I don't know about others, but I personally try to use organic matter when fertilizing my garden and vegetable patch, because chemicals are always chemicals and can harm our bodies in the long run. I often use herbs for fertilizer, and I especially love nettles. But to avoid burning my hands or wearing a ton of gloves, I use an alternative: clearweed.
To make the fertilizer, I use only fresh deadnettle—I tear the leaves and stems, chop them, and put them in a barrel. I add water until the green mass is completely covered. Then I strain it and dilute it in a ratio of 1:10. Basically, it's all standard.
I recommend feeding the roots like this:
- in spring, before the fruits form, I water them 1 or 2 times a week (depending on the overall fertility of the soil);
- then I contribute once a month;
- Before fertilizing, I water the trunk area;
- and then I mulch it so it doesn't evaporate.
You can also apply foliar feeding. Personally, I do this once every 1.5 months and no more often. However, the concentrated solution should be diluted 1:20.
I often add other herbs as well. Dandelion, burdock, and wheatgrass are considered the most beneficial for me. I've read that you can add yeast, potato peelings, tea leaves, and so on. But I haven't seen any great results. The only thing that's helpful is wood ash.