Want a healthier crop without spending on commercial fertilizers? Using homemade fertilizer is the key to improving the soil, boosting the growth of your plants and taking care of the environment. The best part is that you can make it with simple ingredients that you already have at home.
From coffee grounds to banana peels, there are plenty of ways to nourish your cannabis naturally. In addition, a good homemade fertilizer can make all the difference in the production of marijuana or CBD flowers more vigorous and aromatic. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare natural fertilizers and apply them at each stage of growth for the best results.
Importance of Home Fertilizer in Sustainable Cannabis Cultivation
The use of homemade fertilizers in cannabis cultivation It is an increasingly common practice among growers looking for a natural, sustainable and economical alternative. Organic fertilizers make it possible to take advantage of household waste and avoid synthetic chemicals that can affect the health of the soil and the environment.
In addition to being an accessible option, homemade fertilizer It contributes to a more balanced ecosystem, promoting microbial life and improving the structure of the substrate. When the soil is rich in organic matter, the roots can better absorb the nutrients essential for optimal plant development.
Benefits for soil, plant health, and the environment
- Soil regeneration: Natural fertilizers provide organic matter that enriches the substrate and encourages the activity of beneficial microorganisms.
- Improved nutrient uptake: Healthy soil allows cannabis to access the minerals needed at every stage of its growth.
- Waste reduction: Elements such as banana peels, coffee grounds or wood ash are reused, reducing the amount of household waste.
- Lower environmental impact: Prevents soil and water pollution caused by chemical fertilizers, maintaining the ecological balance of the crop.
Advantages of Homemade Fertilizer vs. Commercial Fertilizers
Environmental and economic benefits
Reduction of organic waste
One of the biggest benefits of homemade compost it allows organic waste to be used, converting it into essential nutrients for plants. The Coffee grounds, banana peels, and other plant debris, which would normally be discarded, can be an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Minimization of environmental impact
Overuse of synthetic fertilizers can damage soil biodiversity and contaminate water sources with chemicals such as nitrates and phosphates. On the other hand, homemade fertilizers promote a natural balance in the ecosystem, without generating toxic waste.
Lower costs in the long run
Preparing homemade fertilizers avoids the frequent purchase of commercial products, which results in considerable savings in the long run. In addition, a soil well nourished with organic matter retains moisture better, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Comparison with synthetic fertilizers
Nutrient composition and availability
While commercial fertilizers contain nutrients in easily absorbable chemical forms, organic fertilizers release nutrients gradually, ensuring a steady and balanced supply.
Reduced risk of overfertilization
Too much synthetic fertilizer can cause root burn and unbalanced growth. Natural fertilizers, on the other hand, offer a safer and more progressive absorption.
Impact on soil biodiversity
Synthetic fertilizers can alter the microbial composition of the soil, reducing its fertility in the long term. In contrast, the Homemade fertilizers enrich the biological activity of the substrate, promoting a healthy environment for plants.
Types of Homemade Fertilizers and How to Prepare Them
Nitrogen-rich fertilisers (for the vegetative phase)
Coffee grounds: benefits and ways of application
Coffee is a rich source of nitrogen, ideal for stimulating the growth of leaves and stems. This nutrient is essential in the vegetative phase of cannabis, as it helps in the production of chlorophyll, which results in vigorous and green development.
- How to use it:
- Mix the dried coffee grounds with the substrate in a ratio of 1 to 2 grams per liter of soil.
- Prepare an infusion of coffee grounds, letting them sit in water for 24 hours and then using the liquid for watering every 10-15 days.
- To balance the pH of the soil, it is recommended to combine them with crushed eggshells, which provide calcium.
Nettle tea: preparation and advantages in root development
Nettles contain essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and silicon, which strengthen the root system and strengthen the plant’s resistance to diseases and pests.
- Preparation:
- Collect fresh nettles and let them soak in 10 liters of water for 48 hours to obtain a light fermentation.
- Strain the mixture and dilute in a ratio of 1:10 (one part nettle tea to ten parts water) before watering.
- Apply every two weeks during the vegetative phase to stimulate root growth and increase nutrient uptake.
Fertilisers rich in phosphorus and potassium (for the flowering phase)
Wood ash: how to incorporate them without altering the pH
Wood ashes are rich in potassium and phosphorus, two essential nutrients in the flowering stage, as they promote the development of large and compact flowers.
- Recommended Use:
- Sprinkle a small amount of ash (about 1 gram per liter of substrate) directly onto the soil and mix lightly.
- Dissolve the ashes in water and let it sit for 24 hours before applying to watering.
- Avoid applying excessively, as they can increase the pH of the soil. It is recommended to monitor the acidity level with a pH meter.
Banana tea: preparation and application method
Banana is an excellent source of potassium, a key mineral for optimal flowering. In addition, its natural sugar content helps to improve the quality of the substrate and nourish beneficial microorganisms.
- Preparation:
- Boil the peels of three bananas in a liter of water for 15 minutes.
- Let the infusion cool and strain before applying.
- Add two tablespoons of molasses or honey to enhance the benefits of the tea and stimulate microbial life in the substrate.
- Apply during the last six weeks of flowering, once a week, to strengthen flower production.
Preparation Methods and Tools Needed
Composting techniques for cannabis
Composting is one of the best ways to enrich the soil naturally. There are two main methods:
-
Cold compost vs. hot compost:
The main difference lies in the decomposition time and the temperature of the process.
- Hot compost: It is obtained in less time, generally between 4 and 8 weeks, thanks to the action of microorganisms that generate heat during the decomposition of organic matter. It is ideal for those who want quick results, but requires active temperature and humidity management.
- Cold compost: It takes longer to decompose (between 6 months and 1 year), but its process is simpler and does not require constant turning. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance method.
-
Vermicomposting:
It consists of using red worms (Eisenia fetida) to transform organic waste into worm humus, a natural fertilizer rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
- Advantages:
- It improves the structure of the soil, facilitating water retention.
- It provides microorganisms that improve the plant’s absorption of nutrients.
- It can be done indoors with a home vermicomposter.
- How to implement it:
- A container with drainage and ventilation holes is needed.
- Organic waste such as fruit scraps, crushed eggshells, and coffee grounds are added.
- The worms process the waste and turn it into humus in about 2 to 3 months.
Recommended utensils
To prepare and apply homemade fertilizers efficiently, it is advisable to have the following tools:
- Mixing and fermentation containers: Plastic or metal containers that allow ingredients to be mixed homogeneously.
- pH and nutrient meters: It is essential to monitor the levels of acidity and mineral concentration in the substrate to ensure a balanced absorption of nutrients.
- Shovels and rakes: They facilitate the integration of compost or fertilizers into the substrate without altering the structure of the soil.
- Strainers or meshes: Useful for filtering solid waste into compost teas or liquid fertilizers.
- Compost thermometers: They allow you to control the temperature in hot compost to ensure an optimal decomposition process.
Security and storage measures
To maximize the effectiveness of homemade fertilizers and avoid nutritional problems in plants, it is important to follow some conservation measures:
- Correct conservation:
- Store dry fertilizers in airtight containers to prevent the proliferation of unwanted fungi or bacteria.
- Keep liquid fertilizers in opaque jars to protect them from light and prevent uncontrolled fermentation.
- Avoiding nutritional imbalances:
- Apply fertilizers moderately, observing the plant’s response to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
- Alternate different types of fertilizers to provide balanced nutrition at all stages of growth.
- Regularly monitor soil pH to avoid accumulations of mineral salts that may affect nutrient uptake.
Making your own homemade fertilizer is not only inexpensive and eco-friendly, but it also improves the quality of the soil and strengthens the growth of your cannabis. With the right ingredients and correct application, your plants will receive all the essential nutrients for optimal development.
If you want to maximize the benefits of your crop and get a healthier harvest, this DIY project may be the key. While you wait for your plants to bear fruit, find out where buy CBD flowers from certified and sustainable crops. And of course, don’t forget to visit maionais CBD and discover more.
References
- Barrena, R., & Sánchez, A. (2022). Home composting: A review of scientific advances. https://doi.org/10.3390/ECP2022-12625
