When it comes to fertilizing flowers, there are a lot of different opinions out there. Some people swear by Miracle-Gro, while others think that organic compost is the way to go. But what about dog poop? Is it a good fertilizer for flowers? The answer may surprise you!
Is Dog Poop Good Fertilizer For Flowers?
Dog poop is good fertilizer for flowers when part of a compost mixture. Simply mix it with straw, vegetable waste, grass, and/or leaves. This combination provides essential nutrients that flowers need to thrive, like nitrogen and phosphorus.
However, dog poop can also contain harmful bacteria that can make people and pets sick, so it’s important to compost it properly before using it on your flowers.
Fresh poop contains harmful pathogens and bacteria that not only cause harm but also attract pests and disease. So, while dog poop is good fertilizer for flowers, be sure to compost it first to ensure the safety of your family and pets!
How to Compost Dog Poop for Plants?
To compost dog poop, bury it in a pile of other organic matter and leave it for a few months to break down. Once it’s finished composting, you can spread it around your flower beds. Just be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it!
It’s also important to avoid applying dog poop to any vegetables that you plan to eat. No one wants to eat poop, no matter how well-composted it is!
To make an effective dog poop compost mix, you will first need to gather a range of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. Here’s a list of items that you can use:
- Vegetable waste (nitrogen)
- Commercial fertilizer (nitrogen)
- Fish scraps (nitrogen)
- Green grass clippings (nitrogen)
- Animal manure (nitrogen)
- Fallen leaves (carbon)
- Newspaper shreddings (carbon)
- Chopped hay or straw (carbon)
- Sawdust (carbon)
It’s also handy to have a thermometer, bin, moisture meter, and shovel. This will help you to monitor the temperature and moisture levels of your compost pile, which is important for effective composting.
To start, simply layer your ingredients in a bin or pile, making sure to alternate between nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. Once you’ve got a good mix going, water it down and cover it with a tarp.
Leave your compost pile for at least two months, turning it every few days to help aerate it. After two months, your compost should be ready to use! Simply spread it around your flower beds and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, healthy flowers.
How to Add Dog Poop Fertilizer to Flowers?
Now that you know how to compost dog poop, it’s time to learn how to use it on your flowers.
When adding dog poop fertilizer to flowers, be sure to use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Also, avoid applying it to any vegetables that you plan to eat.
Simple layer 2-3 inches of dog poop compost around your flower beds. Use a fork or shovel to gently mix it into the topsoil. Water well and wait to see how your plants respond!
You may need to adjust the amount of dog poop fertilizer that you use depending on the type of plants and flowers that you have. For example, more delicate flowers may only need a small amount, while heartier plants can handle a bit more. Pay attention to your plants and make adjustments as needed.
Why Fresh Poop Shouldn’t be Used
Fresh dog poop should never be used on flowers or other plants. Let’s find out why…
1. Acidic
While cow manure is relatively neutral, dog manure is slightly acidic, which is why it shouldn’t be used as fertilizer on its own. This can cause problems for plants, especially if the soil is already on the acidic side.
2. Slow to break down
Dog poop takes longer to break down than other types of manure, so it’s best to compost it before using it on your flowers. Otherwise, you run the risk of harming your plants.
3. Parasites can be present
There are a number of parasites that can be found in dog poop, including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. These parasites can infect humans and animals if they come into contact with the feces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog poop is good fertilizer for flowers when it’s part of a compost mixture. However, it’s important to compost it properly before using it on your plants to avoid harming them. And, as always, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog poop! Thank you for reading.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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