Bird droppings instantaneously act as a viable substitute for all fertilizer usage.
Bring life to your garden with a traditional Russian fertilizer
In the world of gardening, finding effective and eco-friendly solutions is essential. One such solution comes from a traditional Russian method, known as "Boltushka" (also spelled "boltushka"). This homemade natural fertilizer, made from bird droppings, can help boost soil fertility and plant growth.
How to Prepare "Boltushka" from Bird Droppings
To prepare "Boltushka", you'll need fresh or dried bird droppings (usually from pigeons or chickens), water, a bucket or container, and a strainer or cloth for filtering.
- Collect bird droppings: Use fresh or dried droppings from birds such as pigeons, chickens, or other common poultry. Avoid droppings from wild birds that might carry diseases.
- Mix with water: In a bucket, add about 1 part bird droppings to 10 parts water. For example, 1 kg of droppings with 10 liters of water.
- Stir thoroughly: Mix the droppings in the water to create a suspension. This mixture usually looks cloudy or muddy.
- Let it steep: Allow the mixture to sit for 3-5 days. Stir it once or twice daily. This helps release nutrients into the water, making it easier for plants to absorb.
- Strain the liquid: After steeping, strain the mixture through a cloth or fine sieve to remove solid particles. The resulting liquid is your fertilizer "boltushka."
- Dilute if necessary: Depending on plant sensitivity, dilute the strained solution further with water, usually at a ratio of 1:5 or 1:10 before use.
How to Use "Boltushka"
Once prepared, "Boltushka" can be used in various ways to nourish your plants.
- Foliar feed: Spray the diluted "boltushka" solution directly on leaves as a foliar fertilizer. This provides nutrients quickly to plants.
- Soil drench: Pour the solution around the base of plants to enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Frequency: Use every 1-2 weeks during the growing season for the best effect.
Caution
While "Boltushka" offers numerous benefits, it's essential to handle it with care.
- Bird droppings can harbor pathogens. Always handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after preparation.
- Avoid using on edible plants close to harvest time unless the mixture is properly aged and diluted.
- Store any leftover solution in a sealed container in a cool place and use within a week.
Gardening enthusiasts can incorporate the traditional Russian fertilizer "Boltushka" into their home-and-garden lifestyle to boost plant growth. After preparing "Boltushka" from bird droppings, it can be used as a foliar feed, soil drench, or even as a lifestyle choice to promote a sustainable gardening lifestyle.
