The Organic Gardener's Guide to Soil Preparation

Preparing soil for planting is crucial to create a fertile, nutrient-rich environment where plants can thrive. By using organic fertilizers, you not only nourish your plants but also enhance the overall health of the soil, leading to sustainable gardening practices. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the benefits of adding organic nutrients to the soil before planting, the types of fertilizers you can use, how much fertilizer to use, how often, and their timeframes for nutrient availability.

What Nutrients Should You Add During Soil Preparation?

Proper soil preparation includes providing essential macronutrients and micronutrients that plants need for growth. Here's a breakdown of key nutrients and their organic sources:

• Nitrogen is crucial for plants as it supports chlorophyll production, enabling photosynthesis.
• Organic sources: Blood meal, Feather meal
• Phosphorus  is vital for plants as it supports energy transfer and root development
• Organic sources: Bone meal, Fishbone meal
• Potassium  is essential for water regulation and disease resistance.
• Organic sources: Kelp meal, Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50 (organic)
• Calcium  is needed for strong cell walls and root growth.
• Organic sources: Bone meal, Fishbone meal
• Magnesium  is vital for photosynthesis and enzyme function.
• Organic sources: Azomite, Kelp meal
• Sulfur  Supports protein synthesis and enzyme function.
• Organic sources: Sulfur powder, Fishbone meal, Alfalfa meal
• Trace Elements (Micronutrients) include zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron, which are vital for enzyme activation and various biochemical processes in plants, despite being required in small quantities.
• Organic sources: Azomite, Kelp meal

By incorporating these organic fertilizers into your soil preparation, you ensure your plants have access to all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and productivity.

How Long Does It Take for Organic Nutrients to Become Available in the Soil?

The availability of nutrients from organic fertilizers depends on various factors like soil conditions, temperature, and microbial activity. Organic fertilizers generally take longer to break down than synthetic ones, providing a slow and steady nutrient supply over time. Here is a detailed breakdown of some common organic fertilizers, their benefits, nutrient content, and how they can be used to most benefit from their application:

• Blood Meal
  Blood meal, with an NPK ratio typically around 13-0-0, is a high-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that is particularly effective for promoting leafy growth in plants. While it provides a steady supply of nitrogen over time, it can still help correct nitrogen deficiencies and support healthy vegetative growth. Blood meal can slightly acidify the soil, making it beneficial for plants that thrive in lower pH environments, and its long-lasting nutrient release is ideal for sustained growth.

Uses:

• As a nitrogen boost for leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale.
• In vegetable gardens to support crops such as corn, cabbage, and broccoli during their vegetative growth stage.
• As a side dressing for heavy feeders like tomatoes and peppers to encourage vigorous growth.
• In compost piles to accelerate decomposition by adding a high-nitrogen source.

Nutrient Release Time: 1-4 months

• Cottonseed Meal
  Cottonseed meal, with an NPK ratio typically around 5-2-1, is not only great for acid-loving plants but also provides balanced nutrition with phosphorus and potassium, which support root development and overall plant health. In addition to improving soil structure and organic matter in vegetable gardens, lawns, and ornamental beds, its slow nitrogen release ensures steady growth, while phosphorus enhances flowering and root strength, and potassium boosts disease resistance and water regulation.
• Uses:
• As a soil amendment for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries.
• In vegetable gardens to enrich the soil for crops like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers.
• In lawns for slow, sustained grass growth and improved soil aeration.
• Nutrient Release Time: 3-6 months
• Kelp Meal
  Kelp meal, with an NPK ratio of around 2-0-4, provides a balanced source of nitrogen, potassium, and trace minerals. The nitrogen supports steady, healthy foliage growth, while the potassium enhances root development, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Additionally, it contains natural growth hormones like cytokinins and auxins, which stimulate vigorous plant growth. Kelp meal is suitable for all types of plants and gardening applications, promoting overall plant health and resilience.
• • Uses:
  • As a foliar spray (when brewed into a tea) to boost plant health and improve disease resistance.
  • In container gardens and raised beds to improve moisture retention and soil structure.
  • In compost piles to add valuable nutrients and help speed up the decomposition process.
  • Nutrient Release Time: 2-3 weeks (quick breakdown)
• Crustacean Meal                                                                           Crustacean meal, with an NPK ratio typically around 4-0-0, is derived from ground-up shells of crustaceans like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. It is a good source of nitrogen and calcium, as well as chitin, which helps promote beneficial microbial activity in the soil and supports pest control by deterring harmful nematodes. Crustacean meal improves soil structure and is especially beneficial for crops that thrive with a boost of calcium and slow-release nitrogen.

Uses:

• As a soil amendment for calcium-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers to prevent blossom end rot.
• In vegetable gardens to improve soil health and promote steady, long-term growth in crops like carrots, beans, and leafy greens.
• In flower beds to enhance the growth of perennials and boost soil biodiversity by supporting microbial life.
• In organic pest control strategies to combat harmful soil-dwelling pests through its chitin content.

Nutrient Release Time: 3-6 months

• Alfalfa Meal
  Alfalfa meal, with an NPK of around 2.5-0-2.5, is rich in trace elements and natural growth stimulants, such as triacontanol. It can be used in almost any garden application to boost plant growth and soil health.
• Uses:
• In flower beds to promote lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
• As a compost activator to speed up the decomposition process.
• In fruit tree care to increase flower production and enhance fruit quality.
• In lawns for an organic nitrogen boost.
• Nutrient Release Time: 2-6 weeks (medium breakdown)
• Fishbone Meal
  Fishbone meal, with an NPK ratio typically around 4-17-0, provides a balanced source of nitrogen and phosphorus, promoting healthy root systems, vigorous foliage growth, and enhanced flowering. The nitrogen supports steady plant growth, while the phosphorus and calcium strengthen root development and flower production. Fishbone meal is ideal for new plantings, transplants, and perennials that require strong root systems and consistent nutrient availability.
• Uses:
• In vegetable gardens for root crops like carrots, beets, and potatoes.
• For fruit trees, particularly during the flowering and fruiting stages, to increase yields.
• In ornamental gardens to enhance flowering in perennials, annuals, and bulbs.
• Nutrient Release Time: 3-4 months (slow breakdown)
• Bone Meal
  Bone meal, with an NPK ratio around 3-15-0, provides a balanced source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. The nitrogen supports healthy foliage growth, while the phosphorus and calcium promote strong root development and enhance flowering potential. This makes bone meal an excellent choice for plants needing improved root systems and flower production.
• Uses:
• Mixed into soil during the planting of bulbs (tulips, daffodils) and root vegetables (like beets and carrots) to encourage deep rooting.
• In rose beds to improve bloom size and frequency.
• As a top dressing for perennials and annuals to sustain healthy flowering.
• Nutrient Release Time: 4-6 months (slow breakdown)
• Feather Meal
  Feather meal is an organic source of nitrogen (around 12-0-0), which breaks down slowly, providing a long-term nitrogen supply. It can be used for heavy feeders like corn, tomatoes, and leafy greens, and is particularly useful in long-growing crops.
• Uses:
• Incorporated into vegetable gardens at the beginning of the growing season for crops like corn, squash, and leafy greens.
• In orchards for nitrogen-hungry fruit trees like apples and pears.
• As a long-lasting nitrogen source in ornamental lawns and grass meadows.
• Nutrient Release Time: 6-9 months (very slow breakdown)
• Azomite
  Azomite is a volcanic mineral rich in over 70 trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It provides a broad spectrum of micronutrients that improve plant growth, increase soil fertility, and enhance plant resistance to pests and diseases.
• Uses:
• In vegetable gardens to increase yields, improve plant health, and enhance the flavor of crops.
• In flower gardens for healthier blooms and stronger plants.
• In orchards and vineyards to increase fruit production and enhance soil structure.
• As a soil remineralizer in depleted soils or compost piles to increase nutrient diversity.
• Nutrient Release Time: Immediate to slow release (depending on soil conditions, and type of Azomite)
• Sulfur Powder
  Sulfur is primarily used to lower soil pH and to provide plants with an essential nutrient for protein synthesis. It is valuable for acidifying soil for crops that require a lower pH, like blueberries, and as a defense mechanism against fungal diseases.
• Uses:
• Mixed into soil for acid-loving crops like blueberries, cranberries, and potatoes.
• Applied as a natural fungicide to prevent powdery mildew, rust, and other fungal diseases in vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, and grapes.
• Added to compost to reduce odors and balance pH.
• Nutrient Release Time: 1-3 months (medium breakdown)

Each of these organic fertilizers has a unique nutrient profile and rate of release, making them valuable for different stages of plant growth. By understanding their specific benefits and the time they take to break down, you can choose the right fertilizer for your plants to ensure they thrive throughout the growing season.

1. Improves Soil Structure
   Organic fertilizers such as Gypsum (apply 20-30 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.), Humic Acid (1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.), and Peat Moss (2-3 inches thick layer) improve soil structure by increasing aeration and water infiltration. This allows roots to access nutrients more easily and thrive in well-draining yet moisture-retentive conditions.
2. Increased Microbial Activity
   Organic nutrients, including Alfalfa Meal (2-4 cups per 100 sq. ft.) and Kelp Meal (1-2 lbs per 100 sq. ft.), promote the growth of beneficial microbes in the soil. These microbes break down organic matter, converting it into plant-available nutrients. Microbial activity also helps in disease prevention and pest resistance.
3. Provides Slow Release of Nutrients
   Organic fertilizers like Bone Meal (5-10 lbs per 100 sq. ft.) and Feather Meal (3-5 lbs per 100 sq. ft.) provide a slow, steady release of nutrients over time. This gradual nutrient supply ensures plants receive consistent nutrition throughout their growing cycle, avoiding nutrient burn and deficiencies.
4. Enhances Water Retention
   Peat Moss (2-3 inches thick layer), Wood Chips (2-4 inches thick mulch layer), Compost (1-2 inches thick layer), and Humus (2 inches thick layer) increase the soil’s capacity to retain moisture, which is especially beneficial in drought-prone regions. This helps reduce the need for frequent watering and ensures that plants have access to water when they need it most.
5. Promotes Root Development
   Root health is essential for plant stability and nutrient uptake. Organic fertilizers such as Fishbone Meal (3-5 lbs per 100 sq. ft.) and Bone Meal (5-10 lbs per 100 sq. ft.) are rich in phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for strong root systems.
6. Supports Sustainable Gardening
   Using organic fertilizers like Azomite (10-15 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.) and Kelp Meal (1-2 lbs per 100 sq. ft.) supports sustainable gardening by reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals. These organic materials are renewable and help maintain soil health for the long term.

Possible Fertilizer Mixtures for Soil Preparation

There are premixed options on the market such as Greenway Biotech Rose and Flower Fertilizer 4-7-5 which provide a mixture of all of the organic nutrients a garden needs. However, by purchasing a few organic basics, you can mix your own formulas based on anything you might be growing, to ensure your garden soil has all the essential nutrients for plant health and growth. Regardless of what you are looking for you can find it in Greenway Biotech’s Organic Fertilizer Collection. These mixtures will provide a balanced array of macronutrients and micronutrients to promote vigorous plant development. Here are some examples of possible mixtures using the provided fertilizers:

1. General All-Purpose Mixture for Vegetables and Flowers
• Blood meal (Nitrogen): 1 part
• Bone meal (Phosphorus and Calcium): 1 part
• Kelp meal (Potassium, Magnesium, and Trace Elements): 1 part
• Azomite (Trace Elements and Magnesium): ½ part
  This mixture will provide a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace elements. It's suitable for most vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
2. Mixture for Root Crops and Flowering Plants
• Fishbone meal (Phosphorus, Calcium, and Sulfur): 1 part
• Feather meal (Nitrogen): ½ part
• Kelp meal (Potassium and Trace Elements): 1 part
  This combination focuses on providing the phosphorus and calcium that root crops and flowering plants need, with additional nitrogen and potassium for balanced growth. Great for carrots, potatoes, bulbs, and flowering perennials.
3. Soil Enhancer for Heavy Feeders (Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash)
• Blood meal (Nitrogen): 1 part
• Fishbone meal (Phosphorus, Calcium, and Sulfur): 1 part
• Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50 (Potassium): ½ part
• Azomite (Trace Elements and Magnesium): ½ part
  This mixture provides high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and trace elements to support heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, peppers, and squash throughout the growing season.
4. Balanced Nutrient Mix for Acid-Loving Plants (Blueberries, Azaleas)
• Cottonseed meal (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium): 1 part
• Fishbone meal (Phosphorus, Calcium, and Sulfur): 1 part
• Kelp meal (Potassium and Micronutrients): ½ part
  Designed to lower soil pH slightly and supply essential nutrients for acid-loving plants, this mixture supports healthy growth and strong root systems in blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
5. Fruit Tree and Shrub Fertilizer Mix
• Feather meal (Nitrogen): 1 part
• Bone meal (Phosphorus and Calcium): 1 part
• Kelp meal (Potassium, Magnesium, and Trace Elements): 1 part
  This mix will provide a long-lasting nitrogen source for steady growth, along with phosphorus and calcium to promote root development and potassium for fruiting. Suitable for fruit trees like apples, pears, and berry bushes.

Can You Add Organic Nutrients to Amend Soil After Planting?

Yes, you can continue to feed your plants with organic nutrients after planting. The most common methods for doing this are top dressing and side dressing, which allow you to apply fertilizers around the plant without disturbing its roots. Here's a breakdown of these techniques using the organic fertilizers mentioned throughout this article:

• Top Dressing:
  Top dressing involves spreading a thin layer of organic fertilizer directly on the soil surface around the base of the plant. As the fertilizer breaks down, nutrients are released into the soil and absorbed by the plant roots over time. This method is ideal for a slow, continuous nutrient supply. To top dress, scatter the fertilizer evenly around the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems. Lightly rake it into the soil and water to help nutrients penetrate. Fertilizers such as Feather meal, Blood meal, Bone meal, Azomite, Cottonseed meal, and Alfalfa meal are perfect for top dressing. These fertilizers slowly release essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and trace elements, throughout the growing season.
• Side Dressing:
  Side dressing involves placing organic fertilizers in shallow trenches dug a few inches away from the plant’s base, either along a row or around individual plants. This method is useful for plants that need additional nutrients during their growth phases, especially heavy feeders like tomatoes and corn. To side dress, dig a trench about 2-3 inches deep, apply the fertilizer, and then cover it with soil. Water the area to help the nutrients move into the root zone. Fertilizers like Fish Bone meal, Feather meal, Crustacean meal, Potassium Sulfate 0-0-50, Sulfur powder, and Fishbone meal are ideal for side dressing, as they provide targeted nutrition and can replenish essential elements such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and nitrogen during the growing season.

These methods—top dressing for steady feeding and side dressing for targeted nutrition—ensure that your plants receive continuous access to essential nutrients throughout the season, promoting healthy, sustained growth even after the initial soil preparation.

Conclusion

We encourage you to experiment with these organic fertilizers to formulate your own planting mixes. Take into consideration your garden’s soil needs, the specific crops you are growing, and the growth stages of your plants. Start by testing different combinations, and track the progress of your plants to refine your mixtures over time. Organic gardening is as much about nurturing the soil as it is about growing healthy plants, and by creating your own organic planting mixes, you can ensure a sustainable, productive garden for years to come.

By incorporating these organic fertilizers into your gardening routine, you are not only providing your plants with the nutrients they need but also improving the overall structure and fertility of your soil. This approach fosters a thriving ecosystem in your garden, enhances microbial activity, and leads to healthier, more resilient plants that can better withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Organic gardening is a rewarding, eco-friendly practice, and by formulating your own organic planting mixes, you can contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying the fruits of your labor. Whether you're looking for organic fertilizers, water-soluble options, specialty fertilizers, or hydroponic formulas, Greenway Biotech has it all to meet your gardening needs.