The basis of all organic growing is the art and science of feeding the soil organically.
Healthy soil grows healthy plants. The plants grow better, produce food that tastes better, have better resistance to environmental stresses such as heat, cold, drought, diseases and pests.
A list of basic nutrients and their benefits is listed below.
Nitrogen: Produces vigorous vegetative growth
Some sources of nitrogen :
Bloodmeal, Fish meal, Cottonseed meal, Feather meal, Fish meal and others. Coffee ground are also a potential source but can be highly acidic and therefore should be added to compost rather used alone.
Phosphorus: Needed for flowering, fruit, good root development.
Some sources of phosphorus: Soft rock Phosphate, Bone meal, composted organic material.
Other natural sources are: Banana peels, Crab shells, Shrimp peelings, most Grains and Nuts. These can be added to your compost.
Potassium: Establishes vigor and resistance through sugar formation.
Some sources: Sulphate of potash or Greensand.
Calcium: Builds sturdy cell walls in plants.
In low pH soils use Oystershell Lime or Mined Limestone which will correct pH as well as calcium imbalance.
In soils low in magnesium, dolomite is a good choice.
In neutral or high pH soils use gypsum.
Trace Minerals: Are to plants like vitamins are to humans.
Sources: Compost, Kelp meal.
For most "recreational" gardeners organic compost provides very a good source of most nutrients. Add others as needed based on the soil conditions present.
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