Homemade Organic Fertilizer article

[fortyonenorth]

I've seen Steve Solomon's organic fertilizer mentioned on any number of forums and articles, but I was never aware of its background until I discovered this 2006 article from Mother Earth News: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organ...ur-Garden.aspx

I'm generally a bit cynical when it comes to the "just add compost" mantra of many organic gardening books and articles, but this is different. It offers great advice. It is specific, yet flexible. And, it is based on good science.

A few tidbits:

-- ignore your pH and focus on achieving a biologically-active, minerally balanced soil
-- apply compost regularly, but only in modest amounts
-- get a base saturation soil test every few years to make sure you're on the right track

Enjoy!

[kath]

Thanks for this link, 41- what a great article! I really need to get my soil tested but I can never figure out what's the best time to do it because it seems I've always just added lime, compost, manure, etc.

[fortyonenorth]

Kath - If you've already done your additions this spring, I'd do it right after you finish-up in the fall. Get your soil tested and then you'll have the chance to make adjustments prior to or at the same time that you add manure/compost.

Solomon recommends the same lab I use - Logan Labs in Ohio. I like them because they're inexpensive and their test provides much more information than the typical ag-extension and university labs.

[st3v3]

Great article 41N! Thanks for sharing it.

I make my own organic fertilizer, but i'm not quite as scientific as Mr. Solomon. I did learn from reading the article though.

My own mix is composed of 3 parts well composted Horse manure, one part worm castings, .5 parts of bone meal, blood meal, and wood ashes, and a handfull of dolemitic lime. I'm a really big fan of worm castings! I also foliar feed and soil drench with fish/seaweed liquid.

I'd love to hear what others here use for their organic fertilization program

[DiggingDogFarm]

His book, Gardening When It Counts, is pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Gardening-When.../dp/086571553X

~Martin

[kath]

Originally Posted by fortyonenorth

Kath - If you've already done your additions this spring, I'd do it right after you finish-up in the fall. Get your soil tested and then you'll have the chance to make adjustments prior to or at the same time that you add manure/compost.

Solomon recommends the same lab I use - Logan Labs in Ohio. I like them because they're inexpensive and their test provides much more information than the typical ag-extension and university labs.

Thanks, sounds like a plan.

[kath]

Originally Posted by DiggingDogFarm

His book, Gardening When It Counts, is pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Gardening-When.../dp/086571553X

~Martin

Just realized I have it on the shelf- no wonder this sounded familiar!