The trick to having a healthy garden is all in a secret ingredient, which is also free. Let’s see what it is.
Whether you have a garden or a small vegetable garden , the greatest satisfaction is without a doubt seeing it flourish. Very often we rely on ready-made fertilizers that are commercially available in various formulations, yet not everyone knows that it is possible to make a nitrogen-based fertilizer directly at home and with an ingredient that is easy to find directly in nature. Let’s find out how to do it.
How to have a healthy garden
Maintaining a beautiful garden can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and care it can certainly be a pleasant and satisfying activity . The first step is to carefully plan the layout of the garden.
In fact, you need to take into consideration the position of the sun, the size of the garden and the maintenance needs. Once you have decided how to organize, you need to choose the plants suitable for the climate and you will need to prepare the ground .
Basic care includes regular watering and adequate sunlight . It is also important to keep the garden free from weeds and pests. Surely, taking care of the garden at least once a week helps to keep it in good condition, but equally important is to have well-nourished soil . This is possible thanks to a fundamental nutrient, namely nitrogen, which can be obtained for free in nature. Let’s see how to make a nitrogen-based fertilizer for the garden using a plant considered a weed : the nettle.
A fertilizer to nourish the soil
As mentioned, it is possible to make a nitrogen-based fertilizer by taking advantage of what nature has to offer . In this case, nettles, known as weeds and fast-growing plants, are excellent allies.
Nettles are plants that grow literally all over the world . They are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a source of antioxidants , proteins, fiber and essential fatty acids. They are also rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, as well as B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. They also contain vitamins A, C, E and K, and thanks to their properties, they are often used in herbal teas, supplements and decoctions, as well as fertilizers for the garden .
Nettle fertilizer can be used to increase soil fertility and help improve plant health . It contains a large amount of nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen and more.
It can be used to nourish plants, improve soil structure, reduce pest infestation and help prevent plant diseases . It is also useful for improving plants’ resistance to cold and drought. In short, a real panacea for a healthy garden, let’s find out how to prepare it.
Preparing the fertilizer
To obtain an excellent fertilizer you will first need to get some nettles . These are plants that can be easily harvested, so equip yourself with gloves and start mowing the amount needed for your garden.
Get a bucket to put the nettles in. It is advisable to chop the leaves into small pieces to facilitate the fermentation process .
When you are done, add rainwater to the bucket , without filling it to the brim because fermentation will cause the whole thing to increase in volume. Then cover the bucket making sure not to close it, to ensure that the fermentation gases can be free to escape.
Once this is done, find a sheltered place for your bucket, as you will have to wait 3 weeks for the fertilizer to be ready , and normally the fermentation process gives off unpleasant odors. During the three weeks remember to mix everything regularly every 3 or 4 days.
When you notice the absence of bubbles and foam, the fermentation is finished and your fertilizer is ready. The compound is very strong, so to be used it is essential to dilute it in a ratio of 1:10 , that is for one cup of fertilizer 10 cups of water. You can use it to water your garden every 3 weeks and in a short time you will be able to see the fruits of a well-nourished soil.