Homemade Nitrogen Fertilizer

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Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper

  • Cookie sheet

  • Coffee grounds

  • Spray bottle

Make your own nitrogen-rich fertilizer with coffee grounds.

Most plants need fertilizer rich in nitrogen to grow. Fertilizers are often expensive, and sometimes they contain chemicals that can harm the environment such as high levels of toxic metals. You can make your own nitrogen-rich fertilizer at home with common items found around your household. Making your own fertilizer will save you money and help the environment.

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Step 1

Place newspaper on a cookie sheet to cover it.

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Step 2

Spread used coffee grounds over the newspaper

Step 3

Allow the coffee grounds to dry completely.

Step 4

Add the dried coffee grounds to the base of the plants. Add 6 to 8 inches into the soil of acid-loving plants, and place 1 to 2 inches of fertilizer around the bases of shrubs and trees. If you are not sure of your plants' acid tolerance and nutrient needs, dilute the coffee grounds in water to avoid damaging the plants.

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Step 5

Combine four parts water with one part coffee grounds in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture in the soil around your plants to moisten the soil.

Warning

Avoid placing the fertilizer too close to the roots of the plant. This can burn the roots and damage the plants.

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