Okay, so I’m gonna spill the beans on my latest gardening experiment – making flower liquid fertilizer. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and your plants will thank you for it!
It all started because I was tired of buying those expensive fertilizers from the store. Plus, I wanted something more natural for my beloved blooms. So, I dove into the world of DIY plant food, and here’s what I discovered.
Gathering the Good Stuff
- Weeds (yes, weeds!): Dandelions, clover, anything green and leafy that’s popping up where it shouldn’t. They’re packed with nutrients.
- Kitchen scraps: Vegetable peels (potato, carrot, etc.), coffee grounds (used!), eggshells (crushed), banana peels. Basically, the stuff you’d normally compost.
- Water: Gotta have something to soak it all in! Rainwater is best, but tap water works fine too. Just let it sit out for a day to dechlorinate if you can.
- A big bucket: This is your brewing station. I used an old 5-gallon bucket with a lid.
The Brewing Process
First, I chopped up all the weeds and veggie scraps into smaller pieces. The smaller, the faster they break down. Then, I layered them in the bucket. A layer of weeds, a layer of kitchen scraps, a layer of eggshells… you get the idea.
Next, I filled the bucket with water, making sure everything was submerged. I didn’t pack it down too tight, because you need some room for the magic to happen.
Here’s the important part: Patience! I covered the bucket with the lid (not airtight, you need a little air circulation) and let it sit for about 2-3 weeks. I stirred it every few days, mostly because I was curious and wanted to see what was going on in there. It’s gonna smell kinda funky, so be prepared for that. Fermentation at its finest!
Straining and Diluting
After a few weeks, it was time to strain the mixture. I used an old t-shirt stretched over another bucket to filter out all the solids. You can also use cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. The liquid you’re left with is your flower liquid fertilizer concentrate. It’s potent stuff!
Now, don’t go dumping this directly on your plants! You need to dilute it. I started with a ratio of 1 part fertilizer to 10 parts water. For example, 1 cup of fertilizer concentrate to 10 cups of water. Give it a good mix, and you’re ready to feed your flowers.
Feeding Time!
I used a watering can to apply the diluted fertilizer to the base of my plants. Be careful not to get it on the leaves, especially in direct sunlight, as it can cause burns. I usually fertilized them every 2-3 weeks, or whenever they looked like they needed a little boost.
The Results
Honestly, I was blown away! My flowers were more vibrant, they produced more blooms, and they just seemed healthier overall. Plus, I felt good knowing I was using something natural and sustainable to feed my plants. It’s a win-win!
So, there you have it. My flower liquid fertilizer adventure. Give it a try, and let me know how it works out for you!
