Some plants are essentially small fertilizer factories. They work together with bacteria in their roots to take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that they themselves—and actually other plants as well—can use. Pretty neat, right?
These plants have specialized root nodules where nitrogen-fixing bacteria live. The bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
Instead of having to add large amounts of nutrients, you can plant nitrogen fixers to naturally boost your soil. They are especially useful in crop rotations, as cover crops, and in companion planting. Most of the nitrogen is released into the soil when you cut them back, so leave the roots in place!
Common nitrogen-fixing plants include legumes such as peas, beans, and clover, as well as sea buckthorn, alder, alfalfa, and even the infamous lupine.
