Home-Made fertilisers

 

Following my earlier posting on Nitro-Chalk, I would be pleased to hear of
anyone else's home-made fertilisers (that is, if you don't mind passing the
information on!).

I ask because, yesterday, I heard about a man on the allotment site who
makes his own by adding Growmore, stinging nettles, and horse manure to
water in a very large butt and letting it stand.

I was amazed at the size and health of his crops but I haven't managed to
see him yet, as we, obviously, go up there at different times but when I do
I'll ask him the quatities he uses and how he uses it and hope he tells me.

I've read of comfrey and stinging nettles (among other things) being used
but never tried it myself, as yet so I'd love to hear of other people's
favourite recipes.

I ask so many questions because I'm trying to learn as much as I can about
gardening before any more of my body packs up and I have to give up my
beloved allotment!

Anyway, thanks in advance and my best regards,

John

 


Hi John. I wouldn't put in one bucket growmore, nettles and OM
altogether - EVER! Sounds really mad and I can't imagine what would be
the right amount for each. Each fertilizer has its amount of NPK - and
on some instances, like for beans, I'd use OM and then later use
comfrey to mulch. I use OM every year (my autumn delivery arrives
tomorrow!!) which goes on top of every bed and I keep it there until
I've used it all. I do nettles and comfrey, not together, but
separately in different buckets (I got some amazing barrels from Mary
on this forum earlier this year). These I use everywhere, for flowers
and fruits. Now I'm stopping - there's no need. I'll make fresh
barrels next year, as soon as the nettles arrives, because young
leaves are the bestest. I use comfrey to mulch and add it on my
compost pile (and box at home). I also don't get headaches with weeds
and grass, as I find some to be useful as mulch.

Find below a link which I think is perfect for you. It will give you
the general idea of the balance in NPK and what natural fertiliser is
good for from Shoddy to Green Manure! I have never used Growmore and
don't intent to either. I have simpler

http://www.ecodyfi.org.uk/growing/downloads/Week4.doc

 

Thanks Helene,

I was told that was what he did but the chap I was talking to may not have
really known - hence my question! I will, as soon as I can I will talk to
the plot holder, himself to see what he says.

Thanks for your information, it's very interesting and all very welcome! I
must admit that I wish I'd got an allotment many years ago as I enjoy it so
much and the people are all so friendly and helpful - here and on the
allotment site.

I'll try that link.

Kindest regards,

John
___________________________________________________

 


That's the best way to get info - but your own experiences are also
invaluable. Follow your instincts :o)

I

It is therapy for many in this fast moving crazy world. It is a
retreat and a quiet place to find oneself. I can't imagine not having
it - as much as I think I would love to own a couple of acres, I think
I'd miss the people walking through and saying hi! and just standing
there chitchating with a cuppa.

 

Your absolutley right! I am sometimes the first person on the allotment in
the early morning and have found myself just staring at the clouds and
listening to the birds and not wanting to drag my eyes away. Another good
sound at any time of the day, is that of someone else digging on a plot
somewhere on the other side of the allotment!

There's too much noise pollution in today's world, so it's good to get away
from it. I hardly ever listen to the radio and seldom watch television
(except for films! - I love films especially the old black & white ones when
there was less sex, violence, and swearing and we had to make do with a good
story, well-acted and well-told!)

I like to hear what other people do and what they have tried, in the garden
or wherever in life - nobody's experience is useless. I also like to think
that I'm intelligent enough to form my own ideas from what they have said
and from commonsense, logic, and my own experience. I don't believe that
anyone's opinion is worthless as it can lead to an idea coming into mind
that otherwise wouldn't.

Anyway, I'm rattling on so had better stop! Thanks again for your replys

Best regards,

John