I have created my own mix of organic fertilisers that are equivalent in strength to John Innes base fertiliser n-p-k. As they are organic they are naturally slow releasing and only need to applied once a year if that.

I use only sustainable organic waste stream products as fertilisers (and they were processed in a 100% solar powered facility). Hoof & horn and bone meal are byproducts of the meat industry, and vinasse is a byproduct of the brewing industry (admittedly, if you’re a vegetarian non drinker, you might be better off with a nettle brew but that needs to be made regularly to keep it fresh)

Hoof and horn meal (13-0-0) has a Nitrogen content akin to that of blood meal but its nutrient release is more gradual, which is better for organic cultivation as it encourages less soft growth which is prone to insect attack.. This slower availability also reduces the risk of leaf burn damage and it also contains phosphorus. Its nutrient release typically commences within 4-6 weeks, extending its benefits over a span of up to 12 months.

Bone meal (3.5-18-0) is high in a slow releasing phosphoruswhich is essential for root development, flower growth and stress resistance.

Vinasse (0-0-37) is a byproduct of the fermentation process used in the production of alcohol, It has significant levels of sulphur and nutrients, including various micronutrients, and a little nitrogen and phosphorus, but is especially high in potassium which is required for overall plant health.

I don’t have the facility to test the final npk ratio, so for reference I mix the ingredients in a ratio of 1:2:2. This gives an estimated npk ratio of 6.6 -18 -19. the potassium and phosphate seem a lot higher than a traditional John Innes base fertiliser (5 -7-10)but as we are utilising organic ingredients the release speed is much much slower and the recommendation is to double the strength.

I would apply 80 – 100g per square meter for normal purposes as required, but would also recommend improving the soil first with compost, or simply waiting to see if your soil is already rich enough in nutrients. If applying to container plants, firstly add some soil to the container to get some good microbial action going to be able to process the organic ingredients, and then add

young plants: 3g per litre of compost

medium strength: 6g per litre

Established plants/heavy feeders: 9g per litre

0.95 KG measured and then packed in a Kraft brown paper bag for sustainability.