Organic Fertilizer

Organic fertilizers are the most fundamental form of plant sustenance. These are derived from plant or animal waste. Organic fertilizers are healthier for soil health and do not affect the environment. These are basically fertilizers that release slowly. As a result, the plant gains nutrients. It takes a little longer, but it lasts longer. The use of organic fertilizer has no negative impact on human health. When it comes to eating veggies or fruits from your garden, you have a lot of options. Cow dung manure, farm yard manure, composts, and compost created from kitchen waste are just a few examples.

Inorganic Fertilizer

Fertilizers are formed primarily of synthetic and chemical materials. These fertilizers are entirely man-made. Because they are manufactured for a specific purpose, inorganic fertilizers have variable ratios of fundamental nutrients. Inorganic fertilizers are swiftly absorbed by plants and produce results in a couple of days, but they may not persist as long as organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers, on the other hand, harm soil health and, eventually, the environment.

Phosphorus : Phosphorus encourages healthy stem and root growth. It is a critical nutrient for plant flowering and fruiting; without it, leaves, stems, and buds will wilt. Because phosphorus is deficient, the plant is better able to fight diseases and adverse conditions.

Potassium : Potassium is also known as potash or K. It is a nutrient that has a broad effect on a plant. It aids the plant in using its food and allows for speedier recovery from pest and disease damage. Potash also aids in the improvement of fruit and floral quality. Potash deficiency causes leaf edges to yellow and fruits and flowers to be of poor quality.

Additional Nutrients : Plants also require additional micronutrients in lower amounts to flourish. Calcium, magnesium, sulphur, boron, copper, iron, and zinc are examples of these elements.

When and how to fertilize your garden or plants : Knowing how to use fertilizers and what they do for your plants isn't enough; you also need to know when and how to use them. Fertilizers can be used in the following ways, depending on the different types of plants

Trees and Shrubs : Many types of trees and shrubs do not require or require just supplemental fertilizers since they are naturally strong enough to grow on their own and can get nutrients from the soil in which they grow.

Perennials : Most decorative perennials thrive in well-drained soil and require little fertilisation. During their growing season, established plants can be mulched with one to two inches of compost or fertilized with granular fertilizers.

Roses : Roses are heavy feeders and require a steady supply of nutrients throughout their growing season. As a result, depending on the type of fertilizer used, it is recommended to fertilize roses every two to six weeks. To avoid damaging freshly growing leaves in buds, stop fertilising them once the season is through and before trimming them.

Annuals : Because most annuals are heavy feeders, they need a steady supply of nutrients to keep flowering. You can add compost to boost nutrient content in the soil, or you can use high-quality potting soil. Depending on the growth of the plant, you can apply all-purpose granular fertilizers every 2 to 6 weeks to container plants.

Vegetables : Vegetables get their nutrients from the earth in their early stages of growth. Once the plant is firmly established, you may begin to feed it. Vegetable nutritional requirements differ from plant to plant. Water soluble fertilizers should be applied every week or every two weeks to vegetables.

Fruits : Fruiting plants require appropriate nutrients to meet their fruit production needs since they produce flowers and fruit during their growth or fruiting season. Fertilizers should be used once a week during the growing season, depending on the stage of the fruits and flowers.

Lawns : Because leaf growth is crucial for lawns, a wide application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring, as well as adequate watering, is recommended.

Seedlings : Allow seedlings to establish themselves in the soil or surroundings, and after the true leaves begin to grow after a period of time, begin nourishing them with mild fertilizers according to their growth phases. There is no need to apply fertilizers for a set period of time if the seedlings are already potted in fertilizer-rich soil.

Use of Fertilizer: Some Basic Guidelines

• Before you apply anything to your soil, you need know how healthy it is. Using too much fertilizer might also be harmful to the plant
• When applying liquid or granular fertilizers, be careful not to get them on the leaves, as this can cause them to burn.
• You can classify plants according to their nutritional requirements, which will make fertilizer application easier.
• Fertilizers drain out a little faster in containers because they need to be watered more frequently, so fertilize them every two to four weeks.
• Avoid applying fertilizers during periods of excessive heat or in direct sunshine during the day. Plants will not be stressed as a result of this.
• Watering should be done thoroughly before and after application to ensure that fertilizers reach the root zone.
• Lightly disturb the soil around the roots to ensure that the nutrients are evenly distributed.
• If you have larger trees, you need know how far their roots go so that fertilizer applications don't go to waste.
• Mix the fertilizers thoroughly in the potting soil, as an overabundance of one type of fertilizer in particular might harm the roots.