Other common kinds tend to have a higher ratio of nitrogen compared to the rest, such as 20-6-6. The N-P-K amount of most foods will have three identical numbers – such as 6-6-6, indicating a fertilizer containing 6% each of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for general nutrition (and maybe a whiff of sulphur…?). When considering feeding, ratio numbers on the packaging may vary, depending on their specific blends: N-P-K Explained These three minerals make up the most important micronutrients that most species and varieties in your garden need. To deliver this full range to your garden friends, you can purchase different fertilizers with assorted levels and types of nutrients.Īt the top of our list in terms of convenience, the majority of fertilizers you buy have a set, healthy balance of these nutrients built right in – particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, labeled as an “N-P-K” ratio on packaging, and made up of three numbers. Just like there are many foods you should include in your diet, an array of fertilizers and amendments may be needed in varying amounts to give your veggies, shrubs, and trees their own good “diet” – and a balance of these nutrients is crucial. Calculating the required quantity of nutrients is very necessary, as is considering the right way to provide it. Like us, our garden buddies need nutrition in the right amounts from various sources. That’s because they are essential to the human diet, too! I’m sure that these minerals sound more than familiar. Why would that be? Feeding Your Plants a Balanced Diet While plants need all of these nutrients (and a handful more through other trace minerals) for optimal health, higher numbers of some are more necessary at some times than others. A lack of magnesium can contribute to poor coloring and an anemic appearance. Helps increase intake of phosphorus and boosts production of chlorophyll, giving a healthy green color and encouraging absorption of CO2. Also helps neutralize acidity, both within the plant and in its surrounding soil, for optimal health. Strengthens and fortifies overall tissues everywhere. Excess prevents absorption of other minerals, particularly magnesium and calcium. Sometimes called potash, this further supports the ability to tolerate extreme temperatures. Potassium (K)Īlso important for roots and seed production. Also strengthens tissues and flavors in edibles and veggies. Strengthens root systems, capacity for seed creation, disease resistance, and pest prevention. Vital for good stalk growth, though excess decreases immunity and ability to fruit. Let’s take a look: Nitrogen (N)Īchieves similar benefits as protein in animals (in fact, protein releases nitrogen for use in humans). More importantly – what nutrients are you supposed to be paying attention to in your fertilizers? What do your plants really need?Īs it turns out, some of them are the same ones that animals (including humans) need. So, what do our garden companions need to eat, and how can you provide that for them? Soil and plant health may not be so different when you think about it – especially when it comes to nutrients!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |