Looking to save money and grow healthier plants at the same time? Making your own DIY fertilizer from household waste is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also sustainable and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re growing tomatoes on a patio or tending to a lush indoor herb garden, homemade fertilizers made from everyday kitchen scraps and household materials can do wonders for your soil and your harvest.
In this post, you’ll discover a wide variety of fertilizer recipes tailored for different types of edible plants, practical tips for getting started, and even a few recommended products to help you along the way. Let’s dig in!
Why Use DIY Fertilizer?
Store-bought fertilizers often contain synthetic chemicals that can damage soil health over time. By using DIY fertilizer, you’re not only keeping harmful substances out of your garden but also reducing food waste, saving money, and creating nutrient-rich soil amendments from things you already have at home.
Plus, many organic gardeners and zero-waste advocates swear by homemade fertilizer recipes because they offer a more balanced, slow-release nutrient supply for edible plants.
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Best Household Waste Items for DIY Fertilizer
Here are some of the most nutrient-rich household items that can be used to create effective DIY fertilizer:
🍌 Banana Peels
Rich in potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Great for fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.
How to use:
- Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them near the base of your plants.
- Blend with water to create a banana tea fertilizer.
🥚Eggshells
Packed with calcium, essential for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
How to use:
- Rinse and crush into a powder.
- Add directly to soil or mix into compost.
☕️ Coffee Grounds
Contains nitrogen, a key nutrient for leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale.
How to use:
- Sprinkle used grounds around the base of plants.
- Mix into compost piles to boost nitrogen content.
🥬 Vegetable Scraps
Most veggie scraps are compostable and provide a balance of nutrients.
How to use:
- Collect scraps like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery ends.
- Make a compost tea or add them to a countertop compost bin for your garden.
Simple DIY Fertilizer Recipes by Plant Type
Let’s go deeper and explore homemade fertilizer recipes based on the needs of specific edible plants.
1. DIY Fertilizer for Tomatoes (Budget-Friendly Garden Booster)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Less than $0.50 per batch
Feeds: 2–3 tomato plants
Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days (see tips below)
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and if you want plump, juicy fruit all summer long, you’ve got to feed them right. But forget expensive store-bought fertilizers—this homemade version costs pennies, uses kitchen scraps, and gives your tomato plants the nutrients they crave: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
Ingredients
- 2 banana peels (high in potassium and phosphorus)
- 1 crushed eggshell (natural calcium to prevent blossom end rot)
- 1 tablespoon Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate boosts growth and photosynthesis)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the banana peels, crushed eggshell, Epsom salt, and water to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and pourable.
- Pour directly at the base of each tomato plant, avoiding the leaves.
- Repeat every two weeks during the growing season.
Cost Breakdown (approximate)
- Banana peels: free (scraps!)
- Eggshell: free
- Epsom salt: $0.10
- Water: practically free
Total per batch: $0.10–$0.25
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Shake well before using. For the freshest nutrients, make a new batch each time if possible.
Extra Tips
- Add a tablespoon of used coffee grounds for extra nitrogen.
- Don’t use hot water—it can destroy the banana peel’s natural enzymes.
- Use rainwater if available for an even more eco-friendly blend.
Nutrition for Your Garden
- Potassium (banana peels): Promotes fruiting and disease resistance
- Phosphorus (banana peels): Supports strong root systems and flowering
- Calcium (eggshell): Prevents blossom-end rot
- Magnesium (Epsom salt): Boosts chlorophyll production
Got banana peels and eggshells? Then you’ve got the makings of a tomato buffet. This dirt-cheap DIY fertilizer gives your plants everything they need—with zero waste and maximum flavor in your harvest.
2. DIY Fertilizer for Leafy Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Garden Tea)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Soak Time: 24–48 hours
Total Time: 1–2 days
Cost: Less than $0.50 per gallon
Feeds: Up to 8 leafy green plants
Storage: Use within 2–3 days after straining
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce are nitrogen lovers. To grow big, beautiful leaves, they need a steady supply of this essential nutrient. Skip the pricey garden store and brew your own liquid gold using scraps and clippings you already have at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup used coffee grounds (nitrogen boost and soil texture enhancer)
- 2 cups fresh grass clippings (fast-release nitrogen source)
- 1 tablespoon molasses (feeds soil microbes for healthy plant roots)
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- Add coffee grounds, grass clippings, and molasses to a large bucket or container.
- Pour in 1 gallon of water and stir well.
- Let the mixture sit uncovered for 24–48 hours to steep.
- Strain out solids using a mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Use the liquid to water leafy greens at the base—avoid splashing the leaves.
Cost Breakdown (approximate)
- Used coffee grounds: free
- Grass clippings: free
- Molasses: $0.25
- Water: free or negligible
Total per gallon: $0.25–$0.40
Storage Tips
Use immediately after straining for best results. If needed, store in a sealed container in a cool spot for up to 3 days. Stir or shake before each use.
Extra Tips
- Don’t go overboard with coffee grounds—too much can make the soil too acidic over time.
- For larger batches, double or triple the recipe in a rain barrel or 5-gallon bucket.
- You can compost the strained-out solids or dig them into garden beds.
Nutrition for Your Garden
- Nitrogen (coffee + grass): Promotes lush, leafy growth
- Carbohydrates (molasses): Feeds beneficial microbes in the soil
- Organic matter: Improves water retention and soil structure
Your leafy greens don’t want fancy fertilizer—they just want a strong cup of compost tea. This homemade blend is high in nitrogen, easy on the wallet, and totally garden-party approved.
3. DIY Fertilizer for Root Vegetables (Ash & Eggshell Root Booster)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free to under $0.25 per batch
Feeds: Enough for 6–8 root vegetable plants
Storage: Store in a dry container until use
Carrots, beets, and radishes don’t ask for much—just some good soil, regular watering, and a boost of phosphorus and potassium to grow strong, plump roots. This quick and easy DIY fertilizer uses two common kitchen and yard scraps to do the job naturally and frugally.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wood ash (adds potassium and trace minerals)
- ½ cup crushed eggshells (slow-release calcium + phosphorus)
Instructions
- Collect clean, cool wood ash from a fireplace or fire pit (untreated, unpainted wood only).
- Crush eggshells into a fine powder using a food processor, mortar and pestle, or rolling pin.
- Mix wood ash and eggshells together in a bowl or container.
- At planting time, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture into each planting hole.
- Mix gently into the top few inches of soil before adding seeds or seedlings.
Cost Breakdown (approximate)
- Wood ash: free (from a home fire pit or wood stove)
- Eggshells: free
Total per batch: Free to $0.25 (if buying eggshells or sourcing ash)
Storage Tips
Store the dry mix in a lidded container or old jar in a cool, dry place. It will last indefinitely if kept moisture-free.
Extra Tips
- Only use ash from untreated, clean wood—no glossy paper, painted lumber, or charcoal briquettes.
- Avoid using near acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, or potatoes.
- Combine with compost or aged manure for an even more balanced soil mix.
Nutrition for Your Garden
- Potassium (wood ash): Supports strong root development and disease resistance
- Phosphorus (eggshells): Encourages deep root systems and nutrient uptake
- Calcium (eggshells): Prevents root cracking and strengthens plant cell walls
Why spend big bucks on root veggie fertilizer when your fireplace and breakfast plate already did the shopping? This DIY blend goes straight to the root of the problem—and gets results from the ground up.
4. DIY Fertilizer for Herbs (Balanced Boost for Flavorful Growth)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Around $1.00 per batch
Feeds: Up to 10 herb plants
Storage: Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days
Whether you’re growing basil on the windowsill or parsley in raised beds, herbs thrive with a gentle, balanced fertilizer. This DIY mix gives them everything they need—without overfeeding or damaging delicate roots. It’s budget-friendly, nutrient-rich, and easy enough to whip up with items you probably already have.
Ingredients
- 1 cup compost (adds organic matter and slow-release nutrients)
- ½ cup worm castings (gentle nitrogen source with beneficial microbes)
- 1 tablespoon fish emulsion (fast-acting, well-balanced fertilizer)
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- In a large bucket or watering can, mix compost, worm castings, and fish emulsion.
- Add 1 gallon of water and stir until well blended.
- Let sit for 15–30 minutes to allow nutrients to release.
- Use the liquid to water herbs at the base, once a month during the growing season.
Cost Breakdown (approximate)
- Compost: free (if homemade) or $0.25
- Worm castings: $0.50 per half-cup
- Fish emulsion: $0.25 per tablespoon
Total per gallon: Around $1.00
Storage Tips
For best results, mix fresh each time. If needed, store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before each use.
Extra Tips
- Don’t overfeed—herbs prefer light, regular nutrition.
- Apply in the morning to avoid burning leaves on hot days.
- Use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid splashing the foliage.
Nutrition for Your Garden
- Nitrogen (worm castings + fish emulsion): Promotes lush, leafy herb growth
- Phosphorus & Potassium (fish emulsion): Supports flavor, root strength, and stress resistance
- Microbes (compost + castings): Improve soil health and nutrient absorption
Healthy herbs are the secret to flavorful meals—so treat them to this gourmet soil snack. It’s easy, affordable, and totally herb-approved.
5. Compost Tea: A Liquid DIY Fertilizer (Garden Superbrew)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steep Time: 24–48 hours
Total Time: 1–2 days
Cost: Free to under $0.25 per batch
Feeds: Up to 10 garden plants
Storage: Use immediately after straining
Looking for a quick nutrient boost for your veggies? Compost tea is like an energy drink for your garden. It’s rich in beneficial microbes, minerals, and nutrients that can be absorbed through roots or leaves—making it ideal for peppers, cucumbers, squash, and just about everything in your garden.
Ingredients
- 1 part compost (homemade or bagged organic)
- 5 parts water (rainwater is best, but tap works too)
Example: 1 cup compost + 5 cups water for small batches
Instructions
- Add compost and water to a large bucket or container.
- Stir well and let the mixture steep uncovered for 24 to 48 hours. Stir occasionally to activate the microbes.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth, mesh, or a fine sieve.
- Use immediately as a foliar spray or soil drench around your plants.
Cost Breakdown (approximate)
- Compost: free (homemade) or $0.25 (store-bought)
- Water: free or negligible
Total per batch: $0–$0.25
Storage Tips
Use your compost tea right after straining for the best microbial activity. If absolutely needed, store in a sealed container for no more than 24 hours. Stir before using.
Extra Tips
- Apply early in the morning or late in the day to avoid sunburn if spraying leaves.
- Don’t use compost tea on edible leaves right before harvesting—give it a few days.
- For added nutrients, toss in a tablespoon of unsulfured molasses while steeping.
Nutrition for Your Garden
- Nitrogen: For strong leaf growth
- Phosphorus & Potassium: To boost flowering and fruit production
- Beneficial Microbes: Enhance soil health and plant resilience
Best For:
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens
- Most common vegetables
Why pour chemicals when you can steep compost like a garden barista? Compost tea is the ultimate organic brew your plants will sip up—fast, free, and full of life.
Other Homemade Fertilizers Worth Trying
🐟 Aquarium Water
Contains nitrogen and other minerals from fish waste. Perfect for houseplants and herbs.
Use: Replace one regular watering with used aquarium water weekly.
🍺 Stale Beer or Flat Soda
Provides sugars and nutrients that feed beneficial microbes in the soil.
Use: Mix 1 cup beer or soda with 1 gallon water. Water plants once a month.
Composting: The King of DIY Fertilizer
If you have space, a compost bin is a fantastic way to create a continuous supply of DIY fertilizer from kitchen and yard waste. Compost enriches soil structure, helps with water retention, and provides a balanced nutrient profile for most edible plants.
What to Compost:
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags (without plastic)
- Crushed eggshells
- Paper towels and napkins
- Grass clippings
- Dry leaves
Not compostable: Dairy, meat, oily foods, plastic, diseased plants.
Best Countertop Compost Bin for Indoors
EPICA Stainless Steel Indoor Compost Bin with Charcoal Filter (1.3 Gallon)
Managing food waste is easier (and cleaner) than ever with the EPICA Stainless Steel Indoor Compost Bin. Designed for modern kitchens, this compact bin sits right on your countertop, collecting peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more—without the mess or odor.
Why You’ll Love It:
The 1.3-gallon capacity is perfect for daily use, while the built-in charcoal filter traps odors naturally—so you won’t smell yesterday’s scraps every time you walk into the kitchen. Made from high-grade stainless steel, it resists rust, leaks, and stains, and looks sleek enough to leave out in plain sight. The lid seals tight to lock in smells, and the filter lasts for months before needing replacement.
Perfect for: Eco-minded home cooks, zero-waste households, and anyone looking to reduce landfill waste without sacrificing style or space.
🌱 Compost with confidence—this stylish bin controls odors and keeps your kitchen clean while helping you cut food waste.
👉 Shop the EPICA Indoor Compost Bin on Amazon
Bokashi: A Quick Indoor Fertilizer Method
If you’re looking for a simple, smell-free way to compost indoors—even meat and dairy—Bokashi composting might be your perfect solution. This Japanese method uses fermentation, not decomposition, to transform food waste into nutrient-rich pre-compost that’s ready for your garden in just weeks.
What You’ll Need:
- A Bokashi composting bin (with spigot and airtight lid)
- Bokashi bran (inoculated with beneficial microbes)
- Food scraps (including meat, dairy, veggies, and grains)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Start with a Clean Bin
Place your Bokashi bin in a convenient indoor spot, like under the kitchen sink. Make sure the spigot is closed before you begin.
2. Add Food Scraps
Chop larger scraps into smaller pieces to speed up fermentation. Add a 1–2 inch layer of food waste to the bottom of the bin. You can add almost any kitchen scrap—even bones, cheese, and cooked leftovers. Avoid too much liquid and moldy food.
3. Sprinkle Bokashi Bran
After each layer of food, sprinkle about 1–2 tablespoons of Bokashi bran evenly over the surface. This bran is loaded with beneficial microbes that kickstart the fermentation process and help control odor.
4. Press and Seal
Use a plate or press to compact the food layer and remove air pockets. Then seal the lid tightly. Bokashi is an anaerobic process, so oxygen is the enemy here. Each time you add scraps, repeat the layering and sealing steps.
5. Drain the Liquid
Every few days, use the spigot to drain the “Bokashi tea.” This liquid can be diluted (1 tablespoon per quart of water) and used as a fertilizer for houseplants or poured down drains to reduce odors and build-up.
6. Let It Ferment
Once the bucket is full, seal it and let it sit for 10–14 days. Keep it in a warm, dark place. You may notice a sweet-sour or pickled smell—this means the fermentation is working.
7. Bury or Compost the Pre-Compost
After fermenting, the contents won’t look broken down, but they’re ready for the next step. Bury the mixture directly in garden soil or add it to a compost pile. In 2–4 weeks, it breaks down completely, enriching the soil with microbes and nutrients.
Bokashi composting is a fast, clean, and space-saving way to turn kitchen waste into garden gold—even indoors. With just a few simple steps, you’ll reduce food waste and create your own powerful fertilizer.
Tips for Using DIY Fertilizer Safely and Effectively
- Balance your nutrients: Use a mix of nitrogen (greens), phosphorus (fruit/flower), and potassium (overall health).
- Don’t over-fertilize: Too much of a good thing can harm roots and stunt plant growth.
- Test your soil: A basic soil test kit can help identify what nutrients your soil lacks.
👉 Soil Test Kit for Home Garden – Affordable and easy to use.
FAQ: DIY Fertilizer Basics
How often should I apply DIY fertilizer?
Most DIY fertilizers can be applied every 2–4 weeks, depending on the growth stage of your plants.
Can I use DIY fertilizer for indoor plants?
Yes! Just go lighter on quantity and avoid strong-smelling ingredients like fish emulsion indoors.
What if I don’t compost?
Start small! Even burying a banana peel or using coffee grounds makes a difference.
The Power of DIY Fertilizer
Making your own DIY fertilizer is one of the best ways to reduce waste, save money, and grow thriving edible plants. With just a few simple ingredients—banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and veggie scraps—you can feed your garden with nutrient-rich blends tailored to each plant’s needs.
So, before you toss those kitchen scraps, ask yourself: Could this help my tomatoes grow bigger? Could it boost my spinach yield? Chances are, the answer is yes.
Have a favorite DIY fertilizer recipe? Share it in the comments!
