Which natural fertilizer to save your garden after the heatwave in 6 magic potions
As summer temperatures continue to rise, gardens all over are facing the harsh effects of heatwaves and droughts. The sight of burnt grass, dried flowers, and withered fruits and vegetables can be disheartening. However, there is hope! With a few natural products and some TLC, you can revive your distressed garden. In this article, we will explore six recipes for natural fertilizers that will give your outdoor space the boost it needs after a scorching heatwave.
Comfrey fertiliser – a super nutritious post-heatwave fertilizer
Comfrey fertilizer is an excellent natural fertilizer that works wonders for flowers, tubers, and fruits. To repair the damage caused by a heatwave, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 kg of comfrey leaves, stems, or flowers
- 10 liters of rainwater
Preparation and use:
Begin by chopping the comfrey leaves and placing them in a non-metallic bucket. Add the rainwater, cover the bucket, and let it sit for ten days. Stir the fertilizer once a day to release any trapped air bubbles. When the bubbles disappear completely, the process is complete. Filter the preparation and store it in bottles. Before using it to water your plants, dilute it with water at a ratio of 10% comfrey fertilizer to 90% water.
Benefits:
This magical elixir is rich in allantoin, silica, calcium, and vitamins that nourish and strengthen plants after a long heatwave. It promotes healthy plant growth, flowering, and fruiting. For an even more revitalizing effect, some gardeners combine comfrey with nettle fertilizer, mixing equal parts of both.
Seaweed broth to boost your plants after a drought episode
If you live near the sea, you're in luck! Seaweed is an excellent natural fertilizer for your garden. Start by rinsing the seaweed with fresh water to remove any salt. Then, place the seaweed in a bucket filled with non-calcareous water and let it sit for a week. This process will extract the minerals, vitamins, and growth hormones from the seaweed, creating a nutrient-rich liquid for your plants.
If seaweed is not readily available to you, don't worry! There is an alternative that is accessible to everyone – juice from ripe fruits. After a heatwave, if you find yourself with a surplus of damaged and overripe fruits, blend them and let them ferment in a container for a few days. Then, dilute the liquid with water at a ratio of 1:10 and use it to water your garden. This natural fertilizer is particularly beneficial for alkaline soils.
Cooking water to repair the garden after a heatwave
The cooking water from various foods, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, artichokes, and green beans, should not be wasted – especially if your garden has experienced a thermal shock due to a long heatwave. This cooking water is packed with essential nutrients and minerals, making it the perfect solution to revive your plants after water stress. Additionally, some cooking waters, like potato water, can even act as an eco-friendly weed control solution. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Allow the cooking water to cool down and then use it to water your plants.
Eggshells – a natural fertilizer rich in calcium
Don't throw away those eggshells! They can be transformed into a natural fertilizer that is rich in calcium, which is essential for vibrant and healthy plants. Here's what you need to do:
- Collect and clean eggshells.
- Once cleaned, crush them into small pieces.
- Spread the crushed eggshells around the base of your plants.
Over time, the eggshells will break down and release calcium into the soil. This will benefit your plants by promoting strong cell walls, preventing diseases, and supporting proper nutrient absorption.
The honey and aloe vera duo to care for your garden after the heatwave
Honey and aloe vera are not only beneficial for skincare but also for your garden. Honey has natural antimicrobial properties, while aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing effects. Together, they make a powerful duo to care for your plants after a heatwave. Here's how to use them:
- Combine equal parts of honey and aloe vera gel.
- Dilute the mixture with water.
- Spray or pour the mixture onto your plants, focusing on the damaged areas.
This natural remedy will help rejuvenate your plants, repair damaged tissues, and boost their overall health and resilience.
Compost tea – a revitalizing natural fertilizer for distressed gardens
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid that is created by steeping compost in water. It is an excellent fertilizer that can revitalize distressed gardens. To make compost tea, follow these steps:
- Fill a bucket or container with water.
- Add a generous amount of compost.
- Let the compost steep in the water for a few days, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the liquid to remove any solid particles.
- Use the compost tea to water your plants.
This natural fertilizer will provide essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms to your plants, helping them recover from the effects of a heatwave.
With these six recipes for natural fertilizers, you can give your distressed garden the care it needs after a heatwave. From comfrey fertilizer to seaweed broth, each option brings unique benefits to your plants. So, don't be discouraged by the sight of a wilted garden. Take action and nurture your plants back to health!
Hello! I'm Emma, a passionate writer and editor at The Daily Herald. With my love for words and knack for storytelling, I bring a unique flair to our team. One time, while brainstorming ideas for an article, I suddenly burst out laughing at a hilarious joke I came up with, leaving my colleagues in stitches. Working at The Daily Herald is truly an enriching experience where creativity knows no bounds.