Since human bodily fluids are most usually discarded as 'waste', it might be initially shocking to embrace the thought of using them in the garden, especially a kitchen garden. Cultural conditioning is responsible for any initial resistance, especially when considering that humans are usually already comfortable using or consuming food that used not just the urine, but feces of other animals (like cows, horses, chickens, sheep and so on), for growing even the softest greens and vegetables. Humans have made thriving gardening commercial ventures of 'blood meal', ie the processed blood of cows and pigs after their slaughter.
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So I ask; why not use our own body fluids, especially when we already trust what we eat? Why? We can add this rich nitrogen sources without hurting animal life from the more cost effective convenience of our own home. By using urine or period blood, we also save water in the bathroom by not flushing them down the toilet and or washing them down a drain. Heck! It feels good, even spiritually connected to Mother Earth to contribute to the cycle of life!
Urine and menstrual blood are a rich source of readily available nitrogen and therefore great natural nitrogen fertilizers. They are not only chemical free but highly effective. This is because adding nitrogen to your garden boosts foliage growth. I could honestly say that my plants love this personal treatment. There are even positive side effects. For instance, using period blood as a blood meal substitute will not only nourish plants but also deter animals. Here is how you may enjoy this practice.
Urine
- After it rains, pour some pure urine around the roots. Within no more than 3 days, foliage plants have always responded with healthier looking leaves. The response to urine is so quick. As an alternative, dilute the urine to roughly 1 part urine to 10 parts water when watering your plants. It is best to use urine on plants whose foliage you want to promote. For instance, I use lots of urine on plants whose leaves I harvest like spinach but generally stop using urine on flowering fruit plants.
Period Blood
Keep in mind that using period blood in the garden may attract more ants than usual. In some cases, you may use period blood in the garden not only as a natural nitrogen fertilizer but also to combat aphids (which are preyed on by ants).
- Collect the blood, menstruating women can use a moon cup and or reusable clothe pads. Women may either wait until the end of their period to mix an entire batch (of blood) or add the blood after each time the cup or reusable cloth pad must be changed.
- Moon cup. If you are out and about, you can carry around a small plastic bottle with a secure screw-on cover.
- Clothe pads. Soak the reusable pads in water only. The blood will settle to the bottom. Use the water and blood for your plants.
- 1 part blood to roughly 8 to 10 parts water and apply to the roots of the plant. Never apply to the foliage.
- You may also add blood meal to a compost pile. Some gardeners have found that blood accelerates the composting process. There is also no need to worry about blood-borne pathogens since the heat that the composting process generates kills any pathogens.
- Use this natural rich nitrogen fertilizer sparingly since excessive uses of nitrogen can burn plans and prevent flowering and fruiting.
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CONTENT RELATED TO USING HUMAN URINE AND PERIOD BLOOD AS A NATURAL NITROGEN FERTILIZER
- Free range chickens may not only provide eggs but provide a free source of natural fertilizer (a Youtube video playlist)
- Upcycling 'waste' into tasteful art ... to beautify your home
