Stop Using Fertilizers In Garden Embrace Natural Fertilizer

Are you a Miracle-Gro gardener? Do you think you need chemicals or sprays to make your garden thrive? I’m here to challenge that notion and show you a better way with Natural Fertilizer. Today, let’s talk about why you should stop using fertilizer and what you can do instead.

Natural Fertilizer

The Problem with Fertilizers

One of the biggest companies in the industry is Scott’s, the owner of Miracle-Gro. Walk into any big box store like Lowe’s or Home Depot, and you’ll see shelves full of Miracle-Gro products. Even the vegetable plants they sell are often branded with the Miracle-Gro logo. This sets you up for failure unless you continue using Miracle-Gro, which I hope you’ll reconsider after reading this article.

The Aha Moment

I learned to garden by observing nature, not by following advice from garden stores. My family and I visited national parks instead of amusement parks, and it was in Big Bend National Park that I had my gardening epiphany. Despite the harsh conditions—sandy soil, intense heat, and little water—the plants were thriving. I realized that my garden, with its store-bought soil and plants, was missing something.

We visited Big Bend in the middle of July. It was hot, sandy, and seemingly inhospitable, yet there were plants everywhere, thriving in this harsh environment. I looked around, thinking about my struggles in the garden. I had meticulously set up garden boxes, bought soil from Home Depot, and planted store-bought plants, yet nothing seemed to work. Seeing the flourishing desert plants, I realized I needed to stop taking my cues from big box stores and fertilizer companies and start learning from Natural Fertilizer instead.

The Natural Approach

Upon returning home, I decided to mimic what I saw in nature. Instead of buying plants and fertilizers from the store, I started planting my garden densely, with big plants in the center, medium-sized plants around them, and ground cover plants filling the spaces. This approach emulates natural plant groupings and symbiotic relationships.

Why Avoid Synthetic Fertilizers?

image 4 begonias

  1. Dependency: Using chemical fertilizers creates plants that rely on these inputs, similar to how a child might become dependent on candy for energy. This means you’ll need to continually purchase and apply fertilizers.

  2. Environmental Impact: The production and use of fertilizers involve mining, fossil fuels, and plastic packaging, contributing to pollution and ecological disruption. Runoff from fertilizers can harm waterways and wildlife.

  3. Missing the Miracle: Using fertilizers bypasses the natural processes that make gardening rewarding. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing plants thrive through natural means, without artificial boosts.

What to Do Instead

Here’s how you can achieve a flourishing garden without synthetic fertilizers:

  1. Intensive Planting: Mimic natural plant groupings by packing plants closely together. Use large plants in the middle, medium plants around them, and cover the soil with smaller plants. This method prevents weeds and helps retain moisture in the soil.

  2. Variety and Symbiosis: Plant a wide variety of species that support each other. For example, peas fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting plants like tomatoes that need it. Companion planting helps create a balanced ecosystem in your garden, reducing the need for external inputs.

  3. Pruning: Regularly prune your plants to simulate the natural actions of animals. This stimulates growth hormones and encourages the plant to grow more robustly. Focus on removing the lower leaves and any dead or diseased parts of the plant.

  4. Natural Fertilizer: Use compost, chicken manure, rabbit manure, or earthworm castings to naturally enrich your soil. These mimic the natural breakdown of organic matter. Apply these natural fertilizers in moderation, as they slowly release nutrients over time.

  5. Compost: Add a few inches of compost every few months to provide nutrients and mimic the natural degradation process. Compost improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and adds essential microorganisms to the soil.

  6. Mulching: Use organic mulch like straw, leaves, or grass clippings to cover the soil around your plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes.

  7. Cover Crops: Plant cover crops like clover, alfalfa, or rye during the off-season. These crops improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. Once they mature, you can till them into the soil to add organic matter.

  8. Crop Rotation: Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce the buildup of pests and diseases. Different plants have varying nutrient needs and pest resistances, so rotation helps maintain soil health.

  9. Water Management: Ensure your plants get enough water, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to minimize water wastage and prevent disease.

  10. Soil Testing: Regularly test your soil to understand its nutrient levels and pH. Based on the results, amend your soil with natural minerals or organic matter to address deficiencies and create an optimal growing environment.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can enjoy a vibrant, productive garden without synthetic fertilizers. You’ll save money, reduce your environmental impact, and witness the true miracle of nature at work with Natural Fertilizer. Have I convinced you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us. Let’s embrace natural gardening together for healthier plants and a healthier planet.