ORGANIC SOIL BUILDERS, FERTILIZERS, AMMENDMENTS AND THEIR NUTRITIONAL VALUES
(NPK values may vary slightly depending on source)
SOIL LAYERS:NEWSPAPER |
trace elements | Provides weed control, carbon and cellulose. |
| HAY | 1 - 0.5 - 1.5 | Slow to break down, good soil builder. |
| COFFEE GROUNDS | 2 - 0.5 - 0.6 | Contains nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and copper. Slightly acidic. |
| HORSE MANURE | 1 - 1 - 1 | Composted; provides nitrogen and many other elements. Good for soil building and water retention. Immediate to 6 months. |
| FRESH SEAWEED | 1 - 0 - 4 | Conditioner; immediate to one month. 1lb. of dried seaweed = 9lbs. of fresh. |
| LEAF MOULD | variable | Excellent soil builder; improves water retention, source of calcium and magnesium. Immediate to 6 months. |
FERTILIZERS AND AMMENDMENTS:
| CANOLA MEAL | 8 - 3 - 4 | Fast acting; contains nitrogen, phosphorus and trace minerals. Good for 4 - 6 months. |
| ALFALFA PELLETS | 3 - 1 - 2 | Contains nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron. Good root stimulant. Breaks down quickly. Good for 1 - 6 months. |
| ROCK PHOSPHATE | 2 - 0.5 - 0.6 | Rich in calcium, supplies phosphorus, micronutrients and iron. Slow acting.Good for 3 - 5 years. |
| BONE MEAL | 1 - 16 - 0 | Source of phosphorus and calcium. Promotes root and vegetative growth. Good for 6 - 12 months. |
| WOOD ASH | variable | Not good for acid loving plants. Supplies micronutrients, calcium and magnesium. Apply 3 weeks before planting. Use sparingly. |
| LIME | Will raise soil pH. Supplies calcium and magnesium. Good for 2 - 3 years in our Pacific Northwest climate. Do not lime potato beds. | |
| KELP MEAL | 2 - 1 - 2 | Supplies notrogen, potassium and many trace vitamins and nutrients. Increases a plant’s resistance to stress. |
| FISH FERTILIZER | 5 - 1 - 1 | Provides many trace elements and vitamins. Good source of nitrogen. Immediate. |