Hey everyone! I'm just starting out with gardening and I frequently hear about the importance of fertilizer. I'm a bit confused and would love some guidance. Is fertilizing necessary, or can my plants grow without it? I know that fertilizer provides extra nutrients, kind of like a vitamin for plants, but I'm not sure how to properly use it. Where can I find fertilizer, and will my plants, which include squash, cucumbers, basil, oregano, cilantro, mint, parsley, chives, peppers, and watermelon, end up sad and small if I don't use any? I've got a mix of plants from the store and a few that I grew from seeds. Thanks for any help!
3 Answers
It's generally not necessary to fertilize unless you suspect your soil's lacking something. A good layer of compost in the spring should do the trick, and even that might not be required. Think of fertilizers as a way to give your plants a quick boost! You can pick up some 'plant food' at the store, aiming for something with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. I use a powdered mix that’s easy to apply; just mix some in water and use about a tablespoon per plant, a few inches away from the stems about 2-3 times a season, particularly when they’re fruiting. But again, it’s mostly about enhancing growth rather than being a strict necessity.
Adding a bit of compost or aged manure in the spring can work wonders for your garden, especially if your soil needs a little extra help. While compost enriches soil life and is great for long-term growth, just using some good compost can often be enough if your soil is healthy. NPK fertilizers (which you can find at garden stores) also give a good boost, especially for pots with annuals, but be careful not to overdo it! In your first garden, adding some organic matter like compost can kickstart plant growth nicely. Just remember, if you started with healthy soil, you might be fine without heavy fertilizing!
Is manure just cow poop? I noticed my bagged soil has these little white bits mixed in. Is the top soil the same as regular soil?
I usually mix some aged manure and compost into my vegetable beds when planting. For flowers, I use bloom food. Honestly, in the first couple of years, I didn't use any fertilizer at all. Plants will grow without it but may take a bit longer, so while it's helpful, it’s not a dealbreaker if you skip it!
A common misconception is that soil or fertilizer minerals are the main "food" for plants. Instead, they primarily get their energy from photosynthesis, so the sunlight is key in what they 'eat'.