Chemical fertilizers aren’t your only option for healthy, thriving plants. In fact, many gardeners swear by homemade solutions that deliver better results without the harsh additives.
These 12 natural fertilizers are easy to DIY—and they just might outperform anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
Banana Peel Soak
Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus. Soak them in water for a few days, then use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your plants. It’s especially great for flowering plants and tomatoes.
Crushed Eggshell Powder
Eggshells are packed with calcium. Let them dry out, crush them into a fine powder, and sprinkle into the soil to strengthen plant cell walls and prevent blossom end rot in veggies.
Compost Tea
Brew a batch of compost tea by steeping finished compost in water for 24–48 hours. The result is a powerful liquid fertilizer that boosts microbial activity and nourishes plants from root to leaf.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil and improve texture. They’re great for acid-loving plants like blueberries, roses, and azaleas. Just sprinkle lightly and mix into the topsoil.
Grass Clipping Mulch
Fresh or dried, grass clippings make a nitrogen-rich mulch. Spread a thin layer around your plants to feed the soil and retain moisture—just avoid clumping to prevent mold.
Fish Tank Water
If you have an aquarium, use the old water for your plants. It’s loaded with nitrogen and beneficial bacteria. Just be sure there’s no salt in it—freshwater only!
Molasses Solution
Molasses feeds beneficial soil microbes and adds iron and calcium. Mix one tablespoon of unsulfured molasses in a gallon of water and apply every few weeks.
Seaweed Soak
Seaweed is full of trace minerals and growth hormones. Rinse fresh seaweed (or use dried), soak in water for a few days, and pour it over your plants as a tonic.
Wood Ash
A great source of potassium and lime, wood ash can be lightly sprinkled on garden beds—especially for vegetables. Use sparingly and avoid combining with acid-loving plants.
Epsom Salt Water
Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur, which boost chlorophyll production. Dissolve 1–2 tablespoons in a gallon of water and use monthly for greener leaves and better blooms.
Used Tea Leaves
Tea leaves contain nitrogen and small amounts of other nutrients. Dry them out and mix into your soil or compost pile for a gentle nutrient boost.
Weed Tea
Weeds like dandelions and comfrey are nutrient-rich. Soak them in water for a week or more (it’ll smell!), then strain and use the “tea” as a potent liquid fertilizer.
Store-bought fertilizers can be convenient—but these natural, DIY alternatives are often just as effective, if not more. With ingredients you already have at home, you can create nutrient-rich feeds that support a greener, more sustainable garden.
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