

There are several fish and seaweed combination products, including John’s Recipe (LadyBugBrand.com) and Neptune’s Harvest brand.

Single-ingredient dry fertilizers
(N-P-K analyses may vary, depending on source)

Alfalfa meal, (3-1-2). Contains triacontanol, a plant growth regulator, along with minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Feeds soil microorganisms.

Blood meal, (12-1-1). Another classic natural fertilizer. For high-nitrogen needs.

Bone meal, (2-12-0). High phosphorus and contains calcium. Often used for bulbs and blooming or fruiting plants. Best mixed into planting bed or dug into soil – the phosphorus is not mobile.

Greensand, (0-1-5). This is also known as Jersey Greensand or Glauconite. A natural source of iron, potassium, and other minerals. A soil conditioner that improves texture of both sandy and clayey soils.

Kelp meal, (1-0-2). The same properties as seaweed, above, in a dry form; a natural source of copper and boron.
Dry molasses. A great food and stimulant for soil microorganisms; Contains potassium and sulfur. Has been shown to drive away fire ants in the South. Also available in liquid form.

Dry fertilizer blends

Down To Earth (DownToEarthFertilizer.com). O’Donnell’s Fairfax Nursery in California sells this line of fertilizers based in Eugene, Oregon.

East Coast Organics (EastCoastOrganics.com). The company supplies a wide variety of natural gardening supplies. It’s located in Baltimore.

Lady Bug Natural Brand (LadyBugBrand.com). Sister company to our nursery, The Natural Gardener, based in Austin, Texas and serving the Southwest.

Ohio Earth Food (OhioEarthFood.com). The brand used by Backyard Berry Plants in Nashville, Indiana.
Sustane / Natural Fertilizer of America (Sustane.com). Natural fertilizers based on aerobically composted turkey litter. Performance supported by research. Worldwide distribution. Located in Cannon Falls, Minn.