When we think of fertility, we often associate it with compost or chemicals. However, did you know that certain plants have the power to enhance soil quality? These plants are rich in nitrogen, organic matter, and nutrients, benefiting both indoor and outdoor environments. Get ready to explore these natural and environmentally friendly fertilizers! In this article, we categorize them into three types: nutrient-dense plants, leguminous crops, and non-leguminous crops. While each type has unique characteristics, they all share a common goal: to boost nitrogen fixation and enhance the ecology of your garden.
#1. NUTRIENT-DENSE PLANTS
1. Comfrey
How to Use:
Plant it directly in the ground and watch it grow and spread rapidly. With its deep-reaching roots, it can mine minerals to enrich the soil. Harvest its nitrogen-rich leaves to brew compost tea and apply it to other plant beds.
2. Nettles
How to Use:
Utilize its valuable properties in the compost pile, as it is an excellent addition. Combine comfrey and nettles to create a potent compost tea, dilute it with water, and apply it at the base of nutrient-hungry plants.
#2. LEGUMINOUS CROPS
1. Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
How to Use:
Maximize its nitrogen and phosphorous retention by planting this crop, which yields abundant biomass. It effectively controls weeds and serves as an ideal green manure, particularly around perennials like asparagus, when sown in spring or fall.
2.White Clover (Trifolium Repens)
How to Use:
This perennial plant thrives alongside other crops and perennials, making it a valuable addition as a living mulch. It can be grown in spring or late summer, offering its benefits throughout the growing season.
3.Crimson Clover (Trifolium Incarnatum)
How to Use:
Benefit from its high organic matter content and its ability to provide excellent ground cover as an annual legume. The plant’s dense roots help prevent soil compaction and improve soil structure.
4.Vetch
How to Use:
For optimal results, sow this plant in the fall and incorporate it into the soil in spring. Planting it alongside rye enhances nitrogen capture, resulting in improved soil fertility.
5.Peas
How to Use:
For optimal growth, sow this plant in the spring or fall in mild regions. It enriches the soil with nitrogen and organic matter, making it an ideal companion for tomatoes, onions, cucurbits, and celery (avoid pairing it with other legumes).
#3. NON-LEGUMINOUS CROPS
1.Oats
How to Use:
Sow this crop in the fall for quick spreading and effective weed control. Plant it alongside garlic to suppress weeds and provide mulch for the garlic plants to thrive.
2.Cereal Rye
How to Use:
This winter-hardy crop grows rapidly and helps stabilize the soil while replenishing nutrients. Avoid planting it with corn due to its allelopathic effects on weeds and grasses.
3.Sudangrass
How to Use:
This fast-growing crop is an excellent source of organic matter. For optimal results, sow it together with legumes to enhance fertility.
4.Buckwheat
How to Use:
This fast-growing plant is highly effective against summer weeds. Its attractive blossoms attract beneficial insects, promoting pollination and increasing soil fertility.
5.Alfalfa
How to Use:
Considered a valuable source of high-protein feed for the garden, this plant contributes to fertility. Cut and dry the plant, then compost it to provide nourishment for soil microbes when spread throughout the garden.
