Fertilizer?

Fertilizer is often a term tossed around by gardeners and other people, but what is it? Why do you need it? Do you need it? Ah, the questions that arise when planning and planting a garden. Fertilizer supplements the needed nutrients that your soil may be lacking. It comes in various forms: Granules and liquids; man-made and organic; etc ...

When you look at a bag of fertilizer, you'll notice 3 numbers on the bag or box. These 3 numbers represent NITROGEN, PHOSPHOROUS and POTASSIUM, in that order. These 3 macronutrients are the ones more likely to be needed in your soil. The numbers represent what percentage of each is in the fertilizer you're getting. But what exactly do these nutrients do?





Nitrogen promotes green growth on your plants. If your plants are suffering from a nitrogen deficiency, they may have stunted growth and reduced size. Their leaves may also be stunted and begin to yellow. Too much can cause leaf burn on your plants.

Phosphorous is the primary ingredient in many starter fertilizers. It aids the roots in gaining a strong, healthy start in your soil and also keeps them stimulated. Phosphorous also promotes buds, flowers and fruit production on your plants. If your plants have a phosphorous deficiency, your plant may have a delayed maturity or stunted growth; unusually dark foliage; and may fail to produce adequate amounts of flowers or fruit.

Potassium is a power horse when it comes to adding to the plant's ability to combat drought. It also aids in photosynthesis.

Before you apply fertilizer, get your soil tested. You can often have soil samples tested at your local university's extension office. Your extension office experts can even help you make the correct decisions on which type of fertilizer to buy. A soil test's results can aid you in modifying your soil and creating an ideal environment for various types of plants.

There are also other fertilizers that supply micronutrients into the soil. Micronutrients plants need are boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur and zinc.