Fertilizer Facts
Fertilizer Facts
Hi everybody. When you go to your favorite retail nursery shopping for plant food or fertilizer, you will find a confusing array of brands and varieties for almost any application imaginable. You will find weed and feeds, bloom specials, water soluble, granular, flowering along with many others. Although each type of fertilizer has a specific purpose, they all have one thing, well actually three things in common.
All plant foods and fertilizers contain a certain percentage of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. The numbers you see on the package (for example: 8-8-8) indicate the contents of each of the above listed elements in the order I listed them. Each of these elements serve a different purpose and that is why you will find so many different blends. For example, most lawn fertilizers will contain a lager first number (Nitrogen) and the second (Phosphorous) and third (Potassium) will be lower. The reason is that lawns need plenty of Nitrogen to keep that lush, green color and to maintain healthy growth. The other elements, although still needed, are not required in such large quantities. Another good example is food for flowering plants. In this case, you want the see the second number (Phosphorous) higher then the first and third. This type of blend is desirable when you want your plants to bloom. Higher amounts of Phosphorous will help enhance that blooming process while the lower Nitrogen levels will not cause surge growth in the plant.
Nitrogen, the first number on the bag, gives your plants that lush green color and enhances the growth process. This element is necessary for plant growth. Bear in mind that sometimes too much of a good thing is not always good. Applying too much of this element can burn or kill your plants or lawn. Always apply according to the label directions.
Phosphorous is the second number listed on your bag. This element is necessary for plant health and also is important for flower and fruit production. When you want to help your plants bloom, you want a food that contains a higher amount of this element and a low amount of Nitrogen.
Potassium, also known as Potash, is the third number on your bag. This element is necessary for proper root development. Potash can help plants establish a good root system that can help the plant during periods of draught stress.
Many fertilizers will contain a variety of trace elements that will add even more benefits for your plants. Iron is a common trace element that is added to many lawn and plant care formulas. Iron is often a desirable ingredient if you are feeding acid loving plants such as Ixoria, Azalea and Gardenia plants. Some formulas will dig deeper and contain trace amounts of zinc, copper or manganese. Manganese is a good trace element to look for in a citrus blend, for example.
Magnesium in another trace element you might want to look for in a plant food blend. This element is useful for greening up the leaves of plants such as Roses, Tomato plants and Palm Trees. A simple and inexpensive way to add this element to your plants is by adding Epsom salts to your soil. For a 3 gallon potted plant, use about a quarter cup and sprinkle around the plant. Water in after applying. You can do this bout once a month for preventive maintenance or more often if your plants need a boost. There is a wide array of plants that can benefit from this simple trick including Ixoria, Gardenia, Palms, and Hibiscus along with many of your common indoor tropicals. I have had many people come back to me with great success stories on this simple secret. A good garden retailer will have Epsom salts included with their plant food mix.