Whether you developed your garden with potted plants, or used potting soil for your starts, the plants will have what they need, at least at first. But over time, the essential nutrients in that soil get used up and will need to be replenished with plant food (a.k.a. fertilizer).
The garden aisle is the obvious option, full of familiar commercial fertilizer products like Miracle-Gro or organic plant food brands. These commercial plant foods are designed to offer a concentrated source of nitrogen, potassium, phosphate which are essential for plant growth.
Of course, some green thumbs use bone meal, egg shells, or compost tea to promote soil health. We like those too, but they take a bit of time to make and break down before they can be applied to your beautiful plants.
Luckily, with a few simple ingredients, you can make a gallon of homemade liquid plant food in minutes. This natural fertilizer offers a boost of nutrients to promote healthy growth without the numerous chemicals that store-bought options can include.
Should I Test My Soil First?
It helps. A soil test kit or soil tester can tell you your current soil pH and what nutrients might be missing. This recipe is generally safe, but soil testing allows you to balance fertilizer use with actual plant needs. You can find kits online, at farm & fleet stores, or garden centers.
Homemade Liquid Plant Food Recipe (Natural Miracle Grow Recipe)
This simple homemade recipe acts like an organic Homemade Miracle Grow alternative. It's made using easy ingredients that add magnesium sulfate and other minerals back into depleted soil.
Materials You'll Need
- 1 clean gallon jug with lid
- 4 cups of cooled black coffee (liquid, not the grounds)
- 12 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
1. Mix the Ingredients:
- Pour coffee a 1-gallon container.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to the coffee.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Fill with water.
2. Shake it Thoroughly:
- Cover and shake the gallon of water until salts are dissolved.
3. Use It & Store It
- Slowly pour it on the base on your plants (garden or house plants) early in the morning or in the late afternoon. The soil should be moistened but not soggy.
- Label and store this solution in a cool place or make fresh batches as needed.
- Most herbs, vegetables, and flowering plants respond well. Avoid using it on carnivorous plant growers or plants with very specific nutrient needs. Check what works for each plant species, especially tropical varieties like monstera plants.
How Often Should You Apply This Homemade Solution?
Water the base of your outdoor plants every two weeks with the homemade plant food. This goes for potted patio gardens and flower beds alike. Indoor plants will need this liquid fertilizer once per month during their growing season (usually spring and summer) and can be applied at the base with a spray bottle.
Don't be tempted to increase the dosage during hot summer temperatures. Though diluted, natural plant fertilizers are acting as a nutrient dense food and should be used sparingly. Too much can hinder plant health or the beneficial microorganisms. If you have a dry summer, stick to watering.
FAQ
Will It Keep Away Garden Pests?
This homemade plant food recipe focuses on providing a nutrient boost for plants rather than repelling pests. Generally fertilizer for plants won't attract pests, but it also isn't designed to deter them. Healthy plant growth will attract beneficial organisms which makes stronger, happier plants that can handle pests on their own. If your plants are overrun with insects, use a separate gardening product like a pest repellents.
Can I Use Coffee Grounds Instead of Liquid Coffee?
No. This particular mix relies on brewed coffee for fast absorption. Sprinkling coffee grounds works better in compost piles or around the base of acid-loving plants like blueberry plants. For quicker results, brewed coffee provides a more water-soluble option.
Will This Work for Container Gardens?
Yes, this works well for garden container, too. Potted plants rely even more on regular fertilization since nutrients wash out faster. Make sure your potting soil or potting mix drains well, and avoid applying during peak heat to prevent stress.
