A Beginner's Guide to Fertilising Plants
Source:Pixnio
Fertilisingplants is one of the essential chores every gardener does on a regular basis.
Although plants are fully capable of making their own food, they sometimes need some help.
One reason is that the soil found in different areas vary in their composition. There are times when the soil found in a particular area does not have the kind of nutrients the plant needs. Fertilisers act as a supplement to compensate those essential nutrients lacking in the soil that the plants in your garden need.
Another reason is that plants differ in the number of nutrients they need to grow. Larger types of plants like trees and shrubs require more than grass and herbs. Fertilising plants on a regular basis ensures that they receive just the right amounts of nutrients for them to make their own food.
Just like a container of medicine in your cabinet, there will come a time when the nutrients in your garden's soil will run out and need to be replenished. Adding fertilisers help replenish the nutrients in your soil that have already been consumed by your plants.
Types of Fertilisers
Granular fertilisers
Granular fertilisers come in the form of powder or small grains. These are often sprinkled directly onto the soil of the plant.
Most home gardeners prefer using this type of fertiliser because they deliver nourishment to the plants slowly over an extended period of time. That significantly helps cut down the time and money they spend fertilising plants in their garden.
Water-soluble fertilisers
Water-soluble fertilisers are first mixed with water and then sprayed onto the plants. This makes it easier for your plant to absorb, which is why it's often used on plants weakened by a pest infestation, fungus or mold. But because plants quickly absorb this, you'll need to apply this more often than using the granular variety.
Tips on Properly Fertilising Plants
1.Know your plant's needs.
Fertilisers are formulated different, each meant to cater to the needs of specific plant types. So, it's essential to choose the right kind of fertiliser to use for the different plants in your garden.
At the same time, the frequency of fertilising plants differ. Bulb plants, for example, are low-maintenance and don't need to be fed that often. On the other hand, roses have to be fertilised weekly.
To make sure that you do this right, ask a local professional gardener in your area. He or she can recommend the right brand of fertiliser to use for your garden.
At the same time, he or she will be able to teach you the right way of fertilising plants in your garden, and how often this should be done. This is particularly important because if the amount is not enough, your plants won't benefit from it. On the other hand, adding too much fertiliser can burn your plants and cause bald spots to appear on your grass.
2.Give time for your plants to settle.
If you have recently planted new seeds or shoots in your garden, wait for about 2-3 weeks before you add any fertiliser. Otherwise, you risk breaking their root hairs and may even cause them to burn up and dry.
3.Protect yourself before fertilizing plants.
Most store-bought plant fertilizing are made of chemicals can cause a wide variety of illnesses and disease. So before you start fertilizing plants, be sure to put on gloves, protective eyewear, and a face mask. After feeding your plants, wash your hands thoroughly. All these will help reduce your contact with these chemicals.
Alternatively, you can choose to go for an organic fertilizing. You can find these from your local garden supply store or make your own by allowing vegetable and fruit scraps to decompose in a pot with soil.
