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Organic gardening and the compost may be synonymous to each other, but organic fertilizers are also an important part of the equation as well. These materials come from both plants and animals, and even minerals. Various soil organisms also acts by breaking these materials down into vital nutrients that your plants need to stay healthy at all times.

Some organic fertilizers these days contain only one of such major nutrients, like phosphorus ion bone meal. However, they often have various trace amounts of other beneficial nutrients. Some organic gardeners also made it a habit to introduce organic materials to improve soil structure while supporting soil microorganisms at the same time. The latter helps in readying the nutrients more quickly, especially in warm weather conditions where they are known to be more active. As a rule, Organic fertilizers give out half of their nutrients usually within the first season, and will continue to feed the soil in the coming years.

Plant-based fertilizers in organic gardening are a common thing. Such fertilizer types basically contain low to moderate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium values, yet the nutrients will be made available to the soil quickly for the plants to use. Some are even known to provide additional dosages of both micronutrients and trace minerals. You can acquire these at the local feed store or garden centers. Some of the most commonly used plant-based fertilizers these days include the following:
Alfalfa meal - responsible for adding potassium and nitrogen into the soil,
Compost - this is the process of introducing organic matter within the soil,
Corn gluten meal - inhibits growth of the seeds of certain active-growing plants,
Cottonseed meal - supplies nitrogen and potassium,

Kelp/seaweed - available in powder, liquid or pellet form, kelp is effective in introducing potassium and nitrogen,
Soybean meal - preferred by many because of its high nitrogen content,
Humus - organic compounds that hold garden soil together.

Animal-based fertilizers provide significant amounts of nitrogen, which help plants to grow.

Manures - one of the best sources of organic matter for the garden, though many are found to have low nutrient values

Bat or seabird guano - these are available in the market these days in pellet or powdered forms, high in nitrogen content. This requires careful use since the concentrated content can burn young plants easily.

Blood meal - this is blood material from slaughtered animals available in powdered form that contains nitrogen and several other micronutrients. Nitrogen-loving plants will be happy this fertilizer type. It repels any intruding deer, though it unfortunately attracts cats and dogs at the same time.

Mineral-based fertilizers also serve organic gardening principles well. Rocks slowly decompose into soil and grains over time, releasing its minerals along the way. Organic gardeners utilize different minerals for purposes of increasing soil fertility, though the prospect is only good for the long-term. Some examples are the Epsom salt, Chilean nitrate of soda, greensand, limestone, gypsum, soft-rock phosphate, and many more. Take your pick now.