Are you looking to use that extra space outside your home to grow your first garden? Not only is this a great way to have access to fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers, but it is also a wonderful way to spend your time outside. But for many first time gardeners, it can be hard to know just how to do it right. Here is a bit of information on fertilizers and the different types you can choose from.
First of all fertilizer comes in just two types; organic and inorganic (chemical based). Let’s start with the most popular for home a gardener which is organic of course. An organic fertilizer comes from a living plant or animal source. For
example, some fertilizers may contain egg shells, fish meat and bone scraps, seaweeds and even cottonseed products. However, for a cheap, if not free fertilizer, you could use animal manure.
You may be surprised to know how often this great source is overlooked or forgotten. Not only does it increase the overall phosphorus content in your soil but also enhances the water infiltration rates. The way it does these much needed jobs is through decay. When the manure breaks down in the soil, it not only releases extra phosphorus, but it also allows the water to be sealed in good and tight up against roots where it is needed. What’s more, you will often find that even years after you have used the manure, your phosphate levels will still be increasing.
It all has to do with the fact that the water can get into the earth easier and deeper to push down the much needed nutrients. And not only that, but you can also do it faster because of the use of manure, up to five times as fast even. What this means for you is less time and money spent on getting the water where it needs to go. However, there are some issues that come with the use of manure.
The number one problem with animal manure is the risk of contracting E-coli bacteria. So to make sure you avoid this issue, keep the manure well away from any edible plants, or simply plan ahead by fertilizing your soil a season ahead of time. In addition, with manure you will also have more work from weeds. And to fix this you just need to be prepared to spend more time picking them or use a chemical to keep them at bay. Either way, using manure can be a great way to start your first garden.
But lets move on to chemical fertilizers. You will find these either mixed or manufactured. Also you will find that most commercial fertilizers are quite inexpensive. One such example of a chemical fertilizer is urea. This chemical is usually very concentrated and will save you money because of that. However, because of the concentration it can be harder to use.
This is usually because direct exposure to the leaves can harm the plant as well as an inconsistent mixture that gets spread too unevenly. However, if you are worried about this at all it may be best to stick to a chemical fertilizer that is less concentrated.
One great example of such a fertilizer that is less concentrated and very easy to use is called a slow release fertilizer. You can find this type of fertilizer in both an inorganic and organic style. What this does is allow for a slower rate of release that can protect against many issues like burn potential. What’s more, the most common nutrient you will find in these fertilizers is nitrogen. There are many different styles to choose from so make sure you read the instructions well to determine which would work best for your needs.
The alternative to slow release however is the fast release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer allows for a quicker absorption rate of the nutrients you plant needs most. The end result with this type is a quicker return on your investment. Furthermore, this type is also better during colder weather and is easier to use. On the other hand, because they are so quick they do not last as long so extra applications may be needed, and they do not work as well for soil that has a high sand content.
When making your decision on which fertilizer to use, just remember to think ahead to what you want to grow, what type of soil do you have, and what your weather is like during your growing season. Planning ahead this way will really help you when you do your research on fertilizer.