Fertilizer

Fertilizer is a key compound used to promote plant growth. It can be applied to the soil, or to the plant leaves.

There are 2 categories of Fertilizers;

Organic

These are generally naturally occurring compounds that have been made through composting or by combining several natural mineral products. It is also a popular way to help with the environment and prevent water run off into rivers or drainage that may pollute river systems. Using Organic material can also enhance the cost and improve the marketability of Vegetables and plants due to the lack of chemicals used and the unknown side effects of these.

Non-Organic

There are chemical compounds that are designed to have the same or greater effect than naturally occurring Fertilizer. However these chemical compounds can have long term effects on Water systems and soil quality. As Non-organic compounds are a more recent addition to the garden, there is less research and understanding of their long term effects. This is why many people are trying to create their own Mulch and Compost for the garden.

Manure is a commonly used product and is generally the by-product from cows, sheep, and chickens.

These are great for plants like roses and vegetables, and if often mixed with straw or other natural products to help break it down and aerate the soil. Another Organic Fertilizer is 'Blood and Bone', this is very high in nitrogen and needs to be used sparingly in order to prevent burning the plants and adding too much acidity.

The most common chemical (non-organic) products are the N-P-K mixtures. These consist of Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potassium minerals, which are known to be a key demand of plants and vegetables. The mix can depend on soil type and content.

Lawn Care also involves adding food to the grass to pormote growth and re-grow overused areas of grass by pets or children. The type of compound used will depend on the type of grass, as some chemicals will burn or kill certain types of lawn, and must be used as described on the container.

Some areas with older soils require the addition of certain trace elements such as Zinc, copper, manganese and iron, to help replace the minerals lost over time. However in general by rotating crops and animals the nutrients can be replenished naturally.

So when looking for Fertilizer for your garden, it may be a good idea to get a soil test kit to see what minerals you need to add, and then ask for advice from your local garden centre as to the best Organic or Non-Organic Fertilizers to use. Remember to apply it during spring or after planting new plants to help them grow and take quicker. Using a good potting mix or soil conditioner can sometimes replace the need for adding other nutrients until the plants have started to grow.