When it comes to organic fertilizer, there are organic-based solutions and 100 percent organic alternatives. The type of fertilizer you choose depends not only on the crops you're planting, but on the overall garden. Organic gardening is all about balance between the soil and its nutrients, the water, the air, and of course your plants.

Any plentiful organic garden will have been started with good soil that is rich with nutrients. And, any organic gardener knows that soil must be worked with at the start and end of each growing season to ensure an abundant output of healthy organic plants and flowers. Organic garden fertilizer is an excellent way of replacing essential nutrients, keeping plants well-fed and capable of producing a bountiful crop.

Organic garden fertilizer contains no chemicals and is made from live materials that are plant or animal-based. Soil additives, whether organic or not, may also be used in conjunction with organic garden fertilizer. These common additives such as Epsom salts or potash are used to control the PH balance of the soil and also to provide additional micro-nutrients.

There are so many ways to add nutrients to your garden. But you must be careful to only include fertilizers that are 100% organic. The best way to do that is to make it yourself. Yes, it does take more time and effort. Ultimately you will be rewarded with healthy living foods that will nourish you and your family.

Most systems you will use to feed you garden will involve the initial outlay of time and some equipment, but the maintenance is quite minimal. You could start out with a very simple liquid fertilizer, while getting a compost heap (or two) on the go.

There are also some very useful commercial organic fertilizers that are widely available. Blood and Bone is an excellent nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer. Seaweed extracts are a valuable liquid fertilizer as they contain a broad spectrum of micro-nutrients, promoting increased bacterial and enzyme activity. Fish waste and fish emulsions are an excellent source of nitrogen and phosphorus.

You will get the best results by creating your own compost. Apart from the fact that you will put to good use all of your kitchen scraps, animal manure if you have it (only herbivores - never include dog, cat, human or pig manure), weeds, leaves and grass clippings, you will get exercise putting it all together and turning it, and be out in the fresh air getting a natural dose of vitamin D!

Fertility
Non-organic fertilizer is forbidden under any organic production system, but that does not mean the nutrients the plant needs cannot be supplied from organic sources. Soil testing is suggested to determine what nutrients need to be added to the garden. (Gardeners note: Too much nitrogen can harm the garden. Know what levels exist before applying more).

Following are some average figures for a ton of manure per acre. These are average figures, as manure will vary in nutrient content. Values are for what a ton of wet manure fertilizer will supply for nutrients.