When it comes to gardening, fertiliser is an important part of the process. But with so many different types of fertiliser on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your garden. With this easy guide, we’ll explore the basic types of fertiliser available and teach you how to choose the right one for your plants.
This article discusses the factors you should take into consideration when choosing your fertiliser.
Know Your Plants
Consider what type of plants you are growing. Different plants have different fertiliser needs. For example, if you’re growing vegetables or Lawn, you’ll need a fertiliser with higher nitrogen content, whereas if you are growing Flowers or Fruits, you will need a fertiliser with higher Potassium content. Knowing what type of plants you are growing is key to choosing the right fertiliser.
Understand The Role Of Key Nutrients
Most Fertiliser products are formulated around nutrient elements that are essential for plant growth and in particular altered to 3 specific major nutrients, Nitrogen(N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium (K) along with added Trace Elements or micronutrients.
Above 3 major nutrient (NPK) controls majority of the plant’s growth and supported by Trace elements such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Boron etc.
Don’t Forget to Read the Product Label!
Read the label carefully before choosing any fertiliser product as it will tell you the ingredients it contains and their nutrient concentration Refer to example on the side. Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision and choose a fertiliser blend that best suits your garden’s needs. Remember Nitrogen (N) Rich fertilisers for Green growth and Potassium (K) rich fertilisers for flowers & fruits. Plants during early vegetative stage, take up more Nitrogen (N) for growth and when they come to flowering & fruiting stage they absorb more Potassium (K).
Soil Health & Quality
- Soils should be physically healthy with better drainage, aeration & water holding capacity
- Soils should be chemically balanced with optimum pH level and adequate nutrients
- Soils should be biologically active enriched with organic matter and beneficial microbes
Whether it’s a natural soil or artificial soil (such as Potting mixes/compost), it is important to consider the quality of soils that you are using for the garden.
Natural soils generally contain most nutrients however they need to be supplemented regularly with quality fertilisers. Growing media such as Potting mixes or compost may have little nutrients and particularly lack in Potassium and Trace elements, so it is important to regularly feed with fertilisers to support healthy growth.
Soil pH is very crucial for healthy growth of plant and most plants grow well under neutral pH range of 6-7. Acid soils or alkaline soils will affect absorption of nutrients limiting plant growth. Manutec has ‘ SOIL PH TESTING KIT’ which helps to determine pH level of your soil instantly and with appropriate recommendation of soil conditioners to correct soils to neutral healthy levels.
Research about Type of Fertilisers
As there are numerous types and brands of fertilisers available in the market, it is important to do some research before buying.
Important factors that help in making a decision are:
Nutrient content and value for money
- Can it provide all required nutrients? For example, growing green lawns require fertiliser with high Nitrogen(N) content
- Is it high in nutrient analysis to provide value for money? Liquid fertilisers are pre-diluted and low in the analysis as compared to soluble powders with high analysis. Low-level diluted fertiliser products need to be used more frequently and may not offer value for money
Organic or inorganic
- Inorganic fertilisers tend to be more concentrated and release their nutrients quickly, while organic fertilisers take longer to break down and disperse their nutrients into the soil slowly over time. Depending on your plant’s needs and your gardening goals, you may want to use a combination of both types for better results.
Effectiveness of product
- Soluble & Liquid fertilisers provide quick results as compared to slow-release granular fertilisers
Ease of use
- The time that you can afford for applying fertilisers? If you are a busy person, Slow release granules are easy to apply and forget for a few months.
- Liquid fertilisers are easy to use as they are pre-diluted but may not give value for money is low in analysis.
Follow the Instructions
Properly applying fertiliser is just as important as choosing the right type. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to ensure that you apply it correctly. Don’t apply too much, as overdoses can harm plants or even burn or kill them. Any doubts, take advice from local garden experts or the manufacturer for further help.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fertiliser for your garden doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming. With the right knowledge and information, you can select the best fertilisers for your plants and ensure that your garden is healthy and robust for seasons to come! Manutec has plant specific fertilisers which makes it easy for gardeners to choose and apply.