Finding and Using Organic Fertilizers: Local Sources, Alfalfa Meal, Sugar, and DIY Herbal Pest Control

Where to Buy

• Texas: Calloway's Nursery (good organic line).
• Most large nurseries now carry organics.
• Miracle-Gro offers organic potting soil and fertilizers.
• Feed stores: alfalfa meal (40 lb bag, inexpensive).

Alfalfa Meal Uses

• Tea: 1 cup meal + 5 gal water, steep overnight. Strain for sprayer. 1 qt on large pots, 1 pt on small. Promotes blooms & foliage.
• Broadcast: Scatter on lawn/beds, water in. Nutrients release with each watering.

Sugar Program

1 lb table sugar per 250 sq ft, spring and fall. Water deeply. No spreader needed—hand-broadcast in sweeping arcs. Imperial brand for table; cheapest for lawn. Microbes aren't gourmets.

Indoor Herbal Pest Control

• Rosemary: shelves, under appliances.
• Lavender: closets, under beds, room spray, bath salts.
• Cedar oil: closet rods, baseboards.
• Basil: cooking + insect repellent.

DIY Lavender Bath Salts & Carpet Dust

Epsom salts + lavender oil + food coloring in glass jars. Fine-grind salts for carpet dust. Lavender scent aids sleep; on stuffed toys, calms babies.