I like the idea of Steve Solomon’s formula for complete organic fertilizer (COF). He recommends you purchase the ingredients in bulk from farm stores. Measure the material out by volume, that is by the scoop or bucketful, and then mix it together in a bucket.
Seedmeals are a by-product of making vegetable oil and mainly used in animal feed. Coprameal is a by-product from coconuts with the bonus is that is usually grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Blood and bone is also known as tankage.
There are three types of lime – Agricultural lime – pure calcium carbonate, Dolomite lime – calcium and magnesium carbonate, and Gypsum – calcium sulfate.
Mix together uniformly in parts by volume:
- 4 parts any kind of seedmeal except coprameal OR
3 parts any seedmeal except coprameal and 1 part blood-and-bone. (This higher nitrogen option is slightly better for leafy crops in spring) OR
4.5 parts less-potent coprameal, supplemented with 1.5 parts blood-and-bone
BLEND WITH - 1/4 part ordinary agricultural lime, best finely ground AND
- 1/4 part gypsum (or double the amount of lime) AND
- 1/2 part dolomite lime PLUS
- 1 part of one of these phosphorus sources: finely ground rock phosphate, bonemeal, or high phosphate guano
1/2 to 1 part kelpmeal or 1 part basalt dust
P.S. If you’re in need of easy ways to spread the fertilizer, look at these coupons for Harbor Freight tools.
Gardening when it counts
by Steve Solomon
