Sabtu, 15 Agustus 2020
The best fertilizers for the vegetable garden Tips to help you make the right choice
The proverb says true: we reap what we sow! But if you want to harvest even more and increase the productivity of your vegetable garden, fertilizer becomes an essential asset! This one plays a major role in our success in the garden, but it's easy to get lost in it. So here are some tips to help you make the right choice of fertilizer for the vegetable garden.
Understanding the composition of fertilizers
The first thing to understand when selecting a fertilizer is the distinction between the three main components: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The figures on the packaging represent their percentage in the composition of the fertilizer. For example, a 15-30-15 fertilizer will contain 15% nitrogen, 30% phosphorus and 15% potassium. Note that there are many more than these 3 elements integrated into the product: other elements and minerals are used to supplement fertilizers and ensure the needs for various types of crops.
As a general rule:
- Nitrogen (N) influences the growth and development of foliage;
- Phosphorus (P) helps with root development;
- potassium (K) promotes flowering and fruit development.
When comparing mineral fertilizer and natural fertilizer, there is often a perception that the mineral will be much more effective because the percentages of the elements are higher. But be careful, you should know that the recommended doses are always calculated in part per million (PPM) and that overdose can cause irreversible damage to plants.
Water well for plant and flower growth
Water remains the essential element throughout the growth of your plants. When there is a lack of water (or water stress), the stomata close and nutrients no longer circulate in the plant. The growth is then stopped until the water becomes accessible again.
What fertilizer for the vegetable garden?
How to enrich the soil of your vegetable garden: here are three good fertilizers to discover!
Fertiliser 4-6-8 Tomatoes and vegetables, from Acti-Sol
Its advantages:
Its ease of use with an application every 4 weeks for the entire season;
its high calcium content, essential for many vegetable plants as well as to prevent apical rot of the tomato;
approved for organic farming.
Namely: like most natural fertilizers, it has a smell (farm, we'll say it!) especially when it is wet, but the smell is not invasive and, shortly after application, it dissipates.
Fertilisers 4-3-9 Bionik Fruits and Vegetables, from Gloco
Its advantages:
- Easy to use with a 6-week app for the entire season
- Highly sought-after premium ingredients;
- approved for organic farming.
14-8-14 fertiliser for Blueberries and soil acidifier, nuway
Its advantages:
- a typical example of a fertiliser for cultivation with specific needs;
- in addition to fertilizing, it has an ideal acidifying power for blueberries and other acidophilic plants;
- very easy to use with 2 applications per year.
Namely: it is also possible to acidify the soil naturally, but the results are much more precise with this type of fertilizer formulated by Les Sols Isabelle.
Fertilisers 4-3-7 for Urban Garden, fafard
Its advantages:
- its natural ingredients stimulate biological activity and prevent soil dryness
- approved for organic farming
Namely: it is offered in a bag, but also in a lightweight plastic container that is easy to handle, ideal for fertilizing potted vegetable gardens.
Each crop has its own fertilizer
Rely on packaging to determine if a fertilizer is suitable for one type of crop, as some plants have very specific needs.