How to Make Fertilizer for Rose Plant at Home

What Organic Materials and Ratios Should I Use for Compost?

To create a nutrient-rich compost for roses using organic materials, you can incorporate the following kitchen scraps and other organic matter:

• Banana Peels: High in potassium, which promotes healthier and bigger blooms. Use equal parts banana peels to other organic materials[4][5].
• Eggshells: Provide calcium and help with soil structure. Use half the amount of eggshells compared to banana peels[4][5].
• Coffee Grounds: Rich in nitrogen and help maintain slightly acidic soil. Use equal parts coffee grounds to banana peels[2][4].
• Epsom Salt: Adds magnesium and sulfur. Use about half the amount of Epsom salt compared to eggshells[4].

Example Mix:

• 2 cups dried banana peels
• 2 cups dried coffee grounds
• 1 cup crushed eggshells
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

Mix these ingredients and spread them around the drip line of the rose plants. You can also add other organic materials like dried tea bags, lawn clippings, and leaves to the compost pile.

How Can I Make a Liquid Fertilizer Using Epsom Salt, Molasses, and Water?

While the provided sources do not specifically mention molasses in a liquid fertilizer recipe, you can create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer using Epsom salt and other ingredients. Here’s a method using Epsom salt and other common ingredients:

DIY Liquid Fertilizer

• Epsom Salt: 1 tablespoon per gallon of water (provides magnesium and sulfur)[4].
• Citrus Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar: For an alternative recipe, mix 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup non-cola citrus soda, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and let it sit for three days before use[2].

Instructions

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water.
• Alternatively, use the citrus soda and apple cider vinegar mixture as described above.
• Apply this liquid fertilizer once a week or seasonally after pruning.

How Can I Use Bone Meal and Blood Meal as Slow-Release Fertilizers?

Bone meal and blood meal are excellent slow-release fertilizers for roses.

Bone Meal

• Quantity: Use about a heaping tablespoon per rose plant, mixed deeply into the soil to prevent wildlife from being attracted and to ensure it enters the soil slowly[1].
• Timing: Apply in the spring and fall, or when planting new roses to aid in root development[1].

Blood Meal

• Quantity: Use about a tablespoon around each plant. Be cautious not to overapply, as too much nitrogen can burn the roots[1].
• Timing: Apply in the spring and after each flush of blooms, approximately every 4-8 weeks depending on weather[3].

How Can I Brew Compost Tea?

Compost tea is a liquid solution made by steeping compost or nutrient-rich plant materials in water.

Materials

• Comfrey or Nettles: These plants are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Comfrey is particularly beneficial for roses[5].

Instructions

• Steeping:
• Fill a container with leaves of comfrey or nettles.
• Add water to cover the leaves.
• Let it settle for several weeks (typically 2-4 weeks).
• Dilution:
• Dilute the obtained liquid in a ratio of 1 part tea to 10 parts water[5].
• Application:
• Use this diluted liquid as a fertilizer for your rose plants during watering.
• Apply it around the base of the plants, ensuring the soil is well-watered before and after application.

Reference:

1. [The Spruce: Your Complete Guide to Fertilizing Roses: When to Apply and How][1]
2. [The Lady Prefers 2 Save: DIY Organic Rose Plant Food][2]
3. [Florxeight Roses: Lauren’s Favorite Fertilizer Recipe][3]
4. [The Spruce: How to Make Compost for Roses][4]
5. [The Spruce: How to Make Compost Tea for Roses][5]