Hi Mobeen –
Organic fertilizer differs from chemicals in that they feed your plants while building the soil. Soils with lots of organic material remain loose and airy, hold more moisture, and nutrients, foster growth of soil organisms, and promote healthier plant root development. They are available in liquid and dry (granular) form, either will work well for landscape plants and shrubs.
Dry fertilizers can be made from a single ingredient (such as greensand, blood meal or steamed bone meal) or a blend of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous plus micronutrients. They release their nutrients slowly — a good watering gets them started — giving you long-lasting, healthy results. We carry a variety of organic formulas designed to encourage growth, blooms and bountiful harvests.
Liquid fertilizers go to work almost immediately and are the quick, effective way to nourish established plants in pots or in your gardens! They are especially beneficial during critical times in a plant’s life such as just after transplanting, during extreme temperatures or drought, or when the plant is blooming or setting fruit). We offer a large selection here. Foliar fertilizing — spraying the liquid solution on leaves — will also benefit plants throughout the growing season and can be applied every 2-4 weeks.
Fertilizer Numbers (N-P-K)
The world of fertilizers can be complex, but it all hinges on three letters: N, P and K. These are the three macronutrients that are essential for plant growth – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Let’s take a tour of these elements and how they impact your garden.
Nitrogen (N) gets top billing because it’s responsible for keeping plants green, which is why fertilizers for grass tend to have a high N factor. Nitrogen also feeds new shoots and plant growth.
Phosphorus (P) builds healthy roots and promotes fruiting and flowering, so you’ll often see fertilizers for bulbs and blooms that are high in this nutrient. In nature, plants usually pick up phosphorus through decaying organic matter.
Potassium (K), which is also called potash, is key in the formation of chlorophyll and other plant compounds. It improves disease resistance and general plant health.
Other Tips
When choosing a fertilizer, remember that more isn’t better. Plants can only take in so much, so organic versions release lower amounts over time. Chemical fertilizers release an overload of nutrients, then wash right out of the soil.
Make sure your plants get the most out of any fertilizer by checking your soil pH first. Nutrients are most available if soil pH is in the sweet spot of 6.0 to 6.5.
Hope it helps!