Fertilizers are like vitamin supplements for plants and gardens. They are commonly used by farmers as well as homeowners with large gardens. A fertilizer has the ability to promote rapid blooming and growth. If you do not use the right type of fertilizer or use it improperly, it can be harmful to your plants as well as the environment. So knowing the basics will help you to choose the right type of fertilizer for your garden.
The first factors you should consider are:
- What nutrients you need and for what purpose.
- The ratio and dosage of nutrients
- Whether you need processed, manufactured, or natural fertilizer.
Types of Fertilizer
There are two primary types of fertilizer for gardens:
- Organic – Organic fertilizer is composed of animal and plant matter, natural minerals, and have kept all of the nutrients in their natural states. Examples of this include: compost, manure, peat, bone meal, and other packaged fertilizers.
- Chemical – This type of fertilizer is processed from synthetic chemical or natural sources from nutrients that have been combined with fillers in order to create liquids, powders, and pellets.
Fertilizer can be made through natural processes such as through composting, processing and mining of minerals, or through manufacturing.
Fertilizer Makeup
In order to grow and multiply, plants and vegetables require a very specific type of minerals and nutrients. Here are some of the most common nutrients used in organic fertilizer.
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
- Potassium
- Calcium
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is what makes plants green and promotes growth of both the stems and the leaves. Many of the all-purpose fertilizers on the market have nitrogen as an ingredient. If your plants are experiencing nitrogen deficiency, you will notice that their leaves and stems may turn yellow. They can return to their lovely green color when they have the right amount of nitrogen
When you purchase a fertilizer it is important that you look at the ingredients as well as the fertilizer ratio. If you are unsure what ratio is needed for your type of garden, talk to someone at your local garden center and they may be able to find the right formula for you. It is also crucial that you have the right fertilizer applicator so that the fertilizer is evenly distributed and not a single part of your garden is missed. Learning about the different types of fertilizer will help you to choose the best one for your garden.
If you are looking for a fertilizer applicator for your garden Fennig Equipment L.L.C. has what you are looking for. Visit their website to learn more.
