Most Garden soil contains beneficial nutrients to encourage plant growth. But there are occasions when soil is deficient in major nutrients like potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Soil quality is improved by applying the proper type of fertilizer to match the needs of the garden. Here is a general overview of the different types of fertilizer for the garden:
Slow-Release
A gradual or slow-release fertilizer is perfect for applying to garden beds with quick-color plants. The fertilizer includes multiple coatings, which gradually breaks down to release the nutrients to the soil. Nutrient release rate can vary from three to nine months, which can mean a single application in spring can last the entire season. Many of the bagged potting mixes come with slow-release fertilizer to make it more beneficial for the plant life.
Soluble
A soluble fertilizer dissolves in water to give a quick and instant burst of nutrients. This type of fertilizer is easy to store and handle and includes a high concentration of nutrients per bag. Soluble fertilizer stays in organic soil for a long time. But in sandy soil, the nutrients are often washed away much quicker due to the fine particles of the soil. Most of these fertilizers are applied directly to the soil in liquid form. Although, it is possible to spray the nutrients on the plant leaves, which will be slowly absorbed.
Organic
An organic fertilizer includes well-rotted manure and compost, which offers slow releasing nitrogen. This organic matter is perfect to make sandy soils thicker and more nutrient-rich, and works great in large planters and planting beds. Organic fertilizer includes a high concentration of beneficial micro-nutrients and improves the structure of the soil to make it more appealing to earthworms and soil microbes.
Certain organic products like cottonseed meal, blood meal and bone meal are highly concentrated. So, this means only a small about is necessary to provide the desired nutrient boost to the soil. This can mean this type of organic material is quite expensive. Also, since meal-based fertilizers require active microbes to work, it is a more practical choice for the warm seasons.
When to give more nutrition
The appearance of foliage is often an early indication of when the soil is lacking the required nutrients. Low-quality soil with insufficient nitrogen can result in leaves turning yellow. Also, when phosphorus is scarce, the leaves start to turn a purple or reddish color. Other issues with a shortage of nutrient include smaller than normal leaves and flowers and slow or weak growth.