Nourishing Your Garden Naturally
Liquid fertilizers provide plants with readily available nutrients that can be quickly absorbed through both roots and foliage. They are especially valuable for giving plants a boost during critical growth stages or when nutrient deficiencies appear. This fact sheet provides instructions for creating effective liquid fertilizers from locally available materials that are affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
Basic Materials Needed
- Large container with lid (20-50 liter capacity)
- Smaller container for application (watering can or spray bottle)
- Stirring stick or paddle
- Straining material (old cloth, mesh, or sieve)
- Organic materials (specific to each recipe)
- Clean water (rainwater preferred)
- Optional: air pump for aerated compost tea
Types of Liquid Fertilizers
Compost Tea
A nutrient-rich liquid made by steeping finished compost in water. It contains beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and plant resistance to disease.
Gather Materials
You'll need a cloth bag (like an old pillowcase), finished compost, a large container, and water.
Fill the Bag
Place about 1 part finished compost into the cloth bag.
Steep in Water
Submerge the bag in a container filled with 10 parts water. Secure the bag to the side of the container.
Brew the Tea
Let it steep for 3-7 days, stirring daily. The water should turn a rich brown color like tea.
Strain and Use
Remove the bag, allowing it to drain. The liquid is ready to use, diluted 1:1 with water.
Aerated Compost Tea (ACT)
A more potent version of compost tea that uses aeration to increase beneficial microbe populations.
- Follow the same process as regular compost tea, but add an aquarium air pump with air stone
- Bubble air through the mixture continuously for 24-48 hours
- Use immediately after brewing for maximum microbial benefit
- Dilute 1:1 with water before application
Manure Tea
A nutrient-rich liquid made from animal manure. High in nitrogen and other essential nutrients.
Select Manure
Use well-aged manure from herbivores (cow, goat, rabbit, chicken). Never use fresh manure or manure from carnivores.
Prepare Container
Fill a burlap sack or cloth bag with 1 part aged manure.
Steep in Water
Submerge the bag in a container with 10 parts water.
Brew the Tea
Let it steep for 1-2 weeks, stirring every few days. The liquid should turn dark brown.
Dilute and Use
Remove the bag and dilute the liquid until it's the color of weak tea (typically 1:10 with water) before applying.
Manure Safety Tips
- Always use aged manure (at least 6 months old) to avoid burning plants and reduce pathogen risk
- Chicken manure is highest in nitrogen but must be well-aged (1 year) before use
- For food crops, apply manure tea at least 60 days before harvest
- Always wash hands thoroughly after handling manure
- Store brewing containers away from living areas due to odor
Plant-Based Fertilizers
Liquid fertilizers made from nutrient-rich plants. These are excellent options for gardeners who don't have access to compost or manure.
| Plant Material |
Key Nutrients |
Preparation Method |
Dilution Ratio |
| Comfrey |
Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron |
Fill container 2/3 with chopped leaves, cover with water, steep 3-4 weeks |
1:10 (very strong smell) |
| Nettles |
Nitrogen, iron, magnesium |
Fill container 1/3 with chopped plants, cover with water, steep 1-2 weeks |
1:10 |
| Banana Peels |
Potassium, phosphorus |
Soak 3-4 chopped peels in 1 liter water for 3 days |
Use undiluted |
| Moringa Leaves |
Nitrogen, zinc, copper |
Fill container 1/4 with chopped leaves, cover with water, steep 1 week |
1:5 |
| Legume Plants |
Nitrogen |
Fill container 1/3 with chopped plants, cover with water, steep 2 weeks |
1:5 |
| Cassava Leaves |
Nitrogen, potassium |
Fill container 1/4 with chopped leaves, cover with water, steep 1 week |
1:10 |
| Mixed Weeds |
Various (balanced) |
Fill container 1/3 with chopped weeds (before they seed), cover with water, steep 2 weeks |
1:10 |
Specialized Nutrient Solutions
Eggshell Calcium Tea
- Rinse and crush 10-12 eggshells
- Place in a container with 1 liter of water
- Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to help dissolve calcium
- Let sit for 1 week, stirring occasionally
- Strain and dilute 1:1 with water
- Excellent for tomatoes and peppers to prevent blossom end rot
Wood Ash Solution (Potassium Boost)
- Soak 1 cup of wood ash in 5 liters of water for 3-5 days
- Strain carefully and dilute 1:5 with water
- Good for flowering and fruiting plants
- Note: Do not use on acid-loving plants as it raises soil pH
Fish Emulsion
- Place fish scraps in a container with tight-fitting lid
- Add water to cover and 1 tablespoon of molasses
- Let ferment for 2 weeks (warning: strong odor)
- Strain and dilute 1:20 with water
- Rich in nitrogen and trace minerals
Application Methods and Timing
Root Application
- Apply liquid fertilizer directly to the soil around plants
- Water plants first with plain water if soil is dry
- Pour diluted fertilizer around the base of plants, avoiding direct contact with stems
- Apply in early morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation
Foliar Spray
- Strain liquid fertilizer thoroughly to prevent clogging spray nozzles
- Apply as a fine mist to leaf undersides where absorption is best
- Spray early in the morning when stomata are open
- Avoid spraying during hot, sunny periods to prevent leaf burn
- Particularly effective for micronutrient deficiencies
Application Frequency
- Seedlings: Diluted applications every 2 weeks
- Vegetative growth: Every 1-2 weeks
- Flowering/fruiting: Every 1-2 weeks with potassium-rich formulations
- Mature plants: Monthly applications
- Stressed plants: Weekly until recovery
Signs of Nutrient Deficiencies
Use these liquid fertilizers to address specific plant needs:
- Yellowing lower leaves: Nitrogen deficiency → Use manure tea or nettle tea
- Purple leaf undersides: Phosphorus deficiency → Use banana peel tea
- Brown leaf edges: Potassium deficiency → Use comfrey tea or wood ash solution
- Yellowing between leaf veins: Magnesium deficiency → Use compost tea
- Blossom end rot: Calcium deficiency → Use eggshell tea
Storage and Shelf Life
- Most liquid fertilizers can be stored for 2-3 months in sealed containers
- Store in cool, shaded areas to slow decomposition
- Aerated compost tea should be used within 24 hours of brewing
- Label containers with contents and brewing date
- Expect strong odors from most liquid fertilizers—this is normal
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Foul Odor
Solution: Add a tablespoon of molasses to encourage beneficial bacteria; ensure container is not sealed too tightly during fermentation; store brewing containers away from living areas.
Plant Burning
Solution: Further dilute the solution; avoid application during hot periods; ensure manure used is well-aged.
Mold Growth
Solution: Stir daily during brewing; strain thoroughly before use; if mold is extensive, discard and start fresh.
Poor Results
Solution: Check brewing time (may need longer); ensure starting materials are nutrient-rich; consider soil pH issues that may be blocking nutrient uptake.
Combining with Other Gardening Practices
For best results, integrate liquid fertilizers with other sustainable gardening practices:
- Use mulch to retain moisture and slowly release nutrients
- Practice crop rotation to balance soil nutrient demands
- Incorporate cover crops to build soil fertility
- Add solid compost to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients
- Maintain proper watering practices to ensure nutrient availability
