Plants need a mixture of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other micronutrients in order to grow healthy and fertile. Some of these nutrients are naturally available in the soil, but by planting new flowers, grasses and vegetables each spring year after year, these nutrients are depleted and need to be replaced. Read on to learn about several approaches to feeding (fertilizing) plants.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Factory-Produced Fertilizer
Step 1. Fertilize grass and gardens with a type of fertilizer in the form of small grains
Small granular fertilizer is relatively easy to sprinkle around lawns and gardens. Since you are not putting the fertilizer directly into the soil, it should be applied every few months. To help the fertilizer last longer, use a garden rake to filter it into the soil on the beds in your garden.
- Fertilizers sold commercially are labeled containing the N-P-K ratio which records the amount of each ingredient contained in it. If you're only fertilizing your lawn, choose a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, as these nutrients help the grass grow lush and green. If you are fertilizing flowering or bulbous plants, choose a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content, as it will help the plant to flower.
- For very important lawns, apply a small granular fertilizer right after planting new grass seeds. You can sprinkle it by hand or use a dispenser to spread it evenly throughout your yard.
- Controlled release of fertilizer pellets can be beneficial if you have a large lawn that you don't want to worry about fertilizing more than twice a year. The small granular form is designed to release fertilizer slowly and gradually.
Step 2. For potted plants, use liquid fertilizer
Fertilizer sold in spray bottles or pour bottles is suitable for all types of potted plants.
- Pour or inject some liquid fertilizer around the plant roots. The plant will absorb it quickly and you should see results within a few days.
- Too much liquid fertilizer can damage plants, so do not use more than the amount recommended in the instructions on the bottle.
Method 2 of 3: Fertilizing Plants with Organic Fertilizer
Step 1. Use manure, bat or poultry droppings (chicken, duck, etc
). Cow dung manure has long been one of the most popular ways to fertilize plants. You can also buy several boxes of bird/bat manure, which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, at many nursery and farm supply stores. Poultry manure is also a common choice among farmers and planters. Spread the material around the roots of the plants you want to fertilize.
Step 2. Use bone meal or blood meal. Both ingredients are made from crushed animal bones or blood, which contain high amounts of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Both are available at agricultural supply/supply stores and nursery gardens in bags or boxes. Sprinkle the flour around the roots of your plants.
- You can fertilize the plant before planting it by sprinkling flour into the hole you dug during planting.
- Try mixing flour into the vegetable planting bed before you plant the seeds or seedlings. Then add more flour on top of the topsoil once all the seeds are planted.
- Most farmers and planters find that the use of animal-based ingredients provides the best nutrition for plants. However, if you are sensitive to the use of bone meal or blood meal, you can also try cottonseed meal.
Step 3. Fertilize the soil with compost
Using compost in beds in the garden / garden or potted planting media will succeed in keeping plants healthy over time. It's still a good idea to fertilize it from time to time, but the nutrients in compost provide a great foundation for healthy plants.
- You can make your own compost by collecting vegetable peels and food scraps in a compost bin.
- Compost is also sold in nurseries.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Fertilize Plants
Step 1. Fertilize the plant when you plant it
Whenever you're going to be growing plants in beds in the garden or even mopping up indoor plants, fertilizing is a good idea to give the plants a productive start.
Remember that nitrogen helps stems and leaves grow strong, phosphorus helps the development of a healthy root system, and potassium provides flowers with healthy and beautiful conditions. Each type of plant has different needs, so if you're not really sure what kind of fertilizer for your plant, do your research or ask an expert working at your local nursery
Step 2. Fertilize the plant every few months
Try not to wait for a sudden problem to appear before you fertilize the plant. Record the last time your plant was fertilized, and plan to fertilize every few months during the growth period.
Step 3. Fertilize your plants when they appear to be in poor condition
If your plant has yellow or brown spots, limp leaves, or other problems, it's most likely that the plant is under-fed (fertilized). You can buy fertilizer sprays which hopefully will help recover diseased plants quickly
Tips
- Making your own fertilizer for plants is not difficult. Try mixing in eggshells, dry leaves, and a little apple, orange and/or banana peel, and your plant will get a little of it all.
- Add worms or caterpillars to your garden/garden. These animals will accelerate the process of decomposition (composting).
