Plant nutrition
The cycle of nutrients
The cycle on Earth is a bit dizzying - all those nutrients flowing through the system. When we feed the crop, we get lush and abundant plants that produce good harvests.
The A-B-C of plant nutrition is spelled "N-P-K"
Of the nutrients plants get from the soil, the most central are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). For a grower, it's good to know that nitrogen, which makes plants lush, can also make them a bit sensitive to cold. Therefore, after high summer, perennials should preferably not receive nitrogen-rich nutrition such as chicken manure, golden water or grass clippings.
When to feed - and how much?
Traditionally, a good dose of nutrients is given in spring or fall. Plants that need it are also given supplementary nutrients during the growing season. The disadvantage of autumn fertilization is that rain and snow cause some nutrient leaching. If you fertilize in spring, it is best to do it 2-3 weeks before sowing. Some plants absorb nutrients, such as cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers. Others, like potatoes, do not need as much. Some plants provide nutrients to the soil. The root system of legumes, such as peas and beans, contains bacteria that pick up nitrogen from the air. You can see from the growing instructions whether a plant needs a lot of nutrients or can do with a little less.
Some different types of nutrients
The compost is the heart of the garden. It turns waste from the kitchen and garden into dark, nutrient-dense soil. Mixing compost into the soil gives it both more nutrients and better structure. A further level of soil improvement is to add bokashi - preferably mixed with biochar.
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Cover cropping / Surface composting
Cover cropping is a type of surface composting. Here, the decomposition of the compost takes place in the land while cultivating. Grass clippings, weeds and other green matter are placed between the plants on top of the soil. It looks so cozy with cover crops, a bit like a hobbit country. If you have access to bladderwrack, it is also a good cover material. Cover crops retain water in the soil, suffocate weeds and contribute fine nutrients as they decompose. It is good to add about ten centimeters. This keeps the cover material moist on the underside, which ensures efficient decomposition. It's fine to include weeds. Put them at the top of the cover crop with the roots upwards, so they dry out in the sun. However, we don't usually use root weeds. Disadvantage: watch out for slugs under the cover crop!
Urine is an excellent fertilizer. Dilute one part pee to nine parts water. There are combined pots/watering cans that can make the project easier.
Natural manure from cows, horses, sheep and chickens is good nutrition in the country. For non-toxic cultivation, choose organic manure, from animals that have not grazed on sprayed land. Fresh manure can damage plant roots and therefore needs to rest for a while before use. Other animal nutritional supplements are blood meal, bone meal and fish emulsion.
Soak nettles and leave the mixture under cover for at least 3-4 days, preferably longer. It will smell awful, but it is a real health cure for the plants. Like urine, it should be diluted before use. If the nettle water has been fermenting for two weeks or more, you can mix it with nine parts water. If it has only been fermenting for a few days, you can mix it with less water. Tip: you can also make fertilizer water from other green plants, such as valerian.
Cultivate the soil!
When we nourish plants, we are actually feeding the soil. Beneath the surface is an intricate ecosystem of small animals, fungi and bacteria. This microlife breaks down the nutrients and releases them in a form that plants can use. If we grow edible things, the nutrients end up in us. Round and round the cycle goes.
Author: Johanna Damm Fact checked by Erik HoekstraLast updated 2022-10-14
