Natural Cannabis Nutrients | Top 10

There are two main groups of natural marijuana fertilizers, on the one hand, the homemade ones, which can be prepared with natural ingredients found at home or nearby. On the other hand, we find natural commercial products for cannabis, which come from carbon-based life elements, such as vegetables, also called bio fertilizers or organic nutrients, but which are prepared by companies and available on the market. Today, we will talk about natural nutrients for marijuana, we will give you the best recipes of the most used ones and, to finish, we will present you the best Cannabis organic fertilizers already prepared and available in Experiencia Natural.

What is a natural nutrient?

In the field of botany and agriculture, a natural nutrient is defined as a type of fertilient that originates organically, i.e. from plant materials. This type of fertiliser is a source of essential plant nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as a variety of micronutrients. Unlike synthetic fertilisers, natural fertilisers break down slowly, releasing nutrients in a gradual and sustained manner, which can contribute to the long-term health of soil and plants.

The use of natural nutrients can have several advantages over synthetic fertilisers. Firstly, they are renewable and sustainable, as they are produced from organic waste that would otherwise go to waste. Secondly, they can improve soil structure, increasing its capacity to retain water and nutrients, and promoting the activity of beneficial micro-organisms. Finally, unlike synthetic fertilisers, which can cause environmental damage if used in excess, natural nutrients are generally safe for the environment when applied correctly.

It is important to note that while natural fertilisers can be a good choice for plant fertilisation, their nutrient composition can vary widely depending on the source of organic matter. Therefore, it is essential to conduct soil analysis and nutrient testing to determine the specific nutrient needs of the plants and adjust the application of natural fertilisers accordingly.

Comparison of Natural vs. Chemical Fertilizers

In marijuana cultivation, the choice between natural and chemical fertilizers is crucial. This section provides an objective comparison to assist growers in making informed decisions based on cultivation goals, environmental concerns, and plant health.

Effectiveness:

• Natural Fertilizers: Release nutrients slowly for steady growth and reduced nutrient burn risk.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Quick release for immediate nutrient availability, but requires careful management.

Environmental Impact:

• Natural Fertilizers: Eco-friendly, improve soil structure, lower environmental footprint.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Potential for soil degradation, water contamination, and environmental pollution.

Cost and Accessibility:

• Natural Fertilizers: More affordable, can be made from household waste, require more preparation time.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Convenient but more expensive over time, especially for large-scale operations.

Impact on Plant Health:

• Natural Fertilizers: Enhance plant resilience and nutrient uptake by promoting a healthy soil microbiome.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Effective in nutrient delivery, but can disrupt soil microbiology.

Ease of Use:

• Natural Fertilizers: Require knowledge in composting, less precise application rate.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Straightforward use with clear instructions, require careful handling and storage.

Both natural and chemical fertilizers have strengths and weaknesses. The choice depends on the grower’s priorities, including environmental impact, cost, ease of use, and specific plant needs. Understanding these factors leads to more sustainable and effective cultivation practices.

How do you make a natural nutrient?

The production of natural nutrients is a biological process involving the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms. This process, known as composting, can be carried out on a variety of scales, from small home composters to large industrial facilities. The composting process begins with the collection of organic materials, such as food scraps, fallen leaves, grass clippings and manure. These materials are mixed into a pile or bin, where microorganisms begin to break them down.

Composting is an aerobic process, which means that it requires oxygen. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the compost pile is sufficiently aerated, either by turning it regularly or by using a compost bin designed to allow air flow. In addition, the compost pile should be kept moist, but not soggy, as too much water can drown the micro-organisms and slow down the composting process.

Once the organic materials have completely decomposed, the result is a rich, dark nutrient known as compost. This compost can be applied to the soil as a natural fertiliser, providing a rich source of nutrients for plants and improving soil structure. It is important to note that compost must be fully mature before it is applied to the soil, as immature compost may contain toxic or pathogenic compounds that can be harmful to plants or humans.

Stages of preparation of a homemade nutrient

The preparation of a homemade plant nutrient involves a number of steps that must be followed to ensure the efficacy of the final product. The first step is maceration, which is the process of soaking the ingredients in water to extract their nutrients. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the ingredients used. During this time, the nutrients are released into the water, creating a nutrient solution that can be easily absorbed by the plants.

The next step is fermentation. During this process, microorganisms break down the ingredients, releasing even more nutrients and creating beneficial compounds such as humic and fulvic acids. Fermentation can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the conditions and ingredients used. During this time, it is important to keep the mixture in a warm, dark place and to stir it regularly to ensure even fermentation.

Finally, once fermentation is complete, the homemade nutrient is ready for use. At this point, the mixture can be strained to remove any remaining solids, and the resulting liquid can be applied directly to the soil or diluted with water, depending on the nutrient concentration. Don’t forget that, as with any fertiliser, homemade nutrients should be applied according to the specific needs of the plants and the soil to avoid over-fertilisation.

Natural ingredients to make a homemade organic nutrient

There are a variety of natural ingredients that can be used to make homemade plant nutrients. Some of the most common include compost, animal shit, eggshells, coffee grounds, brewer’s yeast, wood ashes, and various plants and fruits. Each of these ingredients provides a unique combination of nutrients, allowing you to customise the homemade nutrient to meet the specific needs of your plants.

For example, compost is a rich source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as a variety of micronutrients. Animal shit, especially from poultry, is also a splendid source of nutrients, although it must be composted before use to remove any potential pathogens. Eggshells are rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for plant growth, while coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen. Brewer’s yeast is rich in protein and other nutrients, and wood ashes are a rich source of potassium.

In addition to these ingredients, various plants and fruits can also be used to make homemade nutrients. For example, nettles are a rich source of nitrogen and other nutrients, and can be used to make a nettle tea that can be applied directly to the soil. Similarly, bananas and lentils are rich in potassium and can be used to make a banana or lentil tea. When selecting ingredients for a homemade nutrient, it is important to consider the specific needs of the plants and the soil, as well as the availability and sustainability of the ingredients.

Composting animal shit for fertiliser

Animal manure is a valuable resource in agriculture and horticulture, known for its richness in nutrients and its ability to improve soil structure. Manure contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and a number of micronutrients essential for plant growth. In addition, manure is a source of organic matter that can improve soil structure, increase its water-holding capacity and promote the activity of beneficial micro-organisms.

Before being used as fertiliser, manure must be composted to remove any potential pathogens and to stabilise the nutrients. Manure composting is a biological process involving the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms under controlled conditions. During composting, manure undergoes a series of physical, chemical and biological transformations that result in the production of compost, a stable, pathogen-free, nutrient-rich material that can be applied to the soil.

Steps for composting herbivore faeces

1. Manure collection: Collect manure from herbivorous animals such as cows, horses, sheep, chickens, etc. Avoid manure from carnivorous or omnivorous animals, as it may contain harmful pathogens. The amount of manure needed will depend on the size of your compost pile, but a good rule of thumb is that manure should not make up more than 50% of the pile.
2. Preparing the composting site: Choose an outdoor site that is away from water sources to avoid contamination. The site should be accessible and have good drainage. You can use a compost bin or simply make a pile on the ground.
3. Combination of materials: Combine manure with carbon-rich materials such as dry leaves, straw, or shredded paper. The ideal ratio is 2 parts carbon-rich material to 1 part manure
4. Compost Pile Maintenance: Stir the compost pile every 2-3 weeks to aid aeration and speed up the decomposition process. Make sure the pile is kept moist, but not soggy
5. Composting time: The time needed for manure to become compost varies depending on several factors, but generally 2-6 months is needed. You will know the compost is ready when it has a crumbly appearance, a dark colour and an earthy smell
6. Use of the compost: Once the compost is ready, you can use it to enrich your garden soil. Manure compost is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as a variety of micronutrients essential for plant growth.

Bear in mind that not all manures are equal in terms of nutrient content. For example, poultry manure tends to be richer in nutrients than cow or horse manure. Therefore, it is essential to perform nutrient analysis and adjust the application of composted manure accordingly to meet the specific needs of the plants and to avoid over-fertilisation.

Prepare a natural eggshell nutrient

Eggshells for making natural marijuana compost are ideal, as they are an abundant and often untapped resource that can be used to improve soil and plant health. Eggshells are rich in calcium, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Calcium plays a crucial role in the structure of plant cell walls and is necessary for cell division and growth. In addition, calcium can help neutralise soil acidity, which can benefit plants that prefer a more neutral soil pH.

To use eggshells as a natural nutrient, they must first be crushed to increase their surface area and facilitate their decomposition. Crushed eggshells can be incorporated directly into the soil, or they can be composted along with other organic materials. During composting, the eggshells slowly break down, releasing their calcium in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

How to compost eggshells

1. Collecting eggshells: Start by collecting eggshells. You can save eggshells every time you cook eggs. There is no specific amount you need to collect, just save what you have.
2. Cleaning eggshells: Wash eggshells to remove any egg residue. This can help prevent odours and attract fewer insects to your compost pile
3. Drying the eggshells: Allow the eggshells to dry completely. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the humidity of the environment.
4. Crushing the eggshells: Crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can do this with a mortar and pestle, or simply place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will break down in the compost.
5. Add eggshells to your compost: Add for crushed eggshells to your compost pile or bin. The eggshells add calcium to the compost, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
6. Composting time: The time it takes for eggshells to decompose into compost can vary, but generally 3-6 months is needed. Stir the compost pile regularly to aid decomposition
7. Use of compost: Once the compost is ready, you can use it to enrich your garden soil. Eggshell compost is especially beneficial for plants that require a high calcium content, such as tomatoes and peppers.

It is important to note that while eggshells are a source of calcium, they do not provide a significant amount of other nutrients. Therefore, eggshells should be used as part of a broader fertilisation programme that includes other sources of nutrients to meet the complete needs of the plants.

How to make a natural nutrient from coffee grounds

Coffee grounds, often discarded after coffee brewing, are a great source of organic nutrients that can be beneficial to plants. In particular, coffee grounds are an outstanding source of nitrogen, crucial as a fertiliser for growing pot. In addition, coffee grounds contain smaller amounts of other nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, as well as a variety of micronutrients.

Coffee grounds as a natural nutrient for cannabis can be incorporated directly into the soil or composted with other organic materials. When incorporated into the soil, coffee grounds can help improve soil structure, increasing its water and nutrient holding capacity. As a precaution, it should be noted that coffee grounds can acidify the soil, so they should be used with caution in soils that are already acidic or with plants that prefer a more neutral soil pH.

How to use coffee grounds as a nutrient

1. Collecting the coffee grounds: We start by collecting the coffee grounds. Every time you brew coffee, instead of throwing the grounds away, save them. There is no specific amount you need to collect, just save what you have.
2. Drying the coffee grounds: Let the coffee grounds dry completely. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on the humidity of the environment. You can spread them out on absorbent kitchen paper or newspaper in a well-ventilated place. If you have space, you can leave them in the sun in summer to evaporate all the water. If it is winter and/or you live in humid areas, you can even use the oven at a very low temperature to prevent them from burning (60ºC).
3. Direct use of coffee grounds: Now comes the fun part. You can use the coffee grounds directly in your garden. Simply spread a thin layer of coffee grounds around your plants. Coffee grounds provide nitrogen (about 2%), potassium (about 0.6%), phosphorus (about 0.06%), and also contain micronutrients such as calcium, boron, copper, magnesium, zinc and iron. It’s like a superfood for your plants!
4. Control the amount: Although coffee grounds are great for your plants, you should be careful not to overdo it. In case of excess, you could cause a change in the pH of the soil, making it more acidic and harmful to your plant. But don’t worry too much, you would have to add for a large amount of grounds for this to happen, as the pH of coffee grounds ranges between 5.5 and 6.8.
5. Plant species: Not all plants and crops need the same amount of fertiliser to be strong and healthy. The plants that tolerate coffee grounds best are roses, blueberries, strawberries, strawberries, azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and aloe vera. In the garden, slugs and snails are the most feared enemies of tomatoes. So if you want to keep them away from your crop, you should use coffee grounds on the surface of the soil. Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and potatoes also do very well with coffee grounds as a nutritional aid.

When composting coffee grounds, it is important to balance them with carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves or newspaper, to ensure efficient decomposition. The resulting compost will be a rich and balanced source of nutrients that can be applied to the soil to improve plant health and productivity.

Natural brewer’s yeast fertilizer

Brewer’s yeast, a by-product of the brewing industry, is a rich source of protein and other nutrients that can be beneficial to plants. In particular, brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth and development. In addition, brewer’s yeast contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus and potassium, as well as a number of micronutrients.

Brewers yeast, as a natural fertiliser, can be incorporated directly into the soil or composted with other organic materials. When incorporated into the soil, brewer’s yeast can help improve soil structure and increase its water and nutrient holding capacity. However, due to its high nitrogen content, brewer’s yeast should be used with caution to avoid over-fertilisation.

Step-by-step on how to use brewer’s yeast as a nutrient

1. Choice of brewer’s yeast: First, it is important to know that the brewer’s yeast we are talking about is the nutritional one, NOT THE ONE USED IN BAKERY AND BAKERY. If you use the latter you will not do any good to the plant and you will only make it smell unpleasant and become overcrowded with fungus. Nutritional brewer’s yeast is grown on malt and dried below 60º to avoid destruction of enzymes and other beneficial components. Its final composition depends on the brand that markets it, some yeasts are richer in carbohydrates, while some contain vitamin B12 and others do not, for example. Some nutritional yeasts also undergo a process that removes their bitter taste, also wasting properties that your plants need. Therefore, try to use yeasts with a bitter smell and taste.
2. Preparing the fertiliser: Now to the important part, how to prepare a natural brewer’s yeast fertiliser, it’s very easy and requires only two ingredients. You will need 1 litre of irrigation water (rainwater if possible) and 1 tablespoon of nutritional brewer’s yeast. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of brewer’s yeast in 1 litre of water (avoid chlorinated water, which can damage the plant).
3. Use of the fertiliser: Use this fertiliser every week or 15 days, depending on the needs of your plant. Once prepared you should use it as soon as possible to make the most of its benefits. At least during the first 5 days after preparing it, every day it will gradually lose some of its properties. Do not add any other fertiliser or watering for the next 48 hours to allow your plants to absorb the yeast completely and without complications.

When composting brewer’s yeast for a natural nutrient for cannabis, it is vital to balance it with carbon-rich materials, such as dried leaves or newspaper, to ensure efficient decomposition. The resulting compost will be a rich, balanced source of nutrients that can be applied to the soil to improve the health and productivity of the plants.

Homemade recipe for a Banana tea nutrient

Banana tea is an effective and environmentally friendly way to provide plants with a rich source of potassium, an essential nutrient that is crucial for plant health. Potassium plays an important role in a number of plant functions, including water regulation, photosynthesis, and disease resistance. In addition, potassium can help improve fruit quality and flavour.

To make banana tea, simply pick banana peels and soak them in water for several days. During this time, potassium and other nutrients leach into the water, creating a nutrient solution that can be used to water plants. Plantain tea can be used as a natural foliar fertiliser, sprayed directly onto the leaves of plants, or it can be applied to the soil to be absorbed by the plants’ roots.

How to fertilise with Banana Tea, step-by-step

1. Choosing banana peels: The first thing to make sure you use is banana peels. When we eat bananas or plantains, we are providing our body with potassium. Their peel also has potassium in it and so, instead of throwing it away, we are going to use it to fertilise our plants.
2. Preparation of banana tea: Now to the important part, how to prepare banana tea, it is very easy and requires only two ingredients. You will need 1 litre of water and 4 banana peels. Boil for 15 minutes, 1 litre of water with the 4 chopped banana peels
3. Use of the banana tea: Once the banana tea has cooled, strain it and, before watering, dilute the tea with 3 litres of water. Use this fertiliser every week or 15 days, depending on the needs of your plant.

While plantain tea is a great natural source of potassium for marijuana, it does not provide a significant amount of other nutrients. Therefore, plantain tea should be used as part of a broader fertilisation programme that includes other sources of nutrients to meet the complete needs of the plants.

How to make a lentil or bean tea

Lentils and beans, known for their high protein content, are also very nutritious for plants. In particular, they are rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient that is crucial for plant growth and development. In addition, lentils and beans contain a variety of other nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium and a number of micronutrients.

To make lentil or bean tea, simply steep lentils or beans in water for several days. During this time, the nutrients leach out of the water, creating a nutrient solution that can be used to water plants. This tea can be used as a foliar fertiliser, sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plants, or it can be applied to the soil to be absorbed by the plants’ roots.

How to use lentil tea as a fertiliser

1. Choosing lentils: The first thing to make sure you use is raw lentils. Not only are these legumes an excellent choice for our diets, but they also contain extremely high amounts of nutrients that can help improve the health of our plants and the soil.
2. Preparing lentil tea: To use lentils as a homemade nutrient, they need to be ground to a fine powder. This powder can be used to make two types of nutrient: a quick-release and a slow-release nutrient
3. Use of lentil tea: To make the quick release nutrient, mix one tablespoon of lentil powder per litre and a half of water. This nutrient can be applied once a week during the spring and summer months, and once every two weeks during the autumn or winter months. On the other hand, the slow-release nutrient is made by sprinkling the lentil powder directly onto the potting soil. This nutrient is released gradually over a period of six months, which keeps the plants healthy and vigorous for longer.

Just be aware that this tea is rich in nitrogen, but does not provide a significant amount of other nutrients. Therefore, this tea should be used as part of a broader fertilisation programme that includes other nutrient sources to meet the complete needs of the plants.

Making natural plant food with stinging nettles

Often thought of as a weed, nettles are actually an incredible source of nutrients for plants. They are particularly rich in nitrogen, an essential nutrient that is crucial for plant growth and development. In addition, nettles contain a variety of other nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium and a number of micronutrients.

To make a natural cannabis nutrient recipe from nettles, they must be harvested and soaked in water. During this process, the nutrients leach into the water, creating a nutrient solution that can be used to water the plants. This tea can be used as a foliar fertiliser, sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plants, or it can be applied to the soil to be absorbed by the plants’ roots. We have an article where we tell you in more detail how to make nettle nutrient, check it out!.

As with each of the above recipes for making a natural marijuana compost, you should keep in mind that the nutrient inputs that these homemade preparations make are very limited and specific. They are also much more dangerous to use and apply.

Risks and dangers of using these natural homemade nutrients

While homemade natural nutrients offer numerous benefits, they also present certain risks and dangers that need to be considered. As we have already discussed, one of the main risks is the possibility of over-fertilisation. Although nutrients are essential for plant growth, too much can be detrimental. Over-fertilisation can result in poor plant growth, root burn and even plant death. In addition, it can cause an imbalance in the soil, which can make it inhospitable to certain plants and beneficial micro-organisms for a long time.

Another potential risk is the presence of pathogens or contaminants. Some ingredients used in homemade natural nutrients, such as animal manure, may contain pathogens that can be harmful to plants or even humans if not handled properly. In addition, some materials, such as wood ashes or coffee grounds, may contain traces of heavy metals or other contaminants that can accumulate in the soil over time.

Finally, we should mention again that the nutrient composition of homemade natural fertilisers can vary widely, which can make accurate nutrient application difficult. Unlike commercial fertilisers, which have a precise and consistent nutrient composition, homemade natural fertilisers can vary in their nutrient content depending on the ingredients used and composting conditions. Therefore, it is essential to conduct soil tests and adjust the application of natural nutrients accordingly to meet the specific needs of the plants.

Organic marijuana fertilisers

If we have in mind to carry out a natural cultivation of marijuana, but we prefer to buy ready-made products, it will be important to think about a range of 100% organic fertilizers that meet the nutritional needs of our plants. Organic marijuana nutrients are free of toxins and heavy metals, so the result will be a harvest with a taste and effect similar to growing in nature. Read on to discover the best natural nutrients for marijuana or visit our online shop to see all the different ranges of marijuana nutrients.

Biobizz Bio Heaven

To talk about organic marijuana nutrients is to talk about Biobizz. Their Bio Heaven is an energy booster with a formula composed solely of organic ingredients. It contains natural aged humus, which it is richness in carbonic acid and L-amino acids, will dramatically increase the natural minerals in the soil. Bio Heaven offers a total care, as it makes the plant more resistant, improves the absorption and use of nutrients of the marijuana, while cleaning the possible toxins accumulated after moments of stress. This translates into a noticeable improvement in crop yields. In addition, it is a product that can be used throughout the life cycle of the plant.

Atami Upgrade

Within the line of organic slow release marijuana nutrients, we find the Upgrade from the Atami fertilizer brand. It is designed to be used in all stages of plant growth, allowing you to add for all the necessary boosters. It has a composition with Bacillus type bacteria. These will provide extra phosphorus when marijuana suffers from phosphorus deficiency, an essential nutrient in the flowering stage. It can be applied by simply mixing it with the Cannabis substrate, although it can also be spread near the stem of the plant if it is in its final soil. It is ideal for guerrilla cultivation or growers with little time to control the feeding of the plants.

Advanced Nutrients Organic Iguana Juice Bloom

We continue with a Cannabis bloom booster that will be the perfect complement to your organic marijuana nutrients. We are talking about Organic Iguana Juice Bloom by Advanced Nutrients. It is a bloom stimulator with a base rich in organic matter. It contains more than 70 macro and micro nutrients, earthworm humus, vitamins, guano, and a host of beneficial ecological materials for your crop. You will notice the results in production and quality. With Iguana Juice you will get sweeter, more aromatic and flavoursome marijuana, while encouraging the development of shorter internodal distances, which will result in more buds and stronger roots.

BAC Organic PK Booster

If so far we talked about slow release organic marijuana fertilizers and flowering stimulators, now we are going to talk about a top-notch organic nutrient supplement. This is the case of Organic PK Booster by BAC, another of the most classic organic fertiliser manufacturers. It is a bloom booster with an extra supply of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), totally organic. This nutritional contribution will guarantee more resinous, abundant buds with a 100% natural aroma and flavour. In short, the organoleptic properties of the plants will be enhanced to the maximum. Its organic formula makes it a product that is easily assimilated by plants and it is the only natural branded PK.

Canna BioBoost

The BioBoost from Canna Nutrient House leads the line of organic marijuana fertilizers with a formula that stimulates the metabolism of the plants, reinforcing their resistance and giving more and better harvests. With this product, your plants will produce more fructose, which avoids possible nutritional deficits during the flowering stage, a period in which plants require more nutrients. In addition, it stimulates the immune system of the crop, making it stronger and more resistant to marijuana pests and diseases.

Questions & Answers

References

Images: Sebastianjude, Narek75, Eggshell, Tamorlan.

I hope you really enjoyed this article about the best natural nutrients for marijuana, you can’t miss other articles I do about, like NPK: basic elements of marijuana feeding. I hope to see you soon, and don’t forget to follow us on your favourite social network and subscribe to our mailing list.

Brais Nieto

Founder of Experiencia Natural, creative and entrepreneur, designer, master in grower and marketing. For a normalization of all plants and substances, giving priority to patients and users.