Cheap Fertilizer: 21 Affordable Options for Your Garden

Are you tired of breaking the bank on expensive fertilizers? If so, then you're in luck! In this article, we'll explore 21 affordable fertilizer options that won't burn a hole in your pocket.

1. Compost

Compost is undoubtedly the cheapest and most sustainable fertilizer you can use. It is a nutrient-rich material made from decomposed organic matter, such as food scraps, yard waste, and animal manure. Compost improves soil structure, fertility, and water retention.

2. Manure

Manure is another excellent and affordable fertilizer option. It is produced by animals, such as cows, horses, and chickens, and is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Manure can be used fresh or composted. However, fresh manure should be aged for a few months before use to reduce the risk of burning plants.

3. Grass Clippings

Grass clippings are a great source of nitrogen, and they can be used as a fertilizer by simply mowing them into your lawn. They will quickly decompose and release nutrients into the soil.

4. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients, making them a great fertilizer for acid-loving plants, such as roses, rhododendrons, and azaleas. They can be applied directly to the soil or composted first.

5. Eggshells

Eggshells are a rich source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. They can be crushed and added to the soil, or they can be used as a mulch around plants.

6. Wood Ash

Wood ash is a good source of potassium and other nutrients. It can be applied to the soil in small amounts, but it should not be used on acid-loving plants.

7. Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish scraps. It is a rich source of nitrogen and other nutrients, and it can be used on all types of plants.

8. Seaweed

Seaweed is a rich source of potassium, nitrogen, and other nutrients. It can be used as a fertilizer by adding it to the soil or by making a seaweed tea.

9. Molasses

Molasses is a thick, dark liquid that is a byproduct of sugar production. It is a good source of carbohydrates, which can help to feed beneficial soil bacteria. Molasses can be added to the soil or used to make a molasses solution that can be sprayed on plants.

10. Alfalfa Meal

Alfalfa meal is a dehydrated alfalfa plant. It is a good source of nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients. Alfalfa meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

11. Bone Meal

Bone meal is a ground-up animal bone. It is a good source of phosphorus, which is essential for plant growth. Bone meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

12. Feather Meal

Feather meal is a ground-up chicken feather. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Feather meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

13. Blood Meal

Blood meal is a dried blood product. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron. Blood meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

14. Cottonseed Meal

Cottonseed meal is a by-product of cottonseed production. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Cottonseed meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

15. Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is a by-product of soybean production. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Soybean meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

16. Kelp Meal

Kelp meal is a dried seaweed product. It is a good source of potassium, nitrogen, and other nutrients. Kelp meal can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

17. Rock Phosphate

Rock phosphate is a natural mineral that is a good source of phosphorus. It can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

18. Green Sand

Green sand is a naturally occurring mineral that is a good source of potassium. It can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

19. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring mineral that is a good source of silica. It can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants.

20. Epson Salts

Epson salts are a type of magnesium sulfate. They can be added to the soil or used to make a solution that can be sprayed on plants.

21. Humic Acid

Humic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in soil. It is a good source of nutrients and can help to improve soil structure. Humic acid can be added to the soil or used to make a solution that can be sprayed on plants.

When to Avoid Using Cheap Fertilizers

While cheap fertilizers can be a great way to save money, there are some cases where you should avoid using them. For example, if you have a very sandy soil, you may need to use a more expensive fertilizer that is specifically designed for sandy soils. Additionally, if you have a lot of plants that are sensitive to salts, you should avoid using fertilizers that contain high levels of salts.