The 9 Best Garden Fertilizers, Recommended by a Horticulturist
Using the right fertilizer is an absolute must when creating the perfect garden. The right fertilizer is key to producing a thriving garden for all to admire. Understanding the different types of fertilizer will help you select which one best meets your requirements. So, what fertilizer would best suit your garden, and how can you use it to make all your plant dreams come true?
1. Organic Compost
Organic compost is one of the most helpful fertilizers in the garden. Since it is rich in organic matter, it improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides essential nutrients that are slowly released into the soil and suppress the growth of weeds. Experts advise that it be incorporated into the soil before planting beds. Organic compost can be used year-round as a top dressing in spring and fall.
2. All-Purpose Granular Fertilizer
Considered the “workhorse” of garden fertilizers, granular fertilizer contains nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it suitable for a wide range of plants and foliage. Applying this fertilizer in early spring gives your plants all they need to grow steadily during the summer months.
3. Slow-Release Fertilizer
This type of fertilizer is easy to use, low-maintenance, and requires infrequent application due to its slow release of nutrients. This function means that it provides a consistent supply of nutrients over time. Experts recommend using slow-release fertilizers in early spring to provide the needed nutrients throughout the growing season.
4. Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers require a little more care and intention, as they need to be properly diluted to avoid over-fertilization, which will kill plants. As a fast-acting fertilizer, it is an excellent choice when a quick boost of nutrients is required while plants are actively growing. They should be applied every two to four weeks to annual, perennial, and vegetable plants. They are a good choice when addressing a lack of specific nutrients.
5. Specialized Fertilizers
Some plants, like roses, orchids, vegetables, and acid-loving plants (such as azaleas and camellias), need specialized fertilizers to meet their specific nutrient requirements. Specialized fertilizers address these needs and should be applied only when necessary. When using specialized fertilizers, it is best to follow the package instructions as much as possible to avoid over-fertilization.
6. AgroThrive Organic General Purpose Fertilizer
When looking for a specific brand of general-purpose fertilizer, AgroThrive is at the top of the list. As a liquid fertilizer, it provides a safe option for homes with children and pets (who tend to eat pelleted or bone meal fertilizers). It has a 3-3-2 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) nutrient ratio that is gentle on seedlings and promotes foliage, root, and flower growth. It is suitable for various plants and must be applied twice a month.
7. Burpee Organic All-Purpose Granular Plant Food
A well-established brand since 1876, this all-purpose granular fertilizer feeds plants for roughly three months before needing to be reapplied. It also provides soil with the needed microbes and calcium, preparing plants for abundant growth. It has a balanced NPK ratio of 4-4-4 and can be used for indoor and outdoor plants.
8. Espoma Garden-Tone
One of the top brands of fertilizers for vegetable growers is Espoma Organic. Their garden-tone fertilizer has a slow-release formula and a 3-4-4 NPK ratio that includes enriching and beneficial microbes for better soil health. This fertilizer is especially good for veggies such as asparagus, tomatoes, kale, and even herbs. According to the packaging instructions, it should be applied before planting veggies or herbs.
9. Down To Earth Acid Mix
Last, but not least, Down To Earth’s acid mix is a leading fertilizer for plants that prefer a more acidic substrate. It is made with cottonseed meal, a by-product of the cotton industry, and has an NPK ratio of 4-3-6. It is best applied in the spring and fall to support growth, budding, blooming, and root development. It must be mixed in with the soil or diluted and sprayed into the soil for best results. Fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, raspberries, garlic, carrots, and blueberries respond well to this fertilizer.
Sources
Nurturing Your Garden: 5 Essential Garden Fertilisers and When to Use Them
The 9 Best Garden Fertilizers You Can Get, According to a Horticulturist
11 of the Best Fertilizers for Growing Vegetables
