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| Courtesy IPM University of Missouri |
Fertilizing is a must if you want high yielding plants and the best quality produce from your Victory Garden. But, what exactly, do those three numbers on a fertilizer package mean? And what’s best, organic or conventional fertilizer? Finally, how do we know how much fertilizer to give, and when is the best time to fertilize?
Fertilizer is a soil amendment that guarantees a minimum percentage of nutrients, and the three prominent numbers on a fertilizer package represent the percentage contained of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium, or potash (K). For example, a 20-10-5 fertilizer contains 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphate, and 5% potash. Healthy plant growth also depends on other micronutrients, but nitrogen, phosphate and potash are critical as macronutrients. In our Colorado soils, nitrogen applications will typically be more important than phosphate or potash, due to the higher pH of our soils. A soil test, such as offered through Colorado State University, will give you a snapshot of what nutrients are present and what might be lacking in your soil.
From your plants’ perspective, they are seeking out the nutrients they need to thrive and cannot tell if those nutrients are coming from a conventional or organic fertilizer. The speed that those nutrients become available to the plant is the main difference between the two, with conventional fertilizer providing a shot of nutrients quicker than organic fertilizer. However, relying solely on conventional fertilizers is not recommended as they do not support good soil tilth (the suitability of the soil to support plant growth).
There is no “best” fertilizer, just as there is no “best” car. They all have advantages and disadvantages. How you apply the fertilizer is vitally important, and application rates are critical, because too much or too little directly affect crop growth. Always follow the instructions on the package for application rates and the recommended feeding schedule for great plant and fruit growth.
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| Photo: Erin Matthias |
CSU Extension Garden Notes offer great reading on plant nutrition and the fertilization of your Victory Garden. Refer to: Plant Nutrition, Understanding Fertilizers ,
Disclaimer: Jefferson County Master Gardener does not endorse any commercial products. Mention of products in articles, photographs, or videos does not mean endorsement.
