This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Nature begins to wake up, the ground warms up and the plants begin to grow. Is it time to fertilize them? Here are all the secrets of fertilizers.
To grow, plants need light, water, oxygen, CO2 and nutrients. Plants die when they are deficient in one of these factors. Fertilizer meets only the last of these needs. That’s why you need to make sure your plant has everything it needs before using it. For example, if your geranium doesn’t get enough light or water, fertilizer won’t help.
Fertilizer, what is it, exactly?
It is a product that contains the mineral elements essential to the development of the plant. The main components of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These are the three numbers you may see on commercial fertilizer labels! Nitrogen (N) accelerates root development and stimulates plant growth. It is also an essential component of chlorophyll; it nourishes the beautiful green of your plants! Phosphorus (P) promotes root system growth, plays an important role in fruit development and promotes stem elongation. Potassium (K) promotes plant resistance to disease and improves fruit quality to make them tastier. Fertilizer also provides other important mineral elements for plants, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.
The different forms of fertilizer
There are several types of fertilizers on the market that work in different ways. Granular fertilizer breaks down slowly and therefore works over a longer period of time. On the contrary, soluble powders are salts which assimilate very quickly. We can also think of organic fertilizers, made up of natural inputs such as manure, plant extracts, algae, etc. These fertilizers promote the development of microbial life.
The right recipe for the right plant
It is important to fertilize according to the type of plant. Plants grown in containers often need more fertilizer than those growing in natural conditions. For example, hibiscus would benefit from a 20-8-20 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Potted annuals can be fertilized as they grow, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fruiting vegetable plants require even more nutrients; so expect them to be greedy. Initially, it is advisable to use a fertilizer that contains more nitrogen, such as the 5-3-2 formulation. Upon fruiting, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium, such as 4-6-8.
The grass, him?
Your lawn’s needs vary throughout the season. In the spring, it will benefit from nitrogen fertilizer. When the weather warms up and the soil dries out, it’s best to simply avoid fertilizers. Finally, it is given a fertilizer containing more potassium in the fall to prepare it for winter.
Large trees and shrubs
To promote the establishment of these plants, you can give them fertilizer at the beginning of their life, in the first five years. Thereafter, a simple compost will improve the quality of the soil and should meet their needs. In any case, absolutely refrain from fertilizing at the end of the season! Care should be taken to avoid stimulating their growth as they prepare for winter.
You are well equipped to start the season! Remember, fertilizer is not a magic bullet. It will only work when combined with the perfect recipe of water and light.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.