Gardening is a science that is always changing. Our current fertilizers available today come in a variety of properties and flavors. Plants require a specific type of fertilizer, depending on their own physical and chemical make up, in order to grow correctly.
Before even thinking about adding fertilizer to the soil, be sure that your plant is getting food the natural way- through direct sunlight and plenty of water. You can use all the fertilizer you would like, and still not come out with a good result if you err on the water and sunlight distribution. Each plant has its own schedule and limits that you must learn in order to master gardening them.
The next step is to decide if you are going to go with a fertilizer that is considered organic or one that may contain chemicals. Organic fertilizer is seen as more expensive on average, but gardeners swear by its results. Organic fertilizer will guarantee healthy produce if you take measures against pests and any other threats to the plant.
Fertilizer can come in different shapes and forms. Liquid fertilizer is more quickly taken in by the plant, whereas granular counterparts will dissolve over time as water is added to the surrounding soil. Liquid forms will typically be applied every couple of weeks, while granular forms will release up to 12 weeks or more. Granular forms are the easiest to use, but experts go with more targeted solutions for more control over what their plants take in.
You wont have to be a chemistry major to understand fertilizer types, but it is good to know the three nutrients that are the most well known. Potassium and phosphorous are important for warding off disease and encouraging roots to grow in strength. Nitrogen is key to making the plant a livelier color and growing up with vigor. Not all plants will require each of these nutrients, and feeding too much of one nutrient to a specific plant can spell disaster if you aren’t careful.
Don’t forget to be safe while handling the fertilizer of choice. Some chemical-based fertilizers will be toxic if eaten or exposed to certain body parts. Always handle fertilizer with gloves and protective gear to prevent any unintended contact. Wash hands thoroughly afterward and follow any other instructions to prevent harm to the local environment. Some events such as erosion make it possible to feed the fertilizer into water sources.
In Conclusion
Science has grown the gardening industry to a point where we are much more efficient at growing food and plants than what we were only several hundred years ago. Keep updated on where things are going in the gardening industry to keep your plants healthy, lively, and running strong.
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