Are there any organic fertilizers on the market that perform well for small scale vegetable gardens?

Question

I am interested in nutitional veggies, not perfect looking tastless ones. I used a well know flower and veggie plant food last year (Miracle Grow) makes nice flowers.The fruit did not taste sweet and the skins were thick and tough. I have added more garden soil and composted manure this year but I want something more to boost the crop in quantity and taste. Any suggestions? Or should that be enough? I am looking for a home made organic fertilizer, any tried and true recipes? I am planning on sharing what ever grows with family and neighbors. so I am hoping for a bumper crop. I am growing lots of tomatos,cucumbers, some watermelon,carrots,yellow beans,radishes,chives,parsley..oh yes flowers lots. I wanted more but ran out of garden darn!

I am looking for a market brand organic liquid or powder veggie food. I will try the others in different parts of my garden and experiment. I really want lots to harvest I love fresh plentiful veggies!

I have started composting my veggie peels,leaves, fruit,grass clippings,egg shells,coffee grinds,tea leaves,but for now I need something else.

Answer 1

YES !!! Go to Gardens Alive .com
They have tons of different types , all organic.I 've been using their
products for years , and they are great ! Their " tomatoes alive ! "
fertilizer for tomatoes is GREAT ! Some of my tomatoes this year
are over 6 feet tall already, and loaded with " Maters " ....
( they sometimes send you coupons for $25.00 tot ry their stuff. These are like a gift certificate ; if you send less than $25.00, your suff is free.. a great deal ! ) Enjoy !

Answer 2

First off, flowers = fruit or veg. Keep doing what your doing. Work lots of organic material into the soil. The reason the skins were thick and tough was your climate is too hot and the roots were hot. Mulch your plants about 4-6 inches deep. Water before you mulch. Water after you mulch. When you plant your tomatoes, add a cup of sugar and a multivitamin to the hole, water and plant. Peppers-add sulphur or cut the tops off a book of matches into the hole before you plant. Be sure to water the hole before putting the plant in. Mulch.Mulch.Mulch. Cukes need to be watered twice a day by soaker or drip watering. If you want small ones,leave all the fruit on the vine. If you want big ones, pick all off but one. Same applies for all members of the curcubit family, squash, pumpkins, gourds,etc. Fish emulsion is great but expensive. If you do partials on your freshwater fish tanks, use the old water. Bury your kitchen wasted (not meat ) under your plants, If you have a neighbor that goes fishing, or you do, bury the carcasses in your garden-nothing better/\.good luck!

Answer 3

I have to agree with "Wazup" about his/her recommendation on incorporating manures into your soil prior to planting. If you can, try incorporating both chicken AND steer manure into your soil since you'll be get the beneficial microbes that are found in each. These microbes are extremely important because they're able to help protect your vegetables from various diseases and nematodes naturally as well as helping your roots absorb more of the available nutrients in the soil. These microbes will also help your soil form aggregates...which will allow oxygen and water to get to your roots.

I usually use redwood shavings (at planting) to help promote and boost microbial populations. You can also use corn meal to do the same but the downside to doing this is that it might attract some pests.

Since these manures are relatively low in nitrogen, you'll have to use other organic sources ..such as fish emulsion, blood meal or feather meal in order to supply the proper levels of N-P-K to your veggies. It will be difficult to make them yourself and you'll probably be offended by their odor, I'd recommend using some of the organic granular fertilizers that includes some/all of the aforementioned ingredients.

You can find many companies online that can provide you with what you're looking for. I found one website called: PlanetNatural.com but I'm sure there are several more out there closer to where you live.

I think you'll find the addition of manures and composts will greatly enhance the flavors to your vegetables.

Hope this information was of some help. Good Luck to you!

Answer 4

I was raised in a farm and I can tell that the best organic fertilizer is just MANURE, go to a farm and probably you can get some free.
Ok, it is not going to smell like flowers, but once is under the earth the smell disappears.
Any plant, tree will grow stronger with manure.

Coffee dregs also works, not as strongly but it is useful.

Answer 5

Fish emulsion is great. Also look up the info on cornmeal juice and compost tea in the link below.

Answer 6

My tomatoes go crazy if I give them diluted fish emulsion- you can find it at most gardening supply stores. It is dark brown and really
stinky, but use about 1 cup per gallon of water and feed once a
month. (Roses and calla lillies love this too)

Answer 7

organic compost or manure (can both be bought at home depot) and manure is safe of veggies because it's been composted itself

Answer 8

I have found this one if i find anymore i will let you know but for now you might want to try recultivating the soil its in that could be an attribute to the taste.

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/organically.html
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/tomatogrow.html
http://www.homegardeners.com/NPKtips.htm

Answer 9

i know this will sound funny
but
cow poop is the best thing to use and you can get it free if you go and pick it up
i did this and mixed it with other rotteing foods and it works so good
try it and see how big your vegie grow

Answer 10

concentrated seaweed fertilizers are wonderful. so are organic fish fertilizers but not for use in house as it stinks and it attracts cats to the yard