Home-made, eco-friendly plant fertilizer

Very few liquid fertilizers are as cheap, almost plastic-free and pack this much punch. Make this recipe from household items already in your cupboard or that are easy to find in your local grocery store.

My mother is an avid gardener who taught me all I know about plants. I firmly believe she can grow any plant, although we both have an ongoing feud with tomato plants. But that is another story altogether.

I regularly trouble her with messages, calls and photos about any suspected disease or signs of trouble in my garden. She always has a patient ear and helpful advice. This recipe for a cheap, easy-to-make liquid fertilizer is one of the golden nuggets she gave me.

Tools

A bucket

Gloves (dishwashing gloves or any other that can protect your hands from spillage)

An empty cooldrink bottle (#reuse)

Something to stir with

Ingredients

4,5 litres water

1-teaspoon baking powder

1-teaspoon Epsom salts

1-tablespoon Saltpetre

1-tablespoon ammonia

Why these ingredients?

• Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate and phosphorus, both beneficial for your plants. Baking powder works as an antifungal agent and can even kill some established forms of fungus. It can minimize diseases like powdery mildew and other foliar diseases. Also, because baking powder is alkaline, it will reduce the acidity of your soil. Less acidic soil produces less acidic fruits and vegetables, which taste sweeter. Phosphorus is a vital component of ATP, the energy unit of plants. ATP forms during photosynthesis, and processes from the beginning of seedling growth. Bonus: The tin can be #reused or #recycled.

• Epsom salt is one of the best-kept secrets in gardening. Your grandmother might have told you about this age-old trick. It contains magnesium that is a vital mineral that helps plants produce chlorophyll, helps plants absorb phosphorus and nitrogen, and promotes leaf growth in fruits and vegetables. It is often found naturally in soil, but it can get depleted due to erosion. Compared to commercial fertilizers, which build up and mould, Epsom salts dissolve and cannot be overused. It is organic and eco-friendly. Bonus: The packaging can be #recycled completely.

• Saltpetre is rich in nitrogen which, in this form, is immediately available to your plants. Saltpetre also consists of potassium which influences the movement of water, nutrients and carbohydrates in plant tissue. It helps maintain turgor (it's what keeps your plant's cells firm), reduces water-loss and wilting. It also aids in photosynthesis and food formation. Saltpetre is water-soluble, so your soil can become depleted under heavy irrigation. Bonus: The carton it comes in can be #recycled. Unfortunately, the saltpetre granules usually come in a little plastic bag.

• Ammonia can be used in your garden with a clear conscience, as it is not harmful to the environment. Just remember to always store it out of reach of children and handle it with care. It is a vital source of nitrogen for plants and promotes plant growth and improves fruit and seed production. Nitrogen improves your plants' yield. It's also essential for photosynthesis. Bonus: The ammonia bottle can be #recycled.

Method

Use gloves when working with these materials as they might irritate your skin if you come in contact with it. Pour all the dry ingredients in a bucket and then, standing as far away from the bucket as possible, slowly add the ammonia. Do not inhale the ammonia fumes. Add 4,5 litres of water and stir well.

Application

Water your plants before giving the liquid fertilizer as it is easier for the plants' roots to absorb it. Give each potted plant between a half and a full tablespoon of this mixture. Garden plants, shrubs and trees can have more. Do not pour it directly on the stem, leaves or roots as it might burn the plant. Pour it close to and around the stem. Do this every two weeks.

Advice from my mom:

"If you have some liquid fertilizer left afterwards, pour it into a cooldrink bottle to use later, but don't keep it for too long. Also shake it before every use as there might be some sediment build-up at the bottom of the bottle."

There you have it! A quick and easy liquid fertilizer that is eco-friendly and WORKS!