I am recently starting a slow transition towards more organic fertilizers in all aspects of my gardening. A lot of this is made possible by having chickens (deep bedding manure), planning to grow comfrey, and will be trying JLF this summer. I use fish emulsion but only outside. I am wanting a product that I can use indoors on my rooted cuttings and seedlings without stinking up the place. I already use kelp emulsion for micronutrients but it has virtually no NPK. Currently the top choice is Agrothrive General Purpose with its price point and NPK of 3-3-2. Any others I am missing?
Liquid organic fertilizers (non-smelly)
- Thread starter IAK
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Yea ive only used liquid organic ferts my whole life (i use osmocote granular) the only one ive found that isnt horrible is neptunes crab, but it still has a smell its just not the fish/seaweed that smells like a creek bed with dead fish. Or the espoma grow that smells like fermented chicken crap and rotten strawberries. If you find any scentless ones let me know. 
DallasFigShop
Well-known member
Agrothrive Fruit and Flower looks interesting. I like Epsoma liquid and the powder, Epsoma Tomato. The liquid has a lower NPK but is rich with alot of other things @ minerals and also soil food ... and a clean scent ...
I have intended to use Epsoma tomato on figs its maybe overkill on the calcium for tomatoes, list at 8%! Maybe bone meal... but maybe perfect for figs.. it did work well for tomatoes the last time I remember
I have intended to use Epsoma tomato on figs its maybe overkill on the calcium for tomatoes, list at 8%! Maybe bone meal... but maybe perfect for figs.. it did work well for tomatoes the last time I remember
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I see stuff for micronutrients, but not seeing anything with significant NPK. Unless I’m missing something.
I doubt all the calcium is immediately bioavailable. I think you should be good. Are there drawbacks to too much calcium?
Espoma is 2-2-2, which is more than most, and Neptune’s Crab and Lobster has 2-0-2 so no phos, unfortunately.Yea ive only used liquid organic ferts my whole life (i use osmocote granular) the only one ive found that isnt horrible is neptunes crab, but it still has a smell its just not the fish/seaweed that smells like a creek bed with dead fish. Or the espoma grow that smells like fermented chicken crap and rotten strawberries. If you find any scentless ones let me know.
RosyPosy
Well-known member
Seaweed has more NPK than what is on the package. If moving to organics, don’t get caught up in numbers, those apply for chemical fertilizers. In order for there to be a number, they many times have to add chemicals to guarantee the analysis even if the product does provide it in a natural form. My recommendation is to go by how your plants grow and look. You can also use Brix to check the soluble solids flowing in your plants and that is a great indication of health too, though better for bigger trees than rooted cuttings.
If looking for more organics for indoors, consider worm castings. You can top dress with them and nutrients will filter down if you top water. OR, if wanting to avoid any compost type solids indoors, you can do a worm casting tea or a quick infusion which strains out solids and just gives the soluble nutrients.
Another option is corn steep liquor which is a fertilizer approved for organic growing. It’s not one I use because I am concerned about GMOs, but those who do use it seem to like it.
Also keep in mind that figs are not NPK heavy, but are calcium heavy plants. Calcium can also drive growth and is a healthier growth than nitrogen based growth.
If looking for more organics for indoors, consider worm castings. You can top dress with them and nutrients will filter down if you top water. OR, if wanting to avoid any compost type solids indoors, you can do a worm casting tea or a quick infusion which strains out solids and just gives the soluble nutrients.
Another option is corn steep liquor which is a fertilizer approved for organic growing. It’s not one I use because I am concerned about GMOs, but those who do use it seem to like it.
Also keep in mind that figs are not NPK heavy, but are calcium heavy plants. Calcium can also drive growth and is a healthier growth than nitrogen based growth.
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RosyPosy
Well-known member
I forgot about calcium aminos— that is a great one to get both calcium and nitrogen in one. It’s liquid soluble and does not smell.
This is a good combo with seaweed and provides nitrogen in a form that is more digestible and usable by plants.
This is a good combo with seaweed and provides nitrogen in a form that is more digestible and usable by plants.
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Good to know about the seaweed. I do already supplement young plants with a cal/mag solution and use a lot of lime in my pots. My current witches’ brew consists of silica, kelp, 1/4 strength Jacks 20-20-20 and Great White. I have nothing against worm castings but I typically bottom water and don’t want the extra work of straining worm castings.
The outside stuff will get plenty of compost, aged chicken manure, and either comfrey chopped/dropped, or comfrey tea. My goal is to be completely self sufficient in having to buy fertilizers for the garden and fruit trees. Just trying to find something for the rooted cuttings and seed starts. I think I will try the Agrothrive. I couldn’t really find anything negative on it and it’s fairly cost effective for a liquid organic. 4.5 gallons of it is $99.50 at Home Depot at a 2-4 oz/gallon dilution rate or 288-144 gal of prepared fertilizer solution.
RosyPosy
Well-known member
Self-sufficiency makes a huge difference and feels really good. It can completely change one’s perspective on growing, not just on the cost aspect. Definitely a fan of that!
If you really want to go down that route, KNF FPJ (Korean Natural Farming Fermented Plant Juice) will be your friend for indoor cuttings. It is super easy to make, takes about a week, a little lasts a long time, and there are no bad smells typically. If you have any green weeds or grass where you are at now, you can make it. With green matter, it is a nitrogen forward fertilizer. Plus, I’m finding fig cuttings really love it and seem to thrive with it.
If you really want to go down that route, KNF FPJ (Korean Natural Farming Fermented Plant Juice) will be your friend for indoor cuttings. It is super easy to make, takes about a week, a little lasts a long time, and there are no bad smells typically. If you have any green weeds or grass where you are at now, you can make it. With green matter, it is a nitrogen forward fertilizer. Plus, I’m finding fig cuttings really love it and seem to thrive with it.
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Don’t have the green matter right now, but the plan is to try the fermented juice with comfrey. I’m going to try to propagate it as much as I can this growing season. Also thought about planting some buckwheat for the same purpose. It supposedly sends roots down deep, bringing up nutrients, does well in poor 1soil and has a quick growth cycle for succession planting.
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Don’t have the green matter right now, but the plan is to try the fermented juice with comfrey. I’m going to try to propagate it as much as I can this growing season. Also thought about planting some buckwheat for the same purpose. It supposedly sends roots down deep, bringing up nutrients, does well in poor 1soil and has a quick growth cycle for succession planting.
I know you said you want less smell. Imo nothings better for cuttings and seedlings than neptunes light blue label fish/seaweed. Thats what i start all my cuttings with indoors but i have a grow room in my basement to prevent the smell from going into my house. Ive seen AMAZING results with just a light dose of that on cuttings. Heres my HDA from cutting i received oct 5th. Strong warning it smells very strong.
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TorontoJoe
Administrator
I love pelletized chicken manure. It's not free of smell, but it's not bad. Just smells "earthy". The stuff I use is ActiSol
I don't think they sell it in the US but maybe... If not, I'd guess there's something very similar available. For an organic 5-3-2 it's hard to beat.
For liquid.... for me, Alaska fish is king. But yeah... it stinks. I've used some seaweed, kelp type ferts that were probably fine...
I think you can probably find something that isn't smelly... but ... (and everyone please chime in here). I think it the realm of liquid and organic... there's nothing with a pleasant aroma that's going to perform as well as the stinky stuff...
I don't think they sell it in the US but maybe... If not, I'd guess there's something very similar available. For an organic 5-3-2 it's hard to beat.
For liquid.... for me, Alaska fish is king. But yeah... it stinks. I've used some seaweed, kelp type ferts that were probably fine...
I think you can probably find something that isn't smelly... but ... (and everyone please chime in here). I think it the realm of liquid and organic... there's nothing with a pleasant aroma that's going to perform as well as the stinky stuff...
superdave336
Well-known member
I think Coop Gro might be close.
Coop Gro Fertilizer | All-Natural, Organic Fertilizer to Feed Plants
Coop Gro Fertilizer is a certified organic fertilizer that is naturally derived from chicken litter. This easy-to-use, pelleted fertilizer gives plants the nutrition they need to thrive and produce big harvests. The balanced formulation not only feeds plants, but it also feeds soil biology to...
coopgro.com
Then there is Espoma
Amazon.com: Espoma Organic Chicken Manure 25 lb. Bag. All Natural & Organic Fertilizer for All Flowers, Vegetables, Trees, and Shrubs. for Organic Gardening. : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Buy Espoma Organic Chicken Manure 25 lb. Bag. All Natural & Organic Fertilizer for All Flowers, Vegetables, Trees, and Shrubs. for Organic Gardening.: Fertilizers & Plant Food - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
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