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Fertilizers FAQs
What is fertilizer?
Fertilizer is something that you add to your growing medium to provide an essential nutrient boost for your plants and the soil. Organic fertilizers, made from naturally occurring mineral deposits and organic material, can improve soil texture, stimulate soil life, and improve your soil's long-term fertility. Synthetic fertilizers are made by chemically processing raw materials and give plants a quick boost of essential minerals and nutrients but are easily washed away, so it needs to be added more frequently. Over time, essential nutrients in your growing medium are used up by plants and need to be restored via fertilizer. You'll give your plants their best shot if you provide for their nutrient needs (flowers have different fertilizer needs than lettuce, for example). A good, general fertilizer (such as the Gardener's Best All-Purpose Fertilizer) is a great place to start. Follow the instructions on your fertilizer container.
Should I use natural or chemical fertilizer?
Natural fertilizers should be used whenever possible: they stimulate plant growth, produce large yields, and improve soil health significantly without harming the environment or ecosystem. They are also often derived from renewable resources and longer-term have more positive results than chemical fertilizers. ? Chemical fertilizers are often petroleum-based and are used heavily in most modern agricultural settings. They can be highly potent and are frequently overused—causing harm to plants and the environment. Beneficial soil microorganisms die when synthetic fertilizers are applied, plus these fertilizers often enter waterways contributing to water pollution.
How much fertilizer should I add?
Different plants have different fertilizer needs as well as different optimal times that fertilizer should be used. To have happy plants follow the fertilizer label directions for the amount and check out Gardener’s Supply’s in-depth article for detailed fertilizing instructions for different types of plants.
