How to Make Fermented Plant Juice (Organic Fertilizer)

Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: February 10, 2023 Approved

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

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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.

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Make sure the container won't be disturbed.^{[2]
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Leave the container for about a week. Do not disturb or move it as much as possible.^{[3]
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- 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]
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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.

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Question

Can I use white sugar? And what are plant materials?

Ninox

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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.

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What difference does it make if the plant juice is stored in a light vs. dark area?

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Light, air, and heat are the enemy of nutrients. Store your juice in a cold dark area in an airtight container.

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Can I add sugar cane juice instead of water and sugar?

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You can, but it won't give you the same osmotic pressure as granular sugar.

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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.

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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.

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Shake the FPJ at least once a week to bring air to the bacteria and to avoid settling of the organic matter.

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Warnings

The smell of the liquid is quite disturbing, especially when straining the solids.

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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)