Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are popular flowering trees and shrubs cherished for their vibrant blooms and attractive bark. Providing proper nutrition supports their health and flowering potential. Utilizing homemade fertilizers offers an accessible and environmentally conscious approach to nourishing these plants, often repurposing materials found around the home.
Why Homemade Fertilizer for Crepe Myrtles
Fertilizing crepe myrtles promotes vigorous growth, abundant summer flowers, stronger roots, and increased resilience. Homemade fertilizers offer advantages over commercial products by repurposing organic waste, leading to cost savings and reduced landfill waste. These natural amendments also improve soil structure and microbial activity, fostering a healthier root environment and reducing synthetic chemical use.
Essential Nutrients for Crepe Myrtles
Crepe myrtles need a balance of macronutrients and micronutrients for optimal growth. The primary macronutrients (N-P-K) are nitrogen for foliage and stem growth, phosphorus for root development and flower formation, and potassium for vigor, disease resistance, and water regulation. Micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are also necessary in smaller quantities.
Common Homemade Fertilizer Ingredients and Their Benefits
Coffee grounds provide nitrogen for healthy foliage and add organic matter, improving soil structure and water retention. Incorporate them directly into the soil.
Banana peels are rich in potassium, supporting strong roots and vibrant blooms. Chop and bury them near the drip line.
Eggshells provide calcium for strong cell walls and can prevent plant disorders. Work crushed eggshells into the soil.
Compost, from decomposed organic materials, offers balanced nutrients and enhances soil structure, drainage, and aeration. Compost tea, made by steeping compost in water, provides a quick liquid nutrient boost.
Wood ash, used sparingly, supplies potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It has an alkalizing effect, so use cautiously to avoid raising soil pH too much.
Epsom salts provide magnesium and sulfur, beneficial for magnesium deficiency (yellowing leaves between green veins).
Making and Applying Homemade Fertilizers
For coffee grounds or crushed eggshells, sprinkle them around the crepe myrtle’s base, extending to the drip line. Lightly rake them into the top inch or two of soil. Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them a few inches deep around the plant.
Spread compost as a top dressing, one to three inches thick, keeping it a few inches from the trunk. To make compost tea, steep one part mature compost in five parts water for 24-48 hours, then strain. Dilute further before watering the plant.
Apply wood ash very lightly, as a thin dusting around the plant, avoiding concentration. Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water and use as a soil drench. Always water the plant thoroughly after applying solid homemade fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
Important Considerations for Homemade Fertilizing
Fertilize crepe myrtles in early spring as new growth emerges to support foliage and flower development. For re-blooming varieties, a lighter application in mid-summer after the first bloom cycle can be beneficial.
Homemade fertilizers release nutrients slowly, so frequent application is not necessary. A single spring application is often sufficient, though a light mid-season boost can be considered. Apply homemade amendments in moderation, as even natural ingredients can cause nutrient imbalances if overused.
Observe your crepe myrtle for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Yellowing leaves or stunted growth may indicate a need for more nutrients, while burned leaf tips suggest too much. A soil test before fertilizing provides precise information about existing nutrient levels and pH, guiding fertilizer choices.