I’ve decided to write a series of blog articles about various soil additives and amendments, to define each type, discuss the differences between them and talk about how each one benefits the soil. I will be posting them over the next few months so stay tuned to get the latest installment! I will define and discuss Fertilizer, Compost, Soil Amendments, Soil conditioners, Alaskan Humus, Worm Castings and Compost tea! If you have a comment or question about any of these soil supplements, please feel free to leave a comment below!
Part 1: Fertilizer.
What is it, how do you use it and what are the best kinds?
Organic fertilizers are about plant food: specifically giving nutrients directly to plants. There are usually no other active ingredients in fertilizers, other than direct nutrients that are physically immediately available to plants. Other additives build the soil, feed microbes or release slowing but fertilizer generally does not. Fertilizer is quick plant food. It’s a great way to boost growth and enhance yield. However, it is not the most sustainable method for a healthy garden, which is why we add in other components, to round things out.
Most organic fertilizers are made from recycled animal parts and/or plant parts so over-application will never be harmful to the soil or damage plant roots. Organic fertilizers are slow-release, and are a complete source of nutrition that keeps plants healthy. Chemical fertilizers are derived from potentially harmful ingredients that can actually damage your soil and plants, over time. They can burn plants, stunt root growth, harmfully pollute watersheds and kill beneficial microbes. But organic fertilizers contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem, building the soil and sustaining life over time! Most are applied every 30 days up to 180 days. Make sure to carefully read the applications rates on each label you use.
Here are a few that I have used for years in my garden and would highly recommend:
Nourish is an organic fertilizer made from 100% vegetable sources. It is derived from fermented soybean and cottonseed meal and is full of simple sugars to feed bacteria and support plant growth. This fertilizer is fast-acting and has nutrients that are readily available to plants!
Gardner & Bloome fertilizers are an organic way to get beautiful blooms and bountiful crops. Their Natural& Organic Gardner & Bloome Blended Fertilizers are OMRI listed and meet the needs of gardeners everywhere by using the finest natural and organic ingredients.
Gardner & Bloome fertilizers are an organic way to get beautiful blooms and bountiful crops. Their Natural& Organic Gardner & Bloome Blended Fertilizers are OMRI listed and meet the needs of gardeners everywhere by using the finest natural and organic ingredients.
