Gardening

The Best 5 Homemade Fertilizers to Grow Beautiful Roses – Easy to Make and Use

Roses, revered for their elegance, require proper care to achieve their full splendor. Homemade fertilizers provide a natural, cost-effective method to nurture roses and promote lush blooms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating and utilizing five exceptional homemade fertilizers for your roses.

1. Banana Peel Fertilizer

  • Ingredients: Collect banana peels.
  • How to Make: Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them near the base of the rose plant or in the soil around it.
  • Benefits: High in potassium, phosphorus, and essential minerals for healthy root development and vibrant blooms.
  • Dilution and Application: No dilution needed. Apply directly by burying near the plant base.
  • Frequency: Apply every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for optimal results.
  • Watering After Application: Water the area where the banana peels are buried to aid in decomposition and nutrient release.
banana peel as fertilizer on roses plant

2. Epsom Salt Solution

  • Ingredients: Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate).
  • How to Make: Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
  • Benefits: Boosts magnesium and sulfur levels, aiding in chlorophyll production and nutrient absorption.
  • Dilution and Application: Apply the solution at the base of the rose plant. For potted plants, dilute further to half strength.
  • Frequency: Apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to supplement magnesium levels in the soil.
  • Watering After Application: Water thoroughly after applying to facilitate absorption into the soil.

3. Compost Tea

  • Ingredients: Compost, water.
  • How to Make: Steep compost in water for 24-48 hours, strain, and use the liquid.
  • Benefits: Provides a diverse range of nutrients and beneficial microbes for overall plant health.
  • Dilution and Application: Dilute the tea at a ratio of 1 part tea to 4 parts water. Apply around the base of the plant.
  • Frequency: Apply every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to enrich the soil and promote robust growth.
  • Watering After Application: Water lightly after applying to encourage absorption and microbial activity in the soil.
compost tea as fertilizer on roses plant

4. Eggshell Fertilizer

  • Ingredients: Crushed eggshells.
  • How to Make: Crush cleaned eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of the rose plant.
  • Benefits: Rich in calcium, preventing blossom end rot and strengthening cell walls.
  • Dilution and Application: No dilution needed. Apply by scattering the crushed shells around the plant.
  • Frequency: Apply at the beginning of the growing season and monthly thereafter for continuous calcium supplementation.
  • Watering After Application: Water lightly to help the eggshells break down and release calcium slowly.

5. Fish Emulsion Fertilizer

  • Ingredients: Fish scraps, water.
  • How to Make: Mix fish scraps in water and let it decompose for several weeks. Strain the liquid before use.
  • Benefits: Provides a potent source of nitrogen and essential nutrients for healthy foliage and blooms.
  • Dilution and Application: Dilute the fish emulsion at a ratio of 1 part emulsion to 3 parts water. Apply around the base of the plant.
  • Frequency: Apply every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to support lush foliage and prolific flowering.
  • Watering After Application: Water thoroughly after applying to prevent any strong odor and ensure proper absorption.

Tips for Application:

  1. Watering After Application:
    • Water the plants thoroughly to help nutrients reach the root zone effectively.
  2. Observation and Adjustment:
    • Monitor the health and growth of your roses regularly. Adjust the frequency of fertilization based on their response and any signs of over-fertilization, such as leaf burn or stunted growth.
  3. Seasonal Considerations:
    • Reduce or halt fertilization during winter months when roses are dormant. This allows the plants to rest and prepare for the upcoming growing season.
watering a roses plant

By employing these homemade fertilizers, your roses will flourish, adorned with vibrant blossoms. Experiment with these natural formulations, observe your plants’ responses, and relish the beauty of your thriving garden!

Inspired by this? Share the article with your friends!