“That’s a cute little garden you’ve got there.”
“Thanks.” Sigh.
“Something wrong?”
“Well, it was supposed to be a big garden. We planted so much and only a few things are really doing well.”
“What kind of fertilizer are you using?”
“Fertilizer?”
Such was my introduction to the world of fertilizer. When we bought our house, our neighbors told us that the elderly lady who lived here before us hadn’t done much in the yard for at least a decade. As a first time homeowner I was thrilled with the chance to gussy the place up and in the beginning it was so easy! Everything we planted grew easily and beautifully. But after a few years it became increasingly difficult to get the same yield from our veggies or the same brilliant blooms in our plots. The only place where my green thumb didn’t seem to be turning brown was in my containers. My containers — where I changed the soil each and every year.
It wasn’t until a visiting relative asked me about fertilizer that I saw what I was doing wrong. My efforts to have a showy garden were being thwarted because I did not fertilize. The only reason I had gotten away without fertilizing for so long was because the land hadn’t being gardened for a long time before we moved in. And, the few plants that had been growing were eventually dying and decomposing back into the soil. It’s the decomposition process that returns chemicals to the soil for use by future plants. However, I was cutting blooms and bringing them inside to use in arrangements and picking tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs from the garden. By leaving nothing to rot and return to the soil, we were depriving the soil of a chance to renew itself.
Gardening Tips: Facts about Fertilizers
Nobody’s soil is perfect
Anyone considering the purchase of fertilizer should have a soil test done first, because only a soil test will correctly determine which nutrients are deficient in your soil and give you enough information to buy and apply the correct fertilizing mixture. You can have your soil tested by your local Cooperative Extension or you can purchase a home test kit.
Three nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — are commonly missing from soil. Plants growing in an area lacking vital nutrients will often display characteristic symptoms. If you notice the following problems, you can assume the corresponding deficiency and treat accordingly.
Yellowish-green stunted plants are a symptom of a nitrogen deficiency. Nitrogen is a component in both chlorophyll and protein and is the nutrient most likely to be lacking from your soil. Without nitrogen your plants will not be able to build new cells.
Plants that have weak stems and arebrown or yellow around the edges or tips are probably suffering from a lack of potassium. Potassium (also known as potash) is especially necessary for vegetable plants. It is also responsible for the deep color in flowers.
If the leaves of your plants are showing red or purple spots a phosphorus deficiency is most likely the culprit. Phosphorus is needed for early growth and the formation of a strong root system and stems.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are sold together in the form of commercial plant foods. The ratio of these nutrients in each preparation is clearly marked on the label. A 5-5-5 fertilizer will contain 5% of each nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, in that order. The rest is inert material.
Another mineral, calcium, is added (in the form of limestone) only if it necessary to raise the pH level in your soil to make it less acidic. The only way to determine the pH level is to have a soil test done.
Organic vs. inorganic
Organic fertilizers such as compost (homemade or purchased), manure and bone meal are slow-acting and long-lasting. They do not release their nutrients until they start to decompose. Their nutrients are not soluble (they don’t break down in water) so you do not have to apply as often. However, because their nutrient ratio is low, you’re getting fewer nutrients for your dollar. Organic fertilizers usually contain more nitrogen than potassium or phosphorus — if your soil is poor in either of these other nutrients, organic fertilizer may not be your best choice.
Inorganic fertilizers, also referred to as conventional, are either manufactured or mined. They are soluble and readily available to your plants but because they are not long-lasting, you’ll need to reapply. Take care — too much may burn the plants. When you apply them, make sure that none of the fertilizer touches the leaves, stems, or flowers. When transplanting, make sure that any inorganic fertilizer you add to the hole is thoroughly mixed in with soil before setting the root ball into the hole.
Liquid vs. dry
Liquid fertilizers, with the nutrients dissolved in a liquid base, are easier to apply in small quantities. They are also great for accurate application on houseplants and outside container gardens. Compost, manure, bone meal, and lime are examples of dry fertilizers. Choose the form you prefer.
A word on micronutrients
We’ve focused on some of the most common nutrient deficiencies. In addition, some fertilizers contain quantities of micronutrients in which your plants may also be deficient. There is no need to apply a fertilizer containing micronutrients unless your plants are in serious trouble and do not respond to regular fertilizer. Since the amount of these nutrients needed is small, overavailability can be toxic.
Greener greens, bigger, brighter blooms, and a higher yield in the veggie patch can be expected when you use fertilizer in your garden. Another big benefit is that healthy plants compete more effectively with weeds. Taking the time to apply an effective fertilizer once or twice a year is well worth the trouble when your garden is the envy of the town.
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