Article: IN THE GARDEN IN PRAISE OF PLANTS THAT MAKE THEIR OWN FERTILIZER.(U)

Byline: JOSHUA SISKIN

As if their fragrant blue flowers were not enough of an attraction, California lilacs (Ceanothus) have another attribute that makes them a sure choice for Valley slopes and gardens: the ability to manufacture their own nitrate fertilizer, albeit with the assistance of soil-dwelling aerobic bacteria.

Nitrate is the most important ingredient in the mineral nutrition of plants. Virtually every fertilizer formulation you will find in a bag, box or bottle contains nitrate.

Legumes, including every type of pea and bean, as well as carob, acacia, mesquite, silk (Albizia) and coral (Erythrina) trees, are the most famous partners ...

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