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Sure, plants make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. But it doesn’t hurt to give them a little more love every now and then with the help of fertilizer. But what exactly is fertilizer? Let’s sum it up. If you (vaguely) remember the periodic table in chemistry, you know that N stands for nitrogen, P for phosphorus and K for potassium. These nutrients refer to the three numbers on a fertilizer bag listed in the order listed (NPK). So a fertilizer that contains 5-10-10 means that it contains 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus (phosphate) and 10 percent potassium (potash). A “complete” fertilizer contains all three.
Each nutrient has a different role. Nitrogen contributes to leaf growth, while phosphorus supports the formation of strong roots and potassium promotes vigorous growth and high winter hardiness. A plant lacking any of these agents will show slow or spindle-shaped growth, yellowed or purple leaves, and no flowers or fruit. A weak plant is also more susceptible to disease and pests. But don’t think that more fertilizer equals a healthier plant. Over-fertilization is just as harmful. Therefore, follow the instructions in the package to determine the amount and timing of feeding.
Organic fertilizers have different considerations. You might be surprised to know that the term “organic” is not regulated for fertilizer so essentially anyone can put it on the label. However, you can search for products with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) seal, a nonprofit that certifies which products meet USDA organic farming standards. And one more note if you have pets, organic fertilizers can be quite smelly and deliciously tempting to pets. Therefore, keep your fur babies away from any fertilizer and always call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet has ingested something, no matter how little.
Now is the time to discover ten of the best fertilizers for all of your houseplant and gardening needs:
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Best for vegetable gardens
If you’ve planted a vegetable garden this year, this 2-5-3 fertilizer makes 30 gallons, which is good for most foods. It also contains beneficial soil bacteria.
Best liquid organic fertilizer
This 2-3-1 option is a good all-purpose product made from fish by-products that were previously wasted during the filleting process. Yes, it is smelly, but it dissolves in a day – faster than many other organic products. There is also nothing that pets can dig up and eat, although they can still sniff around the scope.
Best for flowers
This 12-55-6 is charged to help flowering plants bloom.
Best for indoor plants
This premixed 12-4-8 indoor plant food is very easy to administer and dose. You apply it directly to the floor or add it to your watering can.
Best for succulents and cacti
This 2-7-7 plant food has been specially developed for succulents and cacti so that it contains less nitrogen compared to other ingredients.
Best soil farmer
Worm cast is the digested “soil” created by worm farming. The NPK ratio is only 1-0-0, but they also contain micronutrients and beneficial microbes that help improve drainage and soil structure. Best of all, they smell earthy and don’t smell like some organic products. When planting seeds or grafts, add worm castings to the holes and dress the plants throughout the season.
Best for new transplants
This fertilizer ratio of 2-4-2 is best for new transplants, as the slightly higher phosphorus content contributes to healthy root growth so that baby plants can establish themselves quickly. PS Pets are attracted to their smell, so use them with caution.
Best slow release fertilizer
$ 7.59
Mix these slow-release fertilizer granules into the soil around the plants and you won’t have to feed for up to six months. It’s good for indoor and outdoor plants.
Best for acid-loving plants
Acid-loving plants like blueberries, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, gardenias, holly and hibiscus will love this nutrient ratio of 30-30-10.
Best for tomatoes
This organic fertilizer is specially formulated for tomatoes and contains calcium to prevent rot at the flower end (that nasty black, rotten spot that appears on the bottom of otherwise pretty tomatoes!). Side note: be careful with pets who seem to be particularly fond of this fertilizer.
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