Top 6 Organic Fertilizers for Flowering Plants. People often ask me what the best organic fertilizers on the market today are. When you’re trying to get more blooms from your plants, organic fertilizers can work wonders. Compost is my number one go-to. You can purchase bags of compost at most local garden stores or make your own compost.
Next is bone meal. It’s loaded with phosphorus, which helps flowers pop. Worm castings are another favorite—they’re like a multivitamin for your soil. For something you can pour, try fish emulsion. It smells a bit, but it’s worth it for healthy buds. Finally, don’t overlook manure, like aged cow or chicken poop. Just make sure it’s composted so it doesn’t burn your plants. Trust me, these are game-changers for your flowers.
1. Compost
Compost is like a superfood for your plants. It’s made of decomposed kitchen scraps, plant clippings, and other organic waste that breaks down into nutrient-rich material.
- What makes it great? Compost is loaded with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also improves soil texture and helps it retain water.
- How to use it? Add a layer on top of the soil or mix it in before planting. You can also use it as mulch around your flowers.
Example: You can make your own at home by collecting banana peels, veggie scraps, or fallen leaves. Just let it decompose into a crumbly texture before adding it to your plants. Most folks will use a compost bin for faster results. For some ideas on making your own compost with a bin, follow this link. Composting for beginners.
2. Bone Meal
Bone meal is ground-up animal bones, usually from cows or fish. Don’t worry, it’s safe for plants and the environment!
- Why plants love it: It’s packed with phosphorus, which triggers strong root growth and helps flowers bloom more.
- Application tip: Sprinkle it in the soil around your flowers, but don’t go overboard because too much can lead to an imbalance.
Pro tip: Bone meal works best if your soil isn’t too acidic. Test your soil pH if you’re unsure, or pair it with compost for balance.
3. Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish byproducts like oil and bones. Yes, it smells fishy, but we have plenty of folks who swear this fertilizer works wonders on their plants.
- Why it’s awesome: It’s high in nitrogen, which gives plants energy to grow lush leaves. It also has a little phosphorus and potassium to support flowering.
- How to use it: Mix it with water (follow the label directions) and pour it around the base of your flowers. Avoid using it too often since it can be strong.
Bonus tip: Use it during the early growth phase to help flowers develop strong stems before they bloom.
4. Worm Castings
Also known as worm poop, worm castings might not sound glamorous, but they’re a plant’s best friend. Vermicomposting (using worms to compost) is where this gold comes from.
- What they provide: Super balanced nutrition including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Plus, it helps prevent pests and diseases.
- Easy usage: Mix it into your soil or side-dress (spread it around) your plants as they grow.
Cool fact: Worm castings also improve soil drainage, which keeps your flowers’ roots from sitting in soggy dirt.
5. Seaweed Fertilizer
Seaweed isn’t just for sushi! It’s a fantastic organic fertilizer for flowering plants, especially if you’re looking for extra bloom power.
- Why it’s effective: Seaweed has trace minerals that aren’t found in most other fertilizers. These minerals help flowers grow more vibrant and healthy.
- How it’s used: It’s usually available as a liquid. You can spray it on your flowers’ leaves (foliar feed) or pour it directly into the soil.
Pro tip: Seaweed fertilizer is a gentle option, so it’s great for all stages of your flowering plants. Plus, it boosts soil microorganisms, which makes your soil healthier over time.
6. Using Manure as a Fertilizer
- This helps plants grow strong and healthy. It’s packed with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need.
- Instead of letting manure go to waste, farmers and gardeners spread it on soil to enrich it. This improves the soil’s texture and helps it hold water better, which is great for the roots.
- Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to recycle animal waste. Just make sure it’s properly composted first, so it doesn’t harm plants or spread bacteria.
- Too strong and it can burn your root system.
Top 6 Organic Fertilizers for Flowering Plants
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