Geraniums are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms. They bring color to gardens, containers, and hanging baskets from spring until the first frost. Proper nutrition is important for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Why Use Homemade Fertilizer
Homemade fertilizers offer several advantages over commercial options. They are cost-effective, utilizing readily available materials. This approach promotes environmental friendliness and sustainability by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, minimizing waste, and recycling organic matter. You also gain control over ingredients, ensuring plants receive nourishment without unwanted additives.
Key Nutrients for Geraniums
Geraniums need a balanced supply of macro and micronutrients for vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Primary macronutrients (N-P-K) are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen (N) promotes lush foliage and plant vigor. Phosphorus (P) is essential for strong root development and abundant flower production. Potassium (K) regulates water balance, strengthens plant tissue, and boosts disease resistance.
Micronutrients like calcium, sulfur, iron, and magnesium are also beneficial. Magnesium aids in chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. Calcium helps with overall plant structure. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, discolored leaves, or reduced flowering.
Effective Homemade Fertilizer Recipes
Common household items can be repurposed into effective homemade fertilizers for geraniums, providing essential nutrients.
Banana peels: Banana peels are rich in potassium, beneficial for promoting blooms and plant strength. To make banana peel tea, chop 2-3 banana peels and submerge them in water in a container. Loosely cover and let it sit for a few days, up to a week, to infuse nutrients. Strain the liquid; the resulting tea can be diluted before application.
Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other minerals like sulfur. While some sources suggest coffee grounds can acidify soil, they can be used sparingly. Dry the coffee grounds thoroughly to prevent mold growth, then mix a small amount into the topsoil. Sprinkling them lightly once a month during the growing season provides a gentle, slow release of nutrients.
Eggshells: Eggshells are a source of calcium, important for plant structure. To create an eggshell fertilizer, clean and dry 10-20 eggshells. Boil them in a gallon of water, then remove from heat and let the mixture sit overnight. Strain the liquid and use this calcium-rich water to nourish your plants.
Compost tea: Compost tea provides a broad spectrum of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. To make compost tea, fill one-third of a bucket with finished compost, then fill the rest with non-chlorinated water. Stir well and let it steep for one to two weeks, stirring daily. Strain the tea to remove solid material before use.
Epsom salts: Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) provide magnesium and sulfur, which aid in chlorophyll production. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon of water. This solution can be applied directly to the soil or as a foliar spray.
Applying Homemade Fertilizers
Proper application ensures geraniums receive nutrients effectively. For liquid fertilizers like banana peel tea, compost tea, or Epsom salt solutions, dilution is important. A common dilution ratio for strong liquid fertilizers is one part fertilizer to 10 parts water; some teas, like banana peel tea, may be diluted 1:5. This prevents over-fertilization, which can damage roots.
Annual geraniums benefit from regular feeding during their growing season, typically from May through October. Container-grown geraniums often require more frequent fertilization, sometimes every two to four weeks, because nutrients leach out of the soil more quickly. Hardy geraniums need less frequent fertilization, perhaps once in the spring.
The best time to apply liquid fertilizers is during your regular watering schedule, ideally in the morning or evening. This timing helps plants absorb nutrients before rapid evaporation. Liquid fertilizers can be applied by drenching the soil around the base of the plant or as a foliar spray directly onto the leaves. Solid amendments like dried coffee grounds should be lightly scratched into the topsoil.
Important Considerations for Success
Careful observation and balanced practices are important for success with homemade fertilizers. Over-fertilization can harm geraniums, leading to symptoms such as yellowing or browning leaf margins and tips, stunted growth, or even root damage. A crust of fertilizer on the soil surface also indicates excessive application. If signs of over-fertilization appear, flushing the soil with clear water can help remove excess salts.
Conversely, nutrient deficiencies can manifest as pale yellow or reddish leaves, slow growth, or reduced flowering. For example, yellowing leaves may indicate a nitrogen deficiency, while purpling of lower leaves can suggest a lack of phosphorus. Adjusting the homemade fertilizer recipe or frequency can address these issues.
Soil testing can provide specific information about nutrient levels and pH, guiding your fertilization efforts. Geraniums prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0 to 6.5). Maintaining appropriate soil pH ensures nutrients are available to the plants.