Help your basil grow: homemade natural fertilizers are best

Basil is one of the most popular herbs. You can grow it in a pot on a windowsill, on a balcony, or in a garden bed. Keep in mind, however, that it is an annual plant and cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. To ensure the herb grows well, it’s necessary to fertilize it from time to time. Natural fertilizers found in every kitchen are ideal.

Choose natural fertilizers

Basil is an aromatic herb that adds great flavor to vegetable salads, tomato sauce, or soup. At the same time, it is a sensitive plant, and aggressive artificial fertilizers are more likely to harm and deplete it. For this reason, it’s better to use natural remedies that will support the healthy growth of basil. You likely have these natural fertilizers at home, and in most cases, we consider them waste that ends up in the trash. Specifically, these are coffee grounds and eggshells.

Coffee grounds don’t belong in the trash

Are you a coffee lover too? Then you surely have grounds left over after brewing, which most of us throw in the trash. Yet they contain valuable nutrients that support plant growth, including that of basil. Coffee grounds are particularly rich in potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Nitrogen is very important for basil because it promotes the growth of deep green leaves.

Photo: Pixabay

Mix the grounds with eggshells

When using coffee grounds, be careful not to over-fertilize. The rule that “too much of anything is bad” applies here as well. An excessive amount can cause the soil to become too acidic. To reduce this risk, mix eggshells into the grounds. They are a source of calcium, which strengthens the plant’s cell walls. The sharp edges of the shells also deter pesky slugs. First, wash the shells thoroughly, dry them, and crush them into small pieces, then mix them with the dried coffee grounds. Use this mixture as mulch around the basil. In addition to providing the herb with necessary nutrients, it will also help retain moisture in the soil.

Photo: Pixabay

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about fertilizing basil

What natural fertilizers are suitable for basil?

Coffee grounds and eggshells.

What nutrients do coffee grounds contain?

Phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium.

How do you use the fertilizer?

Work it into the soil around the plant.

Sources: Author

Featured image: Pixabay