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The Bay Area Gardener’s Guide to Organic Fertilizers

Landscaping|Organic / Sustainable Landscaping|Gardening Classes & Resources|How to Guides

Introduction

Organic fertilizers offer several advantages for gardeners, including improved soil health, sustainable plant nutrition, and reduced environmental impact. However, picking the right organic fertilizer isn’t always straightforward. At Lyngso we understand that selecting organic fertilizers can be challenging, especially when trying to balance different plant and area needs.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of using organic fertilizers, while showcasing how the different types and applications can align with sustainable gardening practices. Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to refine your approach or a beginner taking your first steps toward organic methods, this information is for you.

Pro Tip:

Before applying any organic fertilizer, take some time to analyze your soil’s composition and nutrient levels. A soil test can help you identify specific deficiencies, allowing you to choose an organic fertilizer that matches your garden’s unique needs. The simplest soil tests are available at most garden centers and can be done at home; these usually test your available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, as well as identify your Soil PH. After identifying what items are depleted in your soil, you will be better able to determine which organic fertilizer will be the most beneficial in your garden.

What Are Organic Fertilizers?

Organic fertilizers are natural amendments made from plant, animal, or mineral sources that release plant accessible nutrients into the soil. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, natural organic fertilizers improve soil structure by strengthening biological activity while nourishing plants steadily as they are broken down.

While all organic fertilizers are natural, not all natural fertilizers qualify as organic. This matters for Bay Area gardeners focused on producing healthy organic crops packed with rich nutrients, as well as those considering sustainability and environmental impact. To make sure you’re using genuinely organic products, look for the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certification. This independent organization checks products against strict organic standards, so gardeners can trust that fertilizers with their seal meet organic regulations and practices.

Types of Organic Fertilizers and Their Applications

Animal-Based Fertilizers

Animal-based fertilizers are derived from various animal sources like manure, bone meal, blood meal, and fish emulsion. They improve soil structure and deliver nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. Bone meal is great for boosting flowering and root growth. For quick green growth, blood meal provides rich nitrogen, while fish emulsion offers well-balanced nutrition in a liquid form that’s easily absorbed by container plants and anything needing immediate feeding.

Photo Credit: Phu Thinh Co

Plant-Based Fertilizers

Plant-based fertilizers provide gentler, balanced nutrients sourced from natural plant materials. Alfalfa meal works great for vegetables and perennials while helping break up our region’s clay soils. Neem Seed Meal is a great all purpose fertilizer for encouraging plant growth and development. All gardens especially benefit from seaweed extracts, which boost overall plant vitality and improve resilience against disease.

Mineral-Based Fertilizers

Mineral-based fertilizers are natural substances like rock phosphate, basalt, and azomite that address specific mineral deficiencies. Rock Phosphate helps build soil phosphate levels which improves long-term plant productivity, Greenstone Metabasalt is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, and calcium which help fortify your soil, while volcanic Azomite supplies trace elements that enhance flavor and nutrition in edible crops.

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How to Choose the Right Fertilizer for Your Bay Area Garden

Feed the Soil, Not Just the Plants

When selecting organic fertilizers for your local garden, consider the living nature of your soil first. The best amendments nourish not just your plants but the entire soil food web, remember it’s really the beneficial microorganisms in your soil that are the superstars. They partner with your plant’s roots, breaking down organic matter and making nutrients available to plants. Look for products containing beneficial bacteria or fungi to refresh this relationship, especially in gardens where soil life has been diminished by drought or previous chemical use.

Time Your Applications Strategically

Consider your plant’s needs, and at what point these needs change. Using a high nitrogen fertilizer for example, might give you lush leaves and fresh green growth but few flowers or fruits. This is great for early season gardens as plants need to grow to support fruiting, but as the season progresses you will want to switch to a more phosphorus rich fertilizer to promote setting buds and blooms.

Consider Different Application Types

Organic fertilizer comes in both solid and liquid forms. Solid can be either slow or quick release, identify this while purchasing so you are adding fertilizers at the right times. Liquid will always be the most direct method, since this is quickly absorbed by your soil and plant’s roots. It’s an ideal time to add a slow release granular fertilizer into your soil before the growing season begins, giving it time to naturally break down as the plant needs it. When transplanting you are able to apply fertilizer directly into your planting hole, setting developing roots up for success. If plants are established it’s best not to disturb the soil so when applying fertilizers there are two options. Firstly, consider an organic water soluble amendment like fish emulsion or kelp concentrate that can be applied while watering. Second, granular fertilizers can be applied to the soil surface and lightly scratched in to break down. If top dressing with fertilizer it’s best to protect the fertilizer with an additional layer of compost or mulch.

Final Thoughts

Organic fertilizers are an excellent way to build long-term soil health while supporting plant growth in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. At Lyngso, we offer a wide selection of organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and gardening tools to help you create a garden that’s both sustainable and productive, no matter whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, fruit trees, or a multitude of other plants. Visit our showroom and landscaping yard in San Carlos for expert advice and inspiration, and contact us today to learn about delivery options for your SF Bay area home.

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