What to Look for in Fertilizers
Type: Granular vs. Liquid
Granular fertilizers are applied by mixing them into the soil, or via a method known as “top dressing.” The latter simply means sprinkling or spreading the granules over the soil surface. Granular fertilizers come in either quick-release or slow-release formulas. Quick-release formulas completely dissolve into the soil within a few weeks. Slow-release formulas contain microbes that break down the fertilizer gradually, providing nutrients over an extended period of time-or even an entire growing season in some cases.
Liquid fertilizers are water-soluble fertilizers that need to be diluted before application. These types of fertilizers begin supplying nutrition to plants immediately, so you’ll often see results within a few days. The downside to liquid fertilizers is that they only supply nutrients for a few weeks, which means they need to be reapplied frequently. Our best for vegetables pick, Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula, contains three liquid fertilizers, which can be used at various stages of the growing cycle.
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Active Ingredients
The letters “NPK” stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three essential nutrients that plants need to grow. Manufacturers will list these ingredients in a ratio format such as 5-5-5 and 10-10-10. For example, if you see 5-10-5 on the product label, you can assume it stands for 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 5 percent potassium. You can determine the ideal ratio based on your plant’s specific needs. With its high nitrogen count, Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed is our top choice for lawns and helps maintain a healthy lawn no matter the grass type.
Organic or Synthetic Formula
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Organic formulas derive their ingredients naturally from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Synthetic formulas, on the other hand, contain chemically processed compounds such as ammonium nitrate or urea.
- Organic: The ingredients might include manure, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and bone or blood meal. Organic fertilizers also contain microorganisms to improve soil conditions and feed plants. These fertilizers provide nutrients for longer periods of time because it takes a while for the microorganisms to break down.
- Synthetic: Both highly concentrated and water-soluble, these fertilizers begin working very quickly to help plants and lawns get a jumpstart on spring growth. Because they work quickly, however, it is essential to follow application guidelines to prevent burning plant roots and foliage. Our top choice for plants, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, is a synthetic formula that delivers incredibly fast results.
Soil Compatibility
To find the right fertilizer, it is good to know what type of soil is in your yard. To accurately determine the properties of your soil, you can collect a sample and have it tested at your local extension agency. Once you know the specific soil texture, you can create ideal growing conditions for your plants.
Loamy soil is ideal for growing a wide variety of plants. It is high in nutrients and contains the perfect blend of clay, sand, and silt. Clay soil contains densely packed particles, which are great for retaining nutrients and moisture, but they can restrict oxygen and impede drainage. To amend clay soil, it’s best to add organic matter during the springtime before planting. Organic formulas that contain manure from cows, goats, and chickens, are particularly beneficial. Our best overall fertilizer, Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Fertilizer, contains microorganisms to help improve soil quality.
Standout Features
Seasonality
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You should always refer to the product’s label and apply the fertilizer at the recommended time. Synthetic fertilizers are usually applied just before or during a plant’s active growing season. “Synthetic fertilizers are fast-acting, but after feeding your plants, the nutrients are washed away from the soil during rain or watering,” says Liz Will, a master gardener and garden coach.” For that reason, synthetic fertilizers need to be applied more frequently than organic formulas.
Since organic fertilizers are slow-acting, it’s best to apply them in the fall, so that nutrients are available in the spring planting season. Over time, the organic microorganisms will break down the soil, improving water use and airflow. A major advantage to slow-release, organic fertilizers is that they are applied less frequently than your average fertilizers. Our pick for indoor plants, the Espoma Organic Plant Tone, can provide nutrients for up to six months without having to be reapplied.
Weed Control
“Fertilizers themselves do not control weeds, but an unhealthy lawn is far more susceptible to weed growth than a healthy lawn,” Will says. “By fertilizing your lawn on a regular basis, and addressing any nutrient deficiencies, you’ll be helping your lawn crowd out weed growth.” If weeds are particularly problematic in your lawn or garden, look for a fertilizer that contains weed killer. Our best for trees pick, the BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Feed and Protect, doesn’t control weeds, but it does contain a highly effective insecticide that can kill over 40 types of insects.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. When selecting the best fertilizers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their NPK ratios, feed duration, application type, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. McHugh also looked at hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites. For expert insight, she interviewed Liz Will, a master gardener, garden coach, and author of the blog Learn To Grow Gardens.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
