How to Buy Fertilizer: Know What Your Plants Need!
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Since your plants will not always have sufficient nutrients in the soil by simply relying on sun and water, you will need to know how to buy fertilizer. To find out how much fertilizer your garden needs, do a soil test or have it done at your area’s extension service.
Chemical (Inorganic) Fertilizers vs. Organic Fertilizers Inorganic or chemical fertilizers are what you buy as produced by petrochemical industries. They are fast acting, but they also do not last very long. Organic fertilizers are plant or animal product derivatives. They are slow release and last longer. Although there is a need for correct proportion of nutrients in your soil, it is more detrimental to over-apply inorganic fertilizers as they will burn or scorch your plants. Additionally, excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can lower the nutritive value and taste of your yield. Unless you have sick plants that need urgent attention, you are better off using organic fertilizers especially if the plants are for human consumption. How to Read the Labels When buying your fertilizer, learn how to read the label. The numbers you see refer to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or NPK, always in that order. For example, 18-6-12 means 18% of N, 6% of P, and 12% of K. That equates to 36%, and the other 64% are usually fillers to help with the even distribution of the fertilizer and to help prevent chemical burns. The NPKs are macronutrients, meaning that your plants cannot do without them. Look for the NPK analysis on the label when buying either inorganic or organic fertilizers. Balanced Complete Fertilizer The balanced fertilizer you purchase means that there is an even proportion of NPK. You will find different strengths, but they are considered balanced if the numbers are all the same. If your label also states micronutrients, it means that there are other essential nutrients included in the mix. Unbalanced Complete Fertilizer There are fertilizers that are complete but not balanced, which signifies the NPKs are not in the same proportion (e.g., 18-6-12). Read your labels and you will find that some of these unbalanced complete fertilizers include bloom or growth boosters. Soil tests and experience will tell you what your plants are looking for. What the NPKs Do For Your Plants Nitrogen in fertilizer boosts foliage growth. If you want top-heavier foliage, you would need a higher nitrogen ratio. Do not apply in the fall, as your plants’ roots need attention for winter preparation. Phosphorus boosts the growth of plant roots. If you can see that your plants need establishing, you should apply a higher ratio of phosphorus in the spring. Potassium (potash) promotes root development and likewise helps plants become more disease resistant. More on How to Buy Fertilizer!
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