What natural fertiliser should you choose for your vegetable garden?

Are you passionate about gardening and want to grow your own natural vegetable garden in a way that respects the environment and biodiversity? Then you've come to the right place! In this article, we're going to explore together the different natural fertilisers you can use to nourish your garden and get healthy, tasty vegetables and fruit. Permapotes, let's find out which fertiliser to choose for your vegetable garden!

Compost, an essential natural fertiliser

Compost is undoubtedly the best-known and most widely used natural fertiliser in the garden. It is a mixture of plant and organic waste that decomposes naturally to form a nutrient-rich soil. By incorporating compost into your soil, you improve its structure, fertility and water-holding capacity. Compost also encourages the development of micro-organisms that are beneficial to plants. You can easily make your own compost from kitchen and garden waste, or buy it commercially.

Manure, a nutrient-rich natural fertiliser

Manure is a natural fertiliser that is highly valued for its richness in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. As well as providing nutrients for plants, manure improves soil structure and promotes long-term fertility. However, make sure you compost the manure thoroughly before incorporating it into the vegetable garden to avoid any risk of burning plant roots.

Green manures, allies in nourishing the soil

Green manures are plants you can grow to enrich and protect your soil. These plants, such as alfalfa, mustard or clover, have deep roots that aerate the soil, fix nitrogen from the air and prevent weeds from growing. Once green manures have been cut and buried in the soil, they decompose to release nutrients that are essential for subsequent crops. Green manures are therefore an ecological and economical solution for feeding your natural vegetable garden.

Nettle manure, a natural fertiliser and repellent

Nettle purin is a natural fertiliser much appreciated by gardeners for its fertilising and repellent properties. Rich in nitrogen, potassium and iron, nettle leaves decompose to enrich the soil and stimulate plant growth. What's more, nettle purine helps to ward off harmful insects and plant diseases. To prepare your nettle purin, simply macerate fresh nettle leaves in water for a few days, then filter the preparation before spraying it on your crops.

Comfrey, a multifunctional plant to nourish the soil

Comfrey is a perennial plant that offers many benefits in the vegetable garden. As well as attracting pollinators and controlling weeds, comfrey is an excellent source of nutrients for the soil. Its taproots draw nutrients deep from the soil, while its nitrogen-, potassium- and phosphorus-rich leaves decompose quickly to feed neighbouring plants. You can grow comfrey at the edge of your vegetable garden and use it as mulch or slurry to boost the fertility of your soil.

Wood ash, a natural mineral amendment

Wood ash is an excellent source of potash and calcium, which are essential for fruit growth and improving soil structure. As well as providing minerals, ash helps to regulate soil acidity by making it more basic. It is particularly beneficial for potash-intensive crops such as tomatoes, potatoes and fruit trees. However, use it sparingly, as too much ash can unbalance the soil's pH.

Urine, a powerful and natural fertiliser

Although uncommon in modern practices, urine is a highly effective natural fertiliser. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it can be diluted (about 1 part urine to 10 parts water) and used as a liquid fertiliser to boost plant growth. It is particularly useful at the start of the season to stimulate the development of young plants. Be sure not to use it pure, however, as its concentration of mineral salts could burn plant roots.

Coffee grounds, a soil stimulant

Coffee grounds are a natural fertiliser with several benefits. It provides nitrogen, promotes microbial activity and can be used as a repellent against certain insects. You can incorporate it directly into the soil or add it to your compost to enrich it with organic matter.