How to Make Simple Liquid Organic Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens

Add compost or manure to the soil every spring in addition to compost teas for slow-release fertilizing.


Old-timers relied on the materials they had readily available, such as manure and compost, to fertilize their gardens and farms. This tradition is returning today as gardeners seek out simple, safe gardening options. Teas made from natural, organic materials are a great way to supply nutrients to plants quickly, without the risk of burning plants or polluting groundwater.

Manure Tea

One of the oldest types of organic liquid fertilizer, manure tea gives plants a healthy shot of nitrogen and also boosts microbes in the soil. Place a shovelful of composted chicken, cow or alpaca manure in a burlap bag, along with 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses and 2 tablespoons sea kelp powder. Place the bag in a 5-gallon bucket and fill with water. Allow the manure to steep for up to one week, stirring occasionally. Remove the burlap bag and compost the manure. Pour the compost tea into a watering can or hand sprayer. Spray the plants' leaves or water the soil well.

Compost Tea

Compost tea offers many of the same benefits of manure tea, but, as the name implies, relies on compost as its source of nutrients. Pour 2 cups of high-quality, live compost in a burlap bag and add 2 tablespoons molasses and 2 tablespoons sea kelp powder. Steep the compost in 5 gallons of water for several days, stirring daily. Apply it as a foliar spray or water the ground directly.

Enzymatically Digested Hydrolized Liquid Fish

Standard fish emulsion products add nitrogen and micronutrients, but they have a strong smell. Spend a bit more money on enzymatically digested hydrolized fish liquid, available at nurseries and garden centers, instead. These products don't smell and they offer more nutrients than fish emulsions. Combine 5 tablespoons liquid fish with 1 gallon of water. Apply the liquid fish as a foliar spray or water the ground directly.

Liquid Kelp

Liquid kelp doesn't contain the macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, usually found in fertilizers, but it does contain growth hormones. Liquid kelp is somewhat expensive, but it's very helpful for boosting slow growth or encouraging healing after damage from hail or severe wind. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid kelp with 1 gallon water and apply it as a foliar spray.

Bat Guano

Bat gauno, or bat poop, is a good source of nitrogen or phosphorus, depending on how it is processed. Its more expensive than other liquid organic fertilizers, but a little goes a long way. Mix 3 teaspoons per gallon of water and use it as a foliar spray.

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