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How To Make Rose Fertilizer At Home [Quick & Easy] - 11 Best Recipes

Save money and help your roses thrive with DIY fertilizer. This guide explains how to make rose fertilizer at home using everyday kitchen scraps.

Sep 15, 2024
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Roses are beloved for their vibrant colors and enchanting fragrance, but they can be notoriously finicky, requiring just the right balance of nutrients to thrive.
If you're tired of spending money on commercial fertilizers that don’t quite hit the mark, or you’re looking for a more eco-friendly solution, homemade rose fertilizers are your answer.
Not only are these options inexpensive and sustainable, but they also make use of everyday kitchen waste, offering an effective and eco-conscious way to nourish your roses.

Quick Tips For Fertilizing Roses

  • Dry and store ingredientslike banana peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds so you’re always ready to give your roses a boost.
  • Boost nitrogen levelsin your soil by using coffee grounds to promote lush, healthy growth.
  • Encourage larger bloomsby adding potassium-rich banana peels, which also help your roses withstand environmental stress.
  • Keep your fertilization scheduleconsistent by feeding roses every 4-6 weeks, ensuring they receive nutrients when they need them most.
  • Test your soil pHregularly to maintain slightly acidic conditions (6.0-7.0 pH), which is crucial for your roses' nutrient absorption.

Why Homemade Rose Fertilizer?

Benefits Of Organic Fertilizers Over Store-Bought

Organic homemade fertilizers offer many advantages over synthetic, store-bought alternatives. They’re made from natural ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen or garden, making them both affordable and environmentally friendly.
Homemade fertilizers improve soil health over time by breaking down slowly and releasing nutrients gradually. This process promotes strong root development, better blooming, and healthier plants.
Homemade fertilizers also help reduce kitchen waste. Items like banana peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds can be repurposed into valuable nutrients for your garden, cutting down on the need for synthetic chemicals. Plus, organic fertilizers are less likely to cause over-fertilization, which can damage your roses.

What Nutrients Do Roses Need?

To keep your roses healthy and blooming, they require three primary nutrients, commonly referred to as NPK:
  • Nitrogen (N): Promotes leafy growth and stems.
  • Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flower production.
  • Potassium (K): Strengthens the plant’s immune system, helping it resist diseases and environmental stress.
Additionally, roses benefit from secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and trace elements such as iron and zinc. Homemade fertilizers can be customized to supply these essential nutrients, ensuring your roses thrive in any environment.
Read Also: Top Rose Varieties To Brighten Any Garden [Explained]
11 Best Homemade Rose Fertilizer Recipes
11 Best Homemade Rose Fertilizer Recipes

11 Best Homemade Rose Fertilizer Recipes

Homemade rose fertilizers are easy to create using common kitchen scraps and garden waste. Here’s a variety of recipes that can give your roses the nutrients they need for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Ingredient & Key NutrientBenefit for Roses
Banana Peels (Potassium)Strong roots, vibrant blooms
Coffee Grounds (Nitrogen)Healthy foliage, boosts growth
Eggshells (Calcium)Strengthens cell walls, roots
Epsom Salts (Magnesium)Enhances blooms and photosynthesis
Fish Emulsion (NPK + Micronutrients)Promotes balanced growth and soil health
Compost (NPK + Micronutrients)Improves soil structure and fertility
Manure Tea (NPK)Slow-release nutrients for steady growth
Nettle/Comfrey Tea (NPK)Supports healthy leaf and stem growth

1. Homemade Compost

Compostis one of the best fertilizers for roses, offering a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health. Compost breaks down slowly, feeding your plants over time.
How to Use: Spread compost as mulch around your rose bushes in early spring. Compost can also be mixed into the soil when planting new roses.

2. Coffee Grounds Fertilizer

Used coffee grounds are a fantastic source of nitrogen, promoting healthy foliage growth and improving soil structure.
How to Use: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of your roses or mix them into the soil. Alternatively, steep the grounds in water overnight to make a liquid fertilizer.

3. Banana Peels Fertilizer

Banana peels are rich in potassium, helping roses produce strong roots and larger blooms. Potassium also boosts the plant’s immunity, helping it fight diseases and survive drought.
How to Use: Bury chopped banana peels in the soil around your roses, or blend them with water to make a liquid fertilizer.

4. Eggshell Fertilizer

Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which strengthens plant cell walls and supports root development. Calcium is particularly important for preventing diseases like blossom end rot.
How to Use: Crush eggshells into small pieces or grind them into powder. Add them directly to the soil around your roses or mix them into your compost pile.

5. Fish Emulsion Fertilizer

Fish emulsion is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals. It’s great for promoting healthy foliage and boosting soil health.
How to Use: Dilute fish emulsion according to the package instructions and water your roses with it every few weeks during the growing season.

6. Manure Tea Fertilizer

Manure tea is an organic liquid fertilizermade by soaking aged manure in water. It provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, offering slow-release nourishment for your roses.
How to Use: Steep aged manure in water for about a week. Strain the liquid and dilute it before applying to your roses. This gentle fertilizer promotes healthy growth over time.

7. Nettle And Comfrey Tea Fertilizer

Nettle and comfrey are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making them excellent ingredients for brewing a nutrient-rich tea that promotes healthy leaf and stem growth.
How to Use: Steep nettle or comfrey leaves in water for a few weeks, dilute the resulting liquid (1 part tea to 10 parts water), and use it to water your roses.

8. Used Tea Bags Or Leaves

Used tea bags and leaves are rich in tannins, which make the soil slightly acidic—ideal for roses. They also provide nitrogen for healthy growth.
How to Use: Add used tea bags to your compost, steep them in water to create a liquid fertilizer, or spread the leaves directly around your roses.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar For Disease Prevention

Apple cider vinegar can help prevent fungal diseaseslike black spot, which are common in humid climates. This natural remedy is a great way to keep your roses healthy.
How to Use: Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 4.5 liters of water and spray it on your roses weekly until the disease is gone.

10. Baking Soda For Powdery Mildew

Baking soda helps treat powdery mildew and black spots by altering the pH of the affected area, making it less favorable for fungal growth.
How to Use: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap, and 4.5 liters of water. Spray the solution on your roses once a week until the mildew is gone.

11. Homemade Rose Food

A combination of dried banana peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and Epsom salts creates an excellent homemade rose food that provides potassium, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium.
  • How to Prepare: Dry banana peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, then crush or grind them. Mix equal parts banana peels and coffee grounds with half the amount of crushed eggshells and Epsom salts.
  • How to Use: Dig a small trench around the drip line of your roses and sprinkle the mixture in. Cover it with soil and water the area.

Seasonal Fertilization Tips

Spring:

Do: Start fertilizing when new growth appears to give your roses the nutrients they need for the growing season. Organic compost works well at this stage for balanced nutrition.

Summer:

  • Do: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers like coffee grounds or fish emulsion every 4-6 weeks to promote continuous blooms. Regular feeding keeps your roses healthy through the hotter months.
  • Don’t: Fertilize during heat waves—extreme temperatures can stress your roses, so avoid adding fertilizer during peak heat.

Late Summer/Fall:

  • Do: Stop fertilizing by mid-summer to allow roses to harden off and prepare for dormancy.
  • Don’t: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the season. This can trigger new growth that will be damaged by the cold in winter.

Winter:

  • Do: Mulch your roses with organic compost to protect them during the cold months.
  • Don’t: Fertilize during winter dormancy, as this can interfere with the plant’s natural resting period.
Step-by-Step Guide To Applying Homemade Fertilizer
Step-by-Step Guide To Applying Homemade Fertilizer

Step-by-Step Guide To Applying Homemade Fertilizer

How Often To Fertilize Roses

Roses are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization. During the growing season, fertilize every 4-6 weeks using a variety of organic fertilizers.
Watch for signs of over-fertilizationlike yellowing leaves or burnt edges—these indicate it’s time to cut back.

Best Time Of Day To Apply Fertilizer

Apply fertilizers in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. This prevents the nutrients from evaporating too quickly and reduces the risk of burning the plant.

Trench Method For Fertilizing

A simple and effective way to apply homemade fertilizer is by using the trench method. Dig a shallow trench around the drip line of your rose bushes, sprinkle in the fertilizer, and cover it with soil. This ensures even nutrient distribution.

How To Test And Adjust Soil For Optimal Rose Growth

Roses grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Testing your soil pH regularly ensures your roses can absorb nutrients effectively.
  • How to Test: Use a home soil pH test kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office for a detailed analysis.
  • How to Adjust: If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline, sulfur or organic matter like compost can lower the pH.

Storing And Recycling Organic Materials For Future Use

To make your homemade fertilizer, you’ll need to store ingredients like banana peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Dry them by placing them on a tray or in a basket lined with paper towels in a dry area. Once dried, crush or grind the ingredients and store them in airtight containers until you’re ready to use them.

Troubleshooting Rose Fertilization Problems

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves are often a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers like coffee grounds or nettle tea to correct this problem.

Stunted Growth

If your roses aren’t growing as expected, they may need more phosphorus. Try adding bone meal or banana peels to the soil.

Over-Fertilization

Signs of over-fertilization include burnt leaf edges and poor growth. If this happens, flush the soil with water to remove excess salts.

FAQs About Homemade Rose Fertilizer

Can Used Tea Leaves Help Roses Grow?

Yes, used tea leaves can add nitrogen and slightly acidify the soil, which benefits roses. You can compost them or spread them directly around the plants.

How Do I Treat Black Spot On My Roses Naturally?

A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can help treat black spot. Spray it on the affected areas weekly until the fungus disappears.

Is Vinegar Safe For Roses?

Yes, when properly diluted, vinegar is safe for roses and can be used to treat fungal diseases like black spot.

Conclusion

Transforming kitchen waste into homemade rose fertilizers is a simple and sustainable way to help your roses flourish. By reusing items like banana peels and coffee grounds, you’re providing essential nutrients that encourage healthy growth while supporting the environment.
Regular feeding with these natural fertilizers promotes strong, resilient roses that bloom beautifully throughout the season.
The rewards of homemade fertilizers extend far beyond budget savings—they offer a practical and eco-friendly approach to rose care. Embrace this method to nurture your roses and enjoy the difference that natural, homemade fertilizers can make in your garden.
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