Sometimes gardening can be frustrating and tough. You could be doing all the right things and giving your seedlings the perfect conditions to thrive in, but the plants just won’t seem to flourish.
If your plants are looking a little lifeless with a tinge of yellow despite all your efforts, then it might just need a good dose of plant food! Taking the organic route can provide you with excellent natural options for plant food, even if the outcomes are slightly different from traditional fertilizer.
To know more about how dry organic fertilizer can help your plants grow the natural way, here’s a basic guide to getting you started:
Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers
Understanding how organic fertilizers compared to their inorganic counterparts can make your decision to use them based on your needs much easier. Organic matter works with the soil to feed your plants, while inorganic fertilizers feed your plants directly. This results in organic fertilizer lasting longer since it works at the root to deliver what your plants need!
Synthetic fertilizers have an advantage over organic ones when it comes to speed, especially during seed starting and transplanting. However, it also has some drawbacks due to its water solubility—which makes it prone to leaching out and contaminating groundwater. It can also burn your plants while adding nothing to improve soil fertility!
Organic fertilizers are different since they aren’t water-soluble and stay in the ground, allowing the nutrients to be available to your plants all season long. Its mechanism works as a sustained release, as microorganisms in the soil gradually aid in its decomposition, allowing you to see the benefits over the long term.
Organic Fertilizer and Soil Life
While providing micronutrients like nitrogen and potassium are essential for plant growth, the most significant contribution organic fertilizer enables is the activation of microbial activity in the soil. These microorganisms work by breaking down organic matter to make more nutrients available for your plants. As the organic matter feeds your soil, the soil is then more able to feed your plants!
Types of Organic Fertilizers
There are many options to choose from when using organic fertilizers. From nitrogen-rich variants to dry fish fertilizers and organic pest control using natural insecticides, you can make your decision based on your plants’ needs.
Fertilizers like cottonseed meal are ideal for plants that consume plenty of nitrogen. Since it acidifies the soil, it’s great for acid-loving plants, such as blueberries and lemons. Bone meal is another type of fertilizer suitable for flowerbeds, especially when used in the fall. Applying the right fertilizer to the right plant will give you the best outcome, so do your research before shopping.
Other fertilizers are richer in vitamins and antioxidants, such as kelp and seaweed. High in potassium, these types of organic fertilizers play an important role in photosynthesis and benefit your plants’ overall health. Combining the soil-enriching properties of natural fertilizer and synthetic fertilizers’ fast action will help your plants seed quickly and grow steadily.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to go organic or synthetic, bear in mind that more fertilizer won’t always benefit your plants’ growth and health. Similar to providing nutrition for the human body, adding too much food can be detrimental to plant health! Finding the proper organic fertilizer for your plant species and following label instructions on how much to use will yield the best results. With a little patience and consistency, your garden will look lush and full of life!
At Organic AG Products, we have products to cover all your organic farming needs. Whether you need herbicides or organic fertilizer for specific nutrient needs, we have state-approved products for you! Shop retail or wholesale with us today!