Plants, like people, need a balanced diet to thrive. Here is the 'mystery' of fertilizers explained in the most basic way.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the percentages of the main active ingredients in the package
N-P-K (nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium) are the 3 most abundant ingredients indicated on the label of EVERY fertilizer. They are always in this order, N-P-K. They are shown on the label with three numbers. Some examples: 30-10-10 / 10-5-5 / 21-0-0. However what do they mean and how do you know which formula you need? In the first example, 30/10/10 means that if you have 100kg of that fertilizer there are 30kg of nitrogen available, 10kg of phosphorus and 10kg of potassium (potash). The remaining 50 kg include inactive or inert ingredients.
Step 2. Know what each ingredient is for
Nitrogen is for green and growth. Phosphorus and potassium for fruits, flowers and roots. To make a lawn green and grow, 21-0-0 is the quickest and cheapest solution. This is Ammonium Sulfate. However, to promote the health of a lawn and make it more drought tolerant, the roots should also be well developed. A general purpose lawn fertilizer like 10-6-4 is a better solution for making a truly healthy lawn.
Step 3. Research your plants' needs
Check out different sources. Compare what different experts recommend for the type of plants you are growing. When shopping for fertilizer your knowledge of N-P-K percentages will help you make your decisions. Nitrogen = green / growth. Phosphorus and potassium = fruits / flowers / roots.
Advice
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A combination of:
- liquid fertilizer for rapid absorption e
- dry types that come into play a little later e
- slow-release fertilizers that prolong plant benefits.
- The components of dry fertilizers may need to be broken down, and they certainly need to be dissolved and watered well enough for several weeks to be continuously available to the roots.
- Remember: Plants take the elements and convert them into vitamins. Human beings take vitamins and transform these into elements.
- Well-composted vegetation is beneficial for plant health because it has been broken down and returned to its basic elements necessary for the plant to absorb them. Compost also loosens the soil and allows the roots to receive oxygen.
- When you read a fertilizer label you can see elements such as: Magnesium, Calcium, Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron and Molybdenum in addition to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in chemical compounds. These trace elements are essential for the development of the plant. Many of these elements are naturally available in the soil. Plants take in these elements (chemicals) through their roots and leaves. Plants convert these elements in their natural state into fruits and foliage, rich in vitamins. Avoid buying additives such as Vitamin B or any product that contains protein or fat. Plants cannot absorb vitamins, pet food, milk or any processed food.
- Fertilizers do not produce immediate results. In many cases, it takes two to three weeks to notice physical changes.
- As a general rule, liquid fertilizers cost much more for the product you receive than their dry equivalent, but they can affect the plant more quickly because they are already in a form that is carried by the water contained in the solution.
Warnings
- Do not use fertilizers intended for outdoor use on houseplants. The likelihood that fertilizers intended for use on crops, shrubs and trees are too strong for indoor use or on small containers is high.
- Do not apply fertilizer directly to the plant, especially in the sun. This can burn the leaves and damage the plant.
- Don't overdo the quantities! If in doubt, use less than recommended, not more. If the label says one cup every month it is generally safer to use 1/2 cup every 2 weeks. The same goes for houseplants. They can be fed a milder solution every time you water instead of a big binge every month.
- Most of the seedlings do not benefit from the use of fertilizer. Wait until the plant has grown enough (3-4 weeks) to safely apply any fertilizer. When you start using fertilizer on very young plants, do it sparingly.
- Most plants prefer to have a dormant period in the fall and winter. Unless you live in the tropics, stop using fertilizer at the beginning of autumn. New growth at that time of year is prone to winter frost damage. Indoor plants like to have a 'rest' phase rather than being forced to grow continuously.
- As with all chemicals, be sure to keep fertilizer out of the reach of children.
