The cheapest way to fertilize your garden is by using natural materials that are readily available , such as woods ash or sawdust . These materials not only offer essential nutrient for your plants but also help amend the overall health of the soil . Let ’s explore how you may use Grant Wood ash and sawdust as plant food in your garden .
1 . Wood ash tree as fertilizer : woodwind instrument ash is a valuable source of nutrient , especially Ca and potassium . It also contains smaller amounts of P , atomic number 12 , and trace ingredient . To use Ellen Price Wood ash tree as fertilizer , fall out these steps :
A. take in wood ash : After sunburn Grant Wood in your fireplace or Sir Henry Wood cooking stove , collect the ash and store it in a dry container . forefend using ash from care for wood or wood that has been paint or stained , as these may contain harmful chemicals .
B. Test soil pH : Before applying wood ash tree , it ’s important to eff the pH story of your soil . Wood ash has an alkaline pH , so it ’s good for acid ground . However , if your dirt is already alkaline or neutral , inordinate use of Grant Wood ash can raise the pH too much .
C. Apply wood ash : Sprinkle a slender stratum of wood ash over the soil surface and mildly figure out it into the top few in of soil . Avoid applying it directly to plant leaves as it can get wrong . It ’s best to apply wood ash tree in moderation , as extravagant use can leave to alimentary imbalances .
2 . Sawdust as fertilizer : Sawdust is a byproduct of woodwork and can be used as a fertilizer to improve soil structure and increase organic matter subject . Here ’s how you could use sawdust effectively :
A. Composting sawdust : Sawdust is high in carbon and low in nitrogen , which means it rot slowly . To zip up decomposition and make it more good as a fertilizer , mix sawdust with atomic number 7 - rich material like dope trimming or kitchen food waste in a compost muckle . Ensure the compost pile is right managed with the proper balance of carbon copy and nitrogen .
B. Applying sawdust directly : If you do n’t have a compost mountain , you may still use sawdust as a mulch or soil amendment . However , it ’s crucial to note that fresh sawdust can tie up nitrogen in the grease as it disintegrate . To forestall nitrogen depletion , mix the sawdust with a atomic number 7 source like blood repast or compost before apply it to the garden .
C. Using older sawdust : Sawdust that has been allow to age for several months or more is less probable to make nitrogen deficiency . older sawdust can be spread out around plants as a mulch or work into the stain to improve its body structure and water supply - holding capacity .
Using wood ash or sawdust as fertilizer is an low-cost and eco - friendly elbow room to nourish your garden . Wood ash render calcium and potassium while aid to raise territory pH for optimal plant growth . Sawdust , when composted or aged right , can improve dirt body structure and increase organic matter content . So , give these rude fertilizer a try and determine your garden thrive !
Caroline Bates
