| Name | Source | When to Use | Positives | Negatives |
|---|
| Compost | Decomposed organic matter | General soil enrichment, before planting or as a top dressing | Improves soil structure, adds nutrients, eco-friendly | Takes time to make, can attract pests if not well-maintained |
| Worm Castings | Earthworm castings | During planting or as a top dressing for added nutrients | Nutrient-dense, helps plants absorb nutrients efficiently | Can be expensive in large quantities, slower release |
| Bone Meal | Ground animal bones | During planting, especially for bulbs and flowering plants | High in phosphorus, promotes root and flower growth | Slow release, not suitable for quick results |
| Blood Meal | Dried animal blood | At the start of the growing season for nitrogen-loving plants | Rich in nitrogen, boosts rapid growth and green foliage | Can burn plants if over-applied, strong odor |
| Fish Emulsion | Fish waste | As a liquid feed during active growth | Balanced nutrients, quick uptake, versatile for beds or containers | Strong odor, must be diluted, may be expensive |
| Seaweed Extract | Seaweed | Throughout the growing season for stress tolerance and root growth | Improves stress tolerance, rich in minerals and hormones | Low in major nutrients, primarily a plant stimulant |
| Manure | Animal waste | Before planting to enrich soil in large garden beds | Improves soil texture, adds organic matter, nutrient-rich | Can introduce weeds or pathogens if not composted properly |
| Chicken Manure | Chicken droppings | As a compost amendment or after composting | Nutrient-rich, quick-acting | Strong odor, needs composting to avoid burning plants |
| Steer Manure | Cattle manure | Before planting or as a top dressing | Slow-release, improves soil structure | Can be heavy and difficult to spread, may introduce weeds |
