CJNR

Posts Tagged ‘flowers’

Choosing a fertilizer is harder than it seems. There are several types of fertilizers out there that work best for different plants and flowers. In addition, some types of fertilizers could actually either damage the plant or make the produce it grows inedible.

Plants appreciate the help that fertilizer can give them, but don’t forget that their normal means of obtaining food is still important. Certain plants will need to have some sort of exposure to the sun or special lighting, and a water source, in order to function correctly. Without the most basic of gardening tactics down, you can’t expect fertilizer to help your case any.

The next step is to decide if you are going to go with a fertilizer that is considered organic or one that may contain chemicals. Organic fertilizer is seen as more expensive on average, but gardeners swear by its results. Organic fertilizer will guarantee healthy produce if you take measures against pests and any other threats to the plant.

You don’t have to apply fertilizer on a daily basis. In some cases you won’t even have to apply fertilizer for weeks on end. The long lasting fertilizer that is obtained in stores comes in granular form. Every time you water the plant, a bit of the fertilizer sinks into the soil, refreshing your plant. Liquid types act more quickly, but they also need to be applied more often. Overall it’s best to stay with what you feel comfortable with in fertilizer types and your schedule.

You wont have to be a chemistry major to understand fertilizer types, but it is good to know the three nutrients that are the most well known. Potassium and phosphorous are important for warding off disease and encouraging roots to grow in strength. Nitrogen is key to making the plant a livelier color and growing up with vigor. Not all plants will require each of these nutrients, and feeding too much of one nutrient to a specific plant can spell disaster if you aren’t careful.

Don’t forget to be safe while handling the fertilizer of choice. Some chemical-based fertilizers will be toxic if eaten or exposed to certain body parts. Always handle fertilizer with gloves and protective gear to prevent any unintended contact. Wash hands thoroughly afterward and follow any other instructions to prevent harm to the local environment. Some events such as erosion make it possible to feed the fertilizer into water sources.

Final Thoughts

Growing flowers is more scientific than some would think. Fertilizer is advanced in composition, and many types exist to cater to different types of plants. For a more thorough explanation you should consult gardening books and other reading material for up to date guides to plant food.