Natural fertilizers: ash, humus, compost, green manure – a complete guide for gardeners

A huge number of gardeners and vegetable growers around the world are increasingly seeking natural solutions to increase their yields. Many understand that using chemical fertilizers has its drawbacks, such as soil pollution and harm to the ecosystem. We conducted extensive research and surveys among experienced agronomists and gardeners to determine which natural fertilizers are the most popular and which ones actually work. In this article, we'll take a closer look at natural fertilizers such as ash, humus, compost, and green manure.

What are natural fertilizers?

Natural fertilizers are products derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources. They help improve the structure, fertility, and quality of the soil, and promote healthy plant growth. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can have a short-term effect, natural fertilizers provide a more sustainable base for plant growth and improve the ecosystem as a whole. The bottom line is that natural fertilizers work in harmony with nature. I always say that when working with the soil, it's important to remember that we are its stewards. This means we must care for its health and use only those resources that will help restore and maintain its balance.

Ash: A Miracle Fertilizer from Your Fireplace

Benefits of ash for plants

Ash obtained from burned plants is one of the most affordable and nutritious natural fertilizers you can use in your garden. It contains numerous minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are critical for plant growth. The main benefits of ash include:

• Enriches the soil with minerals necessary for plant growth.
• Improves soil structure by promoting aeration.
• Helps protect plants from some pests.
• The pH level of the environment is balanced due to the alkalinity of the ash.

How to use ash?

There are a few nuances to keep in mind when using ash in the garden. I recommend applying it in the fall, when you're preparing the soil for the next season. There are two main ways to apply it:

1. Fuel ash: Dilute ash with water (1:10) and use as a liquid fertilizer. This is excellent for supporting vegetable growth.
2. Dry ash: Simply spread the ash evenly over the soil surface and dig it in to a depth of 10-15 cm. This is an excellent way to increase the potassium level in the soil.

Humus: gold for your garden

What is humus and how is it formed?

Humus is decomposed organic matter obtained by composting plant and animal waste. This fertilizer is incredibly valuable, as it not only provides plants with nutrients but also improves soil structure, increases its water-holding capacity, and improves aeration. I recommend all gardeners consider humus as a versatile solution for their plants. Moreover, you can make it yourself using kitchen scraps, grass, leaves, and straw.

How to use humus?

The best way to use compost is to incorporate it into the soil during bed preparation. It can be used in the following ways:

• When creating new beds: Humus is mixed with the top layer of soil in the amount of 5-10 kg per square meter.
• Application to existing beds: In early spring, spread humus evenly over the surface of the beds before planting.

Prepare humus yourself

The more you know about proper composting techniques, the better the quality of compost you'll get for your garden. Here are some tips:

1. Mix different types of organic matter to create a balanced fertilizer.
2. Don't forget about air - the humus must be well aerated.
3. Monitor the humidity level - it should not be too high or too low.

Compost: An Eco-Friendly Find for Your Garden

What is compost and why is it needed?

Compost can be considered similar to humus, but its creation process involves a wider range of materials, such as coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable scraps, grass, leaves, and even cardboard shavings. Compost not only provides plants with nutrients but also supports beneficial microorganisms in the soil, which help improve plant health. Amazingly, with simple composting, each of us can reduce waste while simultaneously creating a highly valuable product for our gardens.

How to compost properly?

There are several factors to consider when composting:

• Balance of green and brown materials: green ones are fresh herbs, vegetable scraps; brown ones are paper, sawdust, leaves.
• Aeration: Partially turn the compost as it decomposes to improve oxygen availability.
• Moisture monitoring: Compost should be moist but not wet.

Conditions for composting

The following conditions are important in a compost heap:

1. Temperature: Avoid overheating, which can kill beneficial microorganisms.
2. pH level: ideal range is 5.5-7.5.
3. Decomposition time: Depending on conditions, compost can mature from 2 to 6 months.

Green manure: green manure for soil restoration

Why do we need green manure?

Green manure crops are plants sown before main crops. They not only improve soil structure and fertility but also protect it from erosion, pests, and diseases. As they decompose, they enrich the soil with organic matter, saturating it with nutrients. The most popular green manure crops are:

• Phacelia
• Mustard
• Legumes (red and white clover)

How to choose green manure for your garden?

The right choice of green manure depends on your conditions and specific goals. Consider the following:

1. Soil type: Determine which plants will do best in your soil.
2. Season: Some green manure crops are best sown in the fall, others in early spring.
3. Compatibility: Find out which green manure crops can be sown together with other crops.

How and when to sow green manure?

Green manure is best sown in late summer or early fall. Simple guidelines:

1. Select bare soil from the beds.
2. Spread the seeds over the surface and lightly cover them with soil.
3. When cutting green manure for the winter, leave 10-15 cm of stems to protect the soil.

A Brief Overview of Natural Fertilizers

Here are the results of what fertilizers exist and how they help in gardening.

Fertilizer type	Advantages	Methods of application
Ash	Rich in minerals, improves soil structure	Application as powder or liquid
Humus	Increases water holding capacity and fertility	Mixing with soil before planting
Compost	Provides nutrients and microorganisms	Spread over the surface and inclusion in the soil
Green manure	Restore soil and protect against erosion	Sowing before main crops

Conclusion

Natural fertilizers such as ash, humus, compost, and green manure can significantly improve the health of your garden, making it more resilient and productive. Using these resources not only increased yields but also helped maintain the harmony of your land's ecosystem. I encourage every reader to consider incorporating natural fertilizers into their gardening practices. The more we embrace these methods, the more we can preserve nature and ensure the well-being of our plants. If you have your own experiences with natural fertilizers, please share your stories in the comments. I'd love to discuss your tips and recommendations!