How to Make Fermented Plant Juice (Organic Fertilizer)

Organic gardening is really fun because you can produce delicious veggies naturally right from your garden. The most common source of organic matter is compost. But there are times that you can't make your own compost and there are times when you don't have enough organic matter to fertilize your garden. There are liquid fertilizers available in garden stores. These can be a substitute to regular application of compost, but organic liquid fertilizer is quite expensive, especially if you have plenty of plants to fertilize.

Steps

Download Article

Example: 1 kg. plant materials, 1 kg. brown sugar, 1 gallon (3.8 L) water. This can be reduced, just remember the ratio.
Mix the materials together until the sugar is dissolved in water.
Advertisement
^{[1]XResearch source}
Make sure the container won't be disturbed.^{[2]XResearch source}
5
Leave the container for about a week. Do not disturb or move it as much as possible.^{[3]XResearch source}
- A week later, you will notice molds growing on the surface. The liquid will have a sweet-sour smell. It may be disturbing but its worth it. It is a sign that beneficial bacteria has inhabited the liquid.
Leave enough space for the bacteria to breathe. The solid materials can be placed into the compost pile, if you have. Otherwise, throw it in the trash.^{[4]XResearch source}
^{[5]XResearch source}
10
Application: Mix 1 cup of the liquid to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of chemical-free water. It is best applied early in the morning or late afternoon. Use the diluted liquid to water the plants at their bases.
- For most plants, apply the diluted FPJ at least once a week.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Can I use white sugar? And what are plant materials?
Ninox
Top Answerer
You can use white sugar, but brown or crude sugar is better because it gives elements to bacteria that help them to grow. Concerning the plants, you must use Nitrogen-rich parts like stems and leaves of pea, bean, lentil, soya or peanuts.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 16
Question
What difference does it make if the plant juice is stored in a light vs. dark area?
Community Answer
Light, air, and heat are the enemy of nutrients. Store your juice in a cold dark area in an airtight container.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 5 Helpful 8
Question
Can I add sugar cane juice instead of water and sugar?
Community Answer
You can, but it won't give you the same osmotic pressure as granular sugar.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If you want to make sure that the plants have a steady supply of nutrients, you can apply half strength (1/4 cup FPJ per gallon of water). This is applied everyday.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
FPJ can also be used to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter in a compost pile. If so, sprinkle undiluted FPJ on the compost. It also improves the nutrient content of the compost.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0
Shake the FPJ at least once a week to bring air to the bacteria and to avoid settling of the organic matter.
Thanks
Helpful0 Not Helpful0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

The smell of the liquid is quite disturbing, especially when straining the solids.
Thanks
Helpful17 Not Helpful8

Things You'll Need

Raw Materials:
Plant parts of fast growing plants (legumes have plenty of Nitrogen)
Brown Sugar/ Crude Sugar/ Molasses
Chlorine-free water
Other Materials:
A large plastic container, large enough to contain 1 gallon (3.8 L) water(e.g. bucket)
A piece of cloth
Rubber Band
Plastic Bottles w/ cap (1L soda bottles, gallon bottles, etc.)
Strainer
Funnel
Measuring Cup (optional)