Using horn shavings as a natural fertilizer in your garden is a traditional organic gardening practice. Horn shavings, also known as horn meal or hoof and horn, are a slow-release source of nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Here’s how you can use horn shavings effectively as a natural fertilizer:
- Select High-Quality Horn Shavings:
- Ensure that the horn shavings are from a reputable source to guarantee their quality and avoid any contamination with chemicals or pathogens.
- Timing of Application:
- Apply horn shavings during the late fall or early spring, several weeks before planting or when your plants are actively growing.
- Preparing the Soil:
- Before applying horn shavings, prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil. You can either spread the shavings on the soil surface and lightly incorporate them into the soil or dig a small trench and mix them into the bottom of the trench before planting.
- Application Rate:
- The recommended application rate may vary depending on your specific plants and soil conditions, but a general guideline is to apply about 1-2 pounds of horn shavings per 100 square feet (follow package instructions). Avoid overapplication, as excessive nitrogen can harm plants.
- Watering:
- Water the garden bed thoroughly after applying horn shavings to help the slow release of nitrogen into the soil.
- Slow Release Nitrogen:
- Horn shavings decompose gradually over time, releasing nitrogen into the soil. This slow-release nature makes them suitable for plants that require a steady supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season.
- Monitor Plant Health:
- Keep an eye on your plants to ensure they are receiving the appropriate amount of nitrogen. If you observe signs of nutrient deficiency (e.g., yellowing leaves), you may need to supplement with additional fertilizers.
- Reapplication:
- Horn shavings are typically effective for one growing season, so you may need to reapply them annually to maintain soil fertility.
- Complementary Fertilizers:
- In addition to horn shavings, consider using other natural fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure to provide a broader spectrum of nutrients to your plants.
It’s important to note that horn shavings primarily supply nitrogen and have minimal phosphorus and potassium. Depending on your soil and the specific needs of your plants, you may need to supplement with other organic fertilizers to provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients.
As with any gardening practice, conducting a soil test can help you determine the specific nutrient requirements of your garden, allowing you to adjust your fertilization strategy accordingly.
What else to consider
It makes sense to stop fertilizing four weeks before the actual harvest. This is mainly due to the nitrogen. If you fertilize late and just before harvest, the plant absorbs large amounts of the substance, which causes the nitrogen to enter our nutritional system. While nitrogen is not directly toxic to the human body, it becomes a problem in excess, as it does in nature, because nitrogen deprives oxygen.
While horn shavings and horn meal are good ways to fertilize one’s plants, using them alone might not always be enough. In addition to the nitrogen created, the plant could need other fertilizers. Pet owners should watch out for their four-legged friends when they are around. Since dogs like horn shavings, they may dig up their bed to get to the shavings. However, a few treats will certainly remedy the situation.
