Making the organic fertilizer

To concoct the fertilizer mix, measure out all materials by volume: that is, by the scoop, bucketful, jarful, etc. Proportions that vary by 10 percent either way will be close enough, but do not attempt to make this formula by weight. An old 5-gallon plastic bucket will allow you to stir up about 14 quarts.

Mix uniformly, in parts by volume:

4 parts seed meal

1/4 part ordinary agricultural lime, best finely ground

1/4 part gypsum (or double the agricultural lime)

1/2 part dolomitic lime

Plus, for best results:

1 part bone meal, rock phosphate or high-phosphate guano

1/2 to 1 part kelp meal (or 1 part basalt dust)

This recipe is inexpensive when judged by its results. Farm feed and grain dealers are the best sources for large bags of seed meals, which are typically used to feed livestock. The other ingredients usually can be found at garden shops, although they probably will be sold in smaller quantities at higher prices per pound. You may find the best prices by mail order or on the Internet.

Applying the fertilizer mix

Once a year, before planting, uniformly spread this mix and finished compost over your growing area. For light feeders, such as carrots, radishes or onions, apply 4 quarts of fertilizer, plus about a quarter inch of compost, per 100 square feet. For heavy feeders, such as corn, potatoes, squash or tomatoes, apply six quarts and a half-inch of compost over the same areas. If you're planting in hills, mix an additional cup of fertilizer into each. Gardeners dealing with heavy clay soils should apply more compost and about 50 percent more fertilizer.

During the growing season, sprinkle small amounts of fertilizer around medium- and high-demand vegetables every three to four weeks, thinly covering the area that the roots will grow into. As a rough guide, side-dress about 4 to 6 additional quarts total per 100 square feet of bed during a crop cycle.

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