How to Make Fermented Plant Juice (Organic Fertilizer)

Last Updated: November 5, 2020 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

1
Combine the raw materials (see Things You'll Need below) in a 1:1:1 ratio. Example: 1 kg. plant materials, 1 kg. brown sugar, 1 gallon (3.8 L) water. This can be reduced, just remember the ratio.
2
Place the materials in a large water-proof container. Mix the materials together until the sugar is dissolved in water.

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3
Cover the container with a piece of cloth and secure with a rubber band.^{[1]
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4
Place the container in a quiet, cool and shaded location (such as a garage). Make sure the container won't be disturbed.^{[2]
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5
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.
6
Mix the liquid thoroughly with a stick.
7
Strain the liquid into a large plastic bottle, using a strainer. Leave enough space for the bacteria to breath. The solid materials can be placed into the compost pile, if you have. Otherwise, throw it in the trash.^{[4]
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8
Put the bottle cap loosely on to allow air to enter.^{[5]
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9
Place the bottle in a dark, protected area such as a garage.
10
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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Community Q&A

Question

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

Ninox

Top Answerer

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.
Question

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

Community Answer

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

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

Community Answer

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

What are the references used for this project?

Community Answer

Miller, S. A., David, M., Ikedal, E. W. E., & Kim, C. S. (2013). Natural Farming: fermented plant juice. Tropical Agriculture and Human Resouces, 2, 1-7.
Question

How can I make it smell better?

Zac Ramage

Community Answer

Molasses (pure sugar cane) can be used to help the preservation of FPJ. The sugar keeps the bacteria alive, and it should improve the smell.
Question

What are plant materials?

Community Answer

Plant materials are bits of the plant like leaves and stems. Basically, anything that is green. Fruits can also be used to make a tea high in PK.
Question

How long will fermented plant juice remain effective if I store it?

Community Answer

It can be stored between 6 - 12 months in a cool dark place. Avoid heat and light to keep it as long as possible. If it starts smelling bad, it is spoiled, so chuck it down the toilet at that point.
Question

Should I put my fermented plant juice in an air tight container?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. The bacteria needs oxygen and the gasses released need to escape.

Warnings

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

Thanks!
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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)