How I Fertilize My Garden in Spring — Naturally & Organically
Share
"Feeding the soil is feeding the future."
🌱 Spring Fertilizing: Feeding the Garden, Feeding the Soil
There’s something sacred about the first warm days of spring — that smell of thawing earth, the early green shoots, and the urge to dig in. This is the season I begin waking up my garden with a gentle, organic feeding routine that supports not just the plants, but the soil, the microbes, and the planet.
Every spring, I give some love to everything that grows — perennials, shrubs, trees, and raised beds — using natural, non-toxic fertilizers that build soil health and won't burn or shock any existing plants. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.
🐓 My Fertilizer Line-Up (All Organic, All Gentle)
I’ve found a rhythm that works beautifully using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. These amendments are packed with nutrients and beneficial organisms, and they’re safe for kids, pets, pollinators, and the planet.
🍃 Local Manure
I source well-aged manure from a lovely neighbor — the same one I get my farm-fresh eggs from. Aged properly, manure is rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure. It's one of the most complete fertilizers nature has to offer and won’t burn plant roots like synthetic options can. Talk to people in your community, many people keep chickens or have animals like rabbits in a hutch. The bedding and material from these enclosures is waste to these people and many are happy to give it to you for free!
🪱 Worm Castings
These little granules of worm magic are my secret weapon. They’re full of beneficial microbes, enzymes, and gentle nutrients. Worm castings help plants absorb what they need while improving soil texture and water retention. I just got a new set-up to help aid my worm casting farming. There are many different "worm farm or worm compost systems" available online for a reasonable price. I will keep everyone updated on how I set mine up, what it cost, how it works, etc. in the coming months.
🌿 Compost (Homegrown or Local)
Good compost is the backbone of healthy soil. I use my own when I have enough, and supplement with locally-made compost if I need more. It feeds the soil slowly over time and helps everything — from veggies to flowers — thrive without stress.
🍄 Mushroom Compost
This is a favorite addition for texture and water retention. It’s light, fluffy, and full of mycelial goodness. I like to use it in raised beds and around fruit trees where water management is key.
🐟 Fish Emulsion
It might smell like the docks, but plants absolutely love it. I water it in around the base of plants to give them a quick nitrogen kick. It’s especially helpful in early spring when growth is just starting. Bonus: it’s super gentle and won’t burn tender new roots.
☕ Coffee Grounds: A Perky Boost
Once I’ve worked in the organic matter, I sprinkle used coffee grounds over the beds. They add nitrogen, organic matter, and a fine texture that worms adore. Coffee grounds are best used in moderation — I never pile them thick — but as a top dressing, they give the soil a great little nudge toward productivity.
🌾 Mulch: The Final Blanket
Finally, I tuck everything in with a layer of straw or wood chip mulch. This locks in moisture, protects soil life, and prevents weeds. Over time, it breaks down and becomes part of the soil ecosystem. I consider mulch the finishing touch — it makes everything look tidy while quietly feeding the garden from the top down.
🌼 Why I Fertilize This Way
-
🌱 It’s gentle and safe. None of these materials will burn your plants, even delicate seedlings or perennials just waking up from dormancy.
-
🐝 It’s pollinator- and planet-friendly. No synthetic chemicals, no runoff issues, and no harm to the bees, birds, or microbes that call my garden home.
-
🌍 It’s circular. By using compost, manure, and organic waste like coffee grounds, I’m closing the loop and reducing waste.
-
🧡 It builds resilience. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants, which are more drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and productive.
🪴 What Gets Fed in Spring?
-
Perennials: They’ve been sleeping all winter, and a spring feeding helps them leap into the growing season.
-
Shrubs & Trees: Especially younger ones, which benefit from nutrients around the root zone (not right up against the trunk).
-
Raised Beds: My veggies and herbs need a strong, steady foundation. I prep the beds before planting with rich organic layers.
🌸 Ready to Start?
You don’t need anything fancy — just compost, time, and maybe a good neighbor with some chickens. Try layering your fertilizers like I do this spring and see the difference healthy soil makes.
Final Thoughts
Spring fertilizing doesn’t have to mean complicated soil tests or synthetic fertilizers. With a little effort, some community-sourced materials, and a bit of compost magic, you can create a thriving, chemical-free garden that rewards you all season long. 🌸
Whether you’re growing food, flowers, or a bit of both — this method works beautifully for almost every plant and every type of soil. It’s not just about feeding the plants. It’s about building a living, breathing ecosystem right beneath your feet.