5 ways to reap the benefits of organic fertilizers

Animal manures, vermicompost, chicken manure and seaweed are all good earth-wise fertilizers. Plus, they're all either cheap or free. Here's how to get the most from your organic fertilizers.

• Fertilize plants in the warmer months of the year, when they are actively growing.
• In the cooler months, they're dormant and don't need much food, so save money by not using fertilizer in winter.
• Fertilize lawns twice a year, during spring and autumn.
• Follow the directions on the fertilizer container – some plants, such as ferns, only require half-strength applications.

• Learn which plants need a large quantity of fertilizer. These plants are known as 'gross' feeders and include citrus, roses, hibiscus, bougainvilleas, gardenias, lawns and most vegetables.
• Add slow-release fertilizers – they're safe to use and won't burn plant roots. For a quick boost, consider using a leaf fertilizer.
• Always thoroughly water garden beds before and after fertilizing, otherwise the fertilizer may damage plant roots. Conserve water and save money by fertilizing your garden during periods of heavy rain.

• Fertilizers and manures may be labelled organic, but often this doesn't mean 'certified' organic.
• For example, fertilizers that contain more than 5.5 percent nitrogen are rarely organic.
• Check on the package for the symbol of a nationally-certified body or ask the nursery attendant.

The essential fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Choose a fertilizer that balances your plants' needs. Such a fertilizer could be:

• Animal manures contain all the basic plant nutrients and add bulk fibre to the soil. They also encourage beneficial organisms. Apply them as mulch or dig in to improve the soil.
• Chicken manure provides all the basic plant nutrients and makes a good mulch around plants that require lots of fertilizer. Free-range chickens add the manure directly to the garden.
• Seaweed contains naturally occurring hormones that stimulate root growth. It helps to minimize transplant stress and provides better tolerance to cold and heat. Some kelps are low in nitrogen.
• As well as being an excellent fertilizer, vermicompost can be used as a soil conditioner, garden mulch, top dressing for lawns and in seed-raising and potting mixes. Dilute it in water and use it on potted plants.

• Check the horse manure you obtain from stables. If it contains lots of wood shavings, it will take longer to decompose.
• If you find grain seeds in manure, just think of them as green manure. When they sprout, simply pull the seedlings out and throw them on the compost heap.
• Allow cow manure to rot down before you use it on the garden. Milled cow manure is available by the bag from nurseries.
• Chicken manure is very strong, so age it for at least six weeks before you use it. If you don't keep chickens, you can buy the manure from garden centres.
• Make sure it's from a free-range poultry farm if you disapprove of battery or deep-litter poultry farms.

To germinate, grow, flower and set seed, plants need 16 essential elements. Some come from the air and water, but most are found in the soil. By adding organic fertilizers, it's possible to remedy nutrient deficiencies, and help your garden grow better.