Fertilizers
Plants do not grow on their own; they need water and food just like us.
Proper fertilizing keeps plants growing and blooming vigorously. The general
rule of thumb is to fertilize living plants and never applying fertilizer
solution to dry plants, as burning will occur.
Container plants need more fertilizer than garden plants because plants in pots have a limited amount of potting mix from which to draw nutrients.
Examples of common types of fertilizers found in retail stores are: Miracle Grow, Plant Prod, and Sterns. While the strength of a brand name may inspire more confidence in the performance of a fertilizer, what is more important is the chemical make-up or numbers. All fertilizers have three main ingredients listed in a specific order. For example 20-20-20 represents the percent of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Each element has a specific growing characteristic.
The first Number is: Nitrogen [N]
Promotes stem and leaf growth, giving the plant a healthy dark green colour.
The second number is: Phosphorus [P]
Supports strong root systems and increases flowering and fruiting.
The Third number is: Potassium [K]
Balance the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus but also strengthens stems, root systems and helps with disease resistance.
There are three types of commonly available fertilizers: organic, chemical and slow-release.
Organic Fertilizers
Are made from a base of organic material such as fish, manure, or malt extracts. It is more expensive considering the actual amount of nutrients received, but worth it is as the nutrients have a longer life. In addition, organic fertilizers also increase the activity of soil microorganisms, which in turn stimulates more available nutrients for root system.
Chemical Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers come in many different forms, which are listed below.
Soluble Fertilizers:
This type of fertilizer is manufactured in a powder format, which you mix with water. A common example is Miracle Grow. The benefit of soluble fertilizers is that it is fast acting but needs to be routinely applied every 7 to 14 days.
Granular Fertilizers
Traditionally used to sprinkle over lawns. It is longer lasting but slower acting. Because the numbers are higher it can burn if applied too heavy, on dry soil, or during a season of intense hot dry weather. The consequences can be easily seen because your lawn immediately turns sickly yellow.
Fertilizer spikes
Come in the form of spikes or sticks made of compressed fertilizer that you push into the ground at the drip line around trees or shrubs. They usually last 2 to 3 months. It is important than your tree or shrub is older than three years. The general guideline is spikes should be at least 3 feet apart. The diameter of the tree trunk is used as a guide for the number of spikes used. Up to 2 inches use two spikes, 3 inches use three spikes, 4 inches use 4 spikes.
Slow-Release Fertilizers
Seen in the granular shape of resin-coated fertilizer and sprinkled on top of the soil, works by releasing nutrients over a period of time. The time frame is influenced by temperature and amount of water applied. Mixing the slow-release fertilizer into the soil may break the resin coating and release the fertilizer all at once causing the roots to burn. This type is considered to be “insurance” for your plants in case you forget or don't have time to routinely prepare a soluble fertilizer mixture.
Fall fertilizing is not recommended in our climate. This only works in warmer parts of the country. Fall fertilizing stimulates plants to grow when they should otherwise be preparing for winter dormancy.
Contact Info
1 mile west of Lewvan Drive on 13th Ave.
Regina, SK
306.525.1352
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