Fertilizer Always check the ingredients listed on any bag of fertilizer you intend to buy. If the label says it contains sewage sludge or leather meal do not use it in your vegetable garden because it may contain heavy metals, which are not good to eat.
When you look at a bag of fertilizer the label will have 3 numbers printed on the bag. They represent the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. Each number represents how many parts of each element are mixed in to produce the type of fertilizer in the bag. Read the instruction label carefully. It will tell you when, how and on which plants it should be used. If you aren’t sure, just ask the salesperson who works in the garden store before you purchase any chemicals. They will be happy to help you chose the right blend for your plants. Nitrogen Nitrogen helps plants grow faster but too much of it will burn the roots and prevent flowering. Too little nitrogen will make green leaves turn a lighter shade and cause the older leaves to turn yellow. The best type of nitrogen-rich fertilizer should have Slow Release Formula printed on the bag label. It dissolves slowly so the plants don’t get too much nitrogen at once. If you can use organic matter like compost instead of purchased fertilizer you will still provide your plants with all the nitrogen they need and you won’t be using chemicals. Phosphorus Phosphorus helps plants form new roots, develop seeds, fruits and flowers. It also increases a plant’s ability to resist diseases. Plants that aren’t getting enough phosphorus will have darker old leaves or develop a reddish colour. The plant will start to produce poorer flowers and fruit when the soil needs more phosphorus. It should be added to the soil when you are tilling because it tends to stay put in one spot. Potassium Potassium helps increase a plant’s disease resistance and make the stems strong and keep it growing vigorously. Too little potassium will show up as a general slowing of growth and leaves that are smaller than usual. Potassium mixed into fertilizer will give plants the boost they need. |
