Fertilizer guide for a food garden

Organic Fertilizer
Organic types are better for the environment and help to improve overall soil health. The biggest disadvantage of using an organic fertilizer is that it may not contain primary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous or potassium, also known as NPK. Manure-based fertilizers contain these nutrients and are still considered organic.
Inorganic Fertilizer
Inorganic fertilizers do nothing to improve soil and have no positive residual effect. In some cases, they can be harmful to the environment and wildlife, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before using. With inorganic fertilizer, there are more nutrients added and can have quicker results.
Granular Fertilizer
Slow release granular fertilizers have the advantage of delivering nutrients over a longer period of time.
Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting, delivering a boost of nutrients when plants need a quick pick-me-up. These are generally less harsh and not as long-lasting, so need to be applied more frequently.

three essential nutrients

All plants need three essential macro nutrients to grow. These nutrients are Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.
Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf growth by stimulating the production of chlorophyll, which is the main pigment that allows plants to convert sunlight into food. Too much nitrogen will result in too much foliage and fewer flowers or fruit, while not enough nitrogen results in yellow leaves, stunted growth and smaller flowers or fruit.
Phosphorus promotes healthy stems and root development, along with abundant flower and fruit production. A shortage of phosphorus can result in leaf drop, weak flower stems and buds that won’t open. A phosphors deficiency affects tomatoe seedlings greatly.
Potassium is an overall nutrient used by the entire plant. It helps plants utilize their photosynthate, and allows quicker recovery from insect and disease damage or weather extremes. Lack of potassium can result in yellow leaf margins, weak flower stems and poorly developed buds.

Organic Amendments

Plants also need other trace amounts of micro- nutrients which include calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. Organic amendments can not only provide the three essential macronutrients but also provide micro-nutrients.
Compost is one of the most essential soil amendments, improving soil structure and providing a wide spectrum of nutrients and minerals. It can be homemade or bought commercially, and includes mushroom compost and worm castings. Compost promotes overall plant health, increasing resilience to pests and diseases. Work into the soil at planting time, or apply a 1-2 inch layer each spring around the base of established plants. It can also be steeped in water and used as a tea.
Kelp meal or seaweed extract contains more than 70 vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids essential to overall plant health. Available as a dried powder or liquid concentrate, kelp promotes root development, boosts immunity from pests and diseases, and stimulates beneficial soil bacteria. This can be part of a regular program throughout the growing season.
Fish emulsion an excellent all-purpose fertilizer, promotes lush growth, improves soil texture and supports beneficial microbes. Most sources are liquid concentrate, but it can also come in pellet form. Apply every 2-4 weeks for a continuous food source that won’t burn plants. Fish fertilizer is often used in combination with kelp.
Manure consists of waste from livestock animals including cows, horses, chickens, steers, or rabbits. One of the best overall fertilizers, manure is packed with nitrogen and other nutrients, as well as trace minerals. It is both a fertilizer and amendment, improving soil structure and promoting lush growth. Make sure manure is well-aged so it doesn’t burn plants. Work into the soil at the time of planting or mulch established plants with a one-inch layer in spring. Manure can also be steeped in water and used as a tea. Rabbit manure is the only compost that can be directly applies to the garden without aging. It is a cold compost and will not burn the delicate plant roots.

WHen to Fertilize the Garden

Most plants benefit from the application of a slow-acting granular fertilizer in early spring to jump-start new growth. Factors such as soil type, pH, moisture, drainage, and temperature can affect a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. Here are some general guidelines; some plants within these categories may have different needs.
Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, cane berries, and fruit trees all have different nutritional needs and fertilizing schedules, which can vary by region. Consult your local extension service or garden center for more information. Vegetables: Vegetable crops benefit from well-amended soil and adequate fertilizing to maximize production. Nutritional needs vary according to the type of crop grown. Seedlings: Wait until plants develop their first set of true leaves before fertilizing. Use a mild liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion at half strength and apply twice a week, or at full strength every 7-10 days. If you are using potting soil that contains fertilizers, there’s no need for supplemental nutrients.
Important: No matter which fertilizer you use, be sure to water the plants thoroughly before and after fertilizing to avoid burning the roots.