Dirt is dirt, right?
Not quite.
In nature, the process of decomposition of natural leaf litter, dead organisms, and other debris enriches the soil with nitrogen. The resulting compounds are like a multi-vitamin for growing trees and plants, and they will fail to thrive without it.
In a garden or regulated backyard, the soil there doesn’t have quite as many natural processes happening as it sometimes needs. That’s where fertilizer comes in. Impress your friends and neighbors with trees, flowers, or vegetables that are thriving and healthy. Fertilizer is the answer!
Ok, so you are now in the market for the best organic fertilizer. Where do you start? This guide breaks down what’s important and how to choose the best one.
Our Top 3 Organic Fertilizer Types
Ideally, you’d get a soil test to determine the best type of “plant food” you need for your lawn or 
garden. However, if you only want a quick fix, there are several tried and true organic fertilizers to choose from.
The one to choose will depend on your climate, plant variety, and personal preference and availability.
There are, of course, inorganic versions of powdered fertilizer, but you have to ask, “is it worth using chemicals when the organic stuff is just as good or better?”. Plus, it’s all-natural, so other organisms can benefit from the healthier organic soil in your yard, too!
Here are our top three best organic fertilizers:
1. Wood mulch
Trees love wood mulch. If you do only one thing for your tree this year, it should be to apply wood mulch.
You can eliminate the risk of soil contamination with organic mulch, which is wood chips, dried hay, pine needles, grass clippings, or leaves. You can even dump your lawn clippings on as wood mulch!
Wood mulch not only gives the soil more nutrients as it breaks down, but it also aids in moisture conservation. Having mulch added can reduce water loss by over 70%!
Like dry fertilizers, there are also wet fertilizers that help your plants in other ways.
2. Fish Fertilizer
Your property may smell like an ocean, but your plants love a healthy dose of fish fertilizer. Because plants like to absorb nutrients through their root system, the liquid fertilizers go to work while they are being broken down by bacteria naturally present in the soil. Those nutrients are then available to the plant for a quick and effective boost.
Fish fertilizers add nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil. They are also the easiest and most convenient to apply.
3. Bird and Animal Manure
Animal and bird manure contains many of the nutrients that plants need in abundance. And it makes sense, really: animals poop on the ground in nature!
Bird and other animal manure (like cow manure) is a good source of nitrogen and microorganisms. The manure fertilizer needs to be well-aged or composted before applying directly to the garden.
Final Thoughts on Organic Fertilizer
Do your plants a service this year and apply fertilizer to your lawn or garden. You can even add small amounts of organic fertilizer for your indoor plants in pots. Your plants will be happy and it’ll show!
Still need help choosing the best organic fertilizer? Talk to a Fort Collins Arborist today!