Why not just use Miracle Grow or Wal-marts cheaper version? You could also use the slower soy bean or alfalfa meal.

I'd like to stick with somthing on the more natural side of things rather than the heavy salts that I've read Miracle gro has.

I'll research soy bean and alfalfa meal. Thanks.

Depends how much you use. It's easy to overuse sythetics. I think plants respond to the chemical and nitrogen is nitrogen.

Potassium nitrate mined in Italy is natural.

Food grade cornmeal has a N = about 10

Check a hydroponics store. When I tried to find something w/o bonemeal, I think they pointed me to one that was derived from molasses (expensive). They said there were others available, too.

seahorse

I got two words for you "worm casings".

It's earthworm poop. Couldn't be more natural or more nitrogern. I mix soil, perlite, egg shells and worm casings to make my pepper soil. Working great so far.

byron,
have you ever used the cornmeal? Are you supposed to just add it to the dirt when you mix it? You always have interesting input and ideas.

worm castings is a great idea.

I have read some info about using your own urine. Definately not for everyone but there seems to be a method to the maddness and besides isnt that what alot of ppl are doing in the world? Just thought I would put it out there. btw I have not tried this.

Michael

I use cornmeal as fungicide, sprinkled on top of the soil.

BTW fresh mushroom compost also has an N around 10

Make your own compost pit and also a worm bin. I once put together a mini-tutorial for a worm bin, but no idea where is now.

Rather simple and there are countless plans for same on the internet.

There is a really good vermiculture forum someplace here on GW.

Sorry for the drive-by 'answer' but best can do today.

Here is a link that might be useful: Red Wigglers

I have never considered using "vegans" as fertilizer,
though interestingly, it could be done! :) LOL

Tiger

Very good, Tiger

I have told my wife that, rather than waste money on a funeral, just add me to the compost pile.

"When God lets my body be
from each brave eye shall sprout a tree"
e e cummings

Johnf

Spunky says hello.

I have been using a worm farm for 10 yrs at least and they are very low maintenance.

The dry worm poop is 2-2-2 NPK ratio and worm/compost tea last meaasured 3-1-1. Tea values vary through the year depending upon compost input.

{{gwi:996532}}

alfalfa pellets are a super good fertilizer. many people use it. very organic. very vegan. very good success. it contains a lot of trace elements too. it is considered the best thing to put into a compost bin to mix with other stuff to make better compost.

I use it mostly as a tea. I soak it in water.

I second the alfalfa tea. Long term, you should grow nitrogen fixing plants like peas and beans, turning them into the soil when you are done for the season.

I'd like to stick with something on the more natural side of things rather than the heavy salts that I've read Miracle gro has.

You have been reading nonsense. If used as directed, a two-gallon mix of MG will feed 20 square feet. This makes it primarily a foliar spray and not something that you flood the garden with. Saying that it has heavy salts is meaningless. Please read the label below and point out the heavy salts and the negative impact they have in the garden.

Here is a link that might be useful: Miracle Gro Label

Peaceful Valley Farms has a vegan mix fertilizer 3-2-2. They also have neem seed meal 5-1-2.

http://www.groworganic.com/item_F009_VeganMix3226LbBox.html

You might also ask on the Organic Gardening forum

Lydia