How to make homemade fertiliser

did you know that you can share your morning coffee with your plants? From time to time it is essential to add some fertiliser to the substrate of our plants, especially when they are in pots, to supplement the amount of nutrients available, as this improves the fertility and life of the plant. While you can buy some organic fertiliser (in our shop, in the accessories section you can find them), it is possible to recycle some organic waste left at home to make homemade fertiliser.

The advantages of home composting

Commercial composts and fertilisers have their charm, they are quite effective and practical; however, they are delicate to use, as they are very concentrated and can affect the nutrient balance of the substrate if they are not used correctly. On the other hand, they can pollute if they are made with artificial components and many contribute to excessive acidification of soils. For this reason, even if you buy ready-made, ready-to-use fertilisers, it is best if they are organic.

Homemade organic fertilisers are great because:

• You reduce the amount of waste, as you can use some of it to feed your plants.
• Because it is made from recycled materials, it is more economical and environmentally friendly
• It's gentle. It doesn't dramatically alter the chemical balance of the substrate, so it won't harm your plant
• Gently and naturally delivers a range of nutrients to your plants
• Many also work as natural repellents against certain pests.
  

Homemade compost recipes

Banana/banana fertiliser

Bananas are rich in potassium and their peel is brimming with this nutrient that your plant needs to photosynthesise effectively and build resistance to pests. To make your banana compost, boil the peel of a couple of bananas for 15 minutes.

Let cool and water your plant with this infusion.

Eggshell fertiliser

Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate and other minerals and can also serve as an insect repellent against snails and caterpillars. Rinse and dry the eggshells. Then crush them using a mortar and pestle or food processor.

Add the powder around the base of the plants to use as an insecticide and mix it with the substrate to act as a fertiliser.

Wood ash compost

If you have a fireplace or if you have a wood fire, you can use the ashes left over as compost; they contain large amounts of potassium and calcium and repel ants and other insects.

To use it as a fertiliser, simply take a handful of ash and dissolve it in water. Water your plant or sprinkle it on the soil.

Compost with coffee grounds

Don't throw away the coffee grounds that are left over every morning, as they can be used as fertiliser for your plants. Coffee is great for acidophilic plants (gardenia, camellias, hydrangeas, fuchsias, azaleas, rhododendrons, anthuriums, ferns, begonias, cyclamen, dahlias, etc.) as it alters the pH of the soil slightly to encourage their development, as well as containing nitrogen and essential minerals.

As if that wasn't enough, earthworms like it (which are wonderful for your plant) and it keeps certain pests away.

To compost coffee grounds you should let it dry after brewing your coffee. You can put it on a tray spread out near a window. You will then mix this dried coffee with your plant's substrate, at a ratio of 10% or less. Remember to use it in minimal quantities, because you can alter the pH of the substrate too much.

You can also make liquid fertiliser by mixing coffee with water (in small quantities) and letting it sit overnight. You can then water the plant with the mixture. If you have some coffee left in the coffee pot and you have one of these acidophilic plants, you can apply it directly, diluting it very well with water.

Rice water fertiliser

When washing and rinsing rice before cooking, do not throw away the whitish water that remains. Use it to water your bushes on a regular basis.

This water has micronutrients that can be absorbed by the roots. I use it on my succulents and it keeps them beautiful, they grow very fast and very healthy.

Apple cider vinegar fertiliser

Apple cider vinegar is great for acidophilic plants. To prepare it, dissolve a teaspoon per litre of water and water your plant with this mixture.

This should be done once every 2 or 3 months, overdoing it can have the opposite effect and affect your plant.

The fertiliser should be applied seasonally, respecting the life cycles of the plant. If you have purchased from our online shop, you will certainly have a summary of your plant's care and fertiliser recommendations. You can also consult our care section.

Homemade fertilisers are usually very gentle on plants anyway, so you can apply them with a little more freedom. I'm sure your plants will thank you and become even more beautiful.