How to Make Fermented Plant Juice (Organic Fertilizer)

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Organic gardening is really fun because you can produce delicious veggies naturally right from your garden. The most common source of organic matter is compost. But there are times that you can't make your own compost and there are times when you don't have enough organic matter to fertilize your garden. There are liquid fertilizers available in garden stores. These can be a substitute to regular application of compost, but organic liquid fertilizer is quite expensive, especially if you have plenty of plants to fertilize. But don't worry! You can make your own liquid fertilizer without spending a lot of cash. This is the so-called Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ). It contains many nutrients that can be beneficial to all plants. So why spend for fertilizers, if you can make your own!?

Steps

1. Combine the raw materials (see Things You'll Need below) in a 1:1:1 ratio. Example: 1 kg. plant materials, 1 kg. brown sugar, 1 gallon water. This can be reduced, just remember the ratio.
2. Place the materials in a large water-proof container. Mix the materials together until the sugar is dissolved in water.
3. Cover the container with a piece of cloth and secure with a rubber band.
4. Place the container in a quiet, cool and shaded location (such as a garage). Make sure the container won't be disturbed.
5. Leave the container for about a week. Do not disturb or move it as much as possible.
   • A week later, you will notice molds growing on the surface. The liquid will have a sweet-sour smell. It may be disturbing but its worth it. It is a sign that beneficial bacteria has inhabited the liquid.
6. Mix the liquid thoroughly with a stick.
7. Strain the liquid into a large plastic bottle, using a strainer. Leave enough space for the bacteria to breath. The solid materials can be placed into the compost pile, if you have. Otherwise, throw it in the trash.
8. Put the bottle cap loosely on to allow air to enter.
9. Place the bottle in a dark, protected area such as a garage.
10. Application: Mix 1 cup of the liquid to 1 gallon of chemical-free water. It is best applied early in the morning or late afternoon. Use the diluted liquid to water the plants at their bases.
    • For most plants, apply the diluted FPJ at least once a week.

Tips

• FPJ can also be used to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in a compost pile. If so, sprinkle undiluted FPJ on the compost. It also improves the nutrient content of the compost.
• If you want to make sure that the plants have a steady supply of nutrients, you can apply half strength (1/4 cup FPJ per gallon of water). This is applied everyday.
• Shake the FPJ at least once a week to bring air to the bacteria and to avoid settling of the organic matter.

Warnings

• The smell of the liquid is quite disturbing, especially when straining the solids.

Things You'll Need

Raw Materials:

• Plant parts of fast growing plants (legumes have plenty of Nitrogen)
• Brown Sugar/ Crude Sugar/ Molasses
• Chlorine-free water

Other Materials:

• A large plastic container, large enough to contain 1 gallon water(e.g. bucket)
• A piece of cloth
• Rubber Band
• Plastic Bottles w/ cap (1L soda bottles, gallon bottles, etc.)
• Strainer
• Funnel
• Measuring Cup (optional)

Related wikiHows

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• How to Buy Fertilizer
• How to Make Bio Fertilizer (Panchagavyam)
• How to Make a Worm Box and Liquid Fertilizer

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