How to use rabbit urine on your shamba
Quick answer: mix 1 part rabbit urine with 10 parts water for young plants, or with 5–8 parts for established plants, and spray the leaves early in the morning or late in the afternoon every 1–2 weeks. For the roots, pour a 1 to 5 mix around the base every 2–4 weeks.
Rabbit urine is a low-cost organic feed that many Kenyan farmers and kitchen gardeners use on vegetables, fruit trees and flowers. Here's how to use it well.
What it is
Ours is fermented in sealed containers before bottling, which mellows the sharp ammonia smell and makes it gentler on plants. Nothing is added. Growers use it because it's rich in nitrogen and potassium, the nutrients behind strong, green leafy growth.
How much to mix
Spraying leaves (foliar feed)
1 part urine to 10 parts water for seedlings and young plants. 1 to 5–8 for established plants. Every 1–2 weeks while plants are growing.
Watering the roots (soil drench)
1 part urine to 5 parts water, poured around the base of the plant on moist soil, not on the stem. Every 2–4 weeks.
These are starting points many growers use. Start weaker, and adjust to your crop and soil.
How to apply
- Mix fresh each time, in a clean sprayer or watering can.
- Spray early in the morning or late in the afternoon, never in hot midday sun, which can scorch wet leaves.
- Wet both sides of the leaves until they're damp, not dripping.
- Try it on a few plants first and wait 3–4 days before treating the whole bed.
- Rinse the sprayer with clean water when you're done.
Safety and storage
- Keep the container sealed and labelled, away from children, food and drinking water.
- Wash your hands after use, and wear gloves if you have cuts.
- Store it in a cool, shaded place.
What to expect
Many growers see darker, greener leaves within one to two weeks. Results depend on your soil, crop and watering. Rabbit urine works best as part of good soil care, alongside compost or manure.
Questions growers ask
Does it smell?
Less than fresh urine, because it's fermented, but it does have an earthy smell. It fades soon after spraying.
Which crops is it for?
Leafy vegetables like sukuma wiki, spinach and cabbage respond best. It also works on fruit trees and flowers. Test a few plants first.
How long does it keep?
Several months when sealed and kept cool and out of the sun.