MAKE YOUR OWN GARDEN FERTILIZER

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Lee Fryer began fighting our overdependence on chemical, fossil-fuel-based fertilizers in the days before many of us had even heard of "organic" farming. And we're pleased to have this expert (a man who's had decades of experience working with benign soil aids) explain how to . . .

An agricultural consultant and president of Earth Foods Associates, Mr. Fryer is the coauthor of a number of books and—for several years—ran a large fertilizer business that was based on converting seaweed, fish by-products, chicken feathers, and other nutrient-laden "waste" into farm- and garden-boosting products. We think you'll enjoy the following excerpts from his forthcoming book. The Bio-Gardener's Bible (scheduled for publication by Chilton this fall).

First, we should decide what grade, or analysis, we need in the mixed fertilizer. For example, in the case of a fertile, well-manured garden, only moderate nitrogen should be included. Phosphate should be at least double the nitrogen content, and potash should be about the same as the phosphate. Such a 1-2-2 ratio is about right for a general-purpose organic-based garden fertilizer.

In order to leave "room" for plenty of bulk organic ingredients, we will deliberately make this a medium-low-analysis product. So, we'll settle on a 3-6-6 grade. This means the finished product will contain a guaranteed analysis of 3% nitrogen (N), 6% phosphate (P2O5), and 6% potash (K2O). Thus, as noted above, the major plantfoods are provided in a 1-2-2 ratio.

To comply with these specifications, each 1,000 pounds, 100 pounds, and 10 pounds of this "model" fertilizer will contain the following amounts of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash.

After looking over the available fertilizer materials in our neighborhood, let us assume that the following ingredients are selected for this "model" general-purpose garden fertilizer.

To meet the requirements of our 3-6-6 guaranteed analysis, we may now prepare the following formula. It's calculated to yield 1,000 pounds. However, using simple arithmetic, the quantities can be determined for 100- and 10-pound batches.

NOTE: If materials are available, this fertilizer can be improved by adding 50 pounds of seaweed meal and 30 pounds of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate). The quantity of compost would be reduced to accommodate these extra ingredients. Doing this will add seaweed's large assortments of trace minerals, and useful magnesium from the Epsom salts.

In accordance with good fertilizer practice, we've provided enough materials to slightly exceed the requirements of the formula. It is noted that 3% of 1,000 pounds equals the 30 pounds of nitrogen required. Six percent (6%) of 1,000 pounds equals the 60-pound requirements for phosphate and potash, respectively.