It is highly recommended to use a fertilizer when gardening to feed the soil and provide the nutrients your plants need to thrive. There are various types of fertilizers on the market to meet the various needs of gardeners. Whether it's granular, soluble or liquid, you're sure to find the product you need.
Fertilizers contain three elements, N, P and K, which are essential to the development of your plants. Here is what each letter stands for:
What do the letters N-P-K mean?
N: Nitrogen, a nutrient which contributes to the vegetative development of all of a plant's aerial parts.
P: Phosphorus, a nutrient which strengthens the resistance of plants and contributes to the root development process.
K: Potassium, a nutrient which contributes to flowering and fruit development.
There are three main types of fertilizers on the market : granular, soluble and liquid. The following explanations for each type will help you choose the fertilizer that suits your needs.
Granular fertilizers
This type of fertilizer comes in the form of dry granules. Often, granular fertilizers are formulated to slowly release nutrients. Granular fertilizers must be mixed with the soil or sprinkled around the base of plants. Most must be watered and take a few days to give results.
Formulation: dry granules
Use: trees and shrubs, vegetables, roses and flowers, grasses and lawns
Benefits:
- Extended release
- Easy to store
- Fewer applications are required
- Economical
Soluble fertilizers
This type of fertilizer comes in the form of water-soluble powders. It must be diluted in water before it is applied. It can be applied with a watering can or sprayer.
Formulation: water-soluble powder
Use: perfect for fast-growing plants such as flowers and vegetables, indoor plants, and plants grown in containers
Benefits:
- Fast-acting
- Quickly absorbed
- Easy to measure and use
- Does not burn roots
Liquid fertilizers
This type of fertilizer comes in the form of a liquid concentrate. It must be diluted in water before it is applied. Liquid fertilizers allow for even applications and are more efficiently absorbed by the soil.
Formulation: liquid
Use: lawns, vegetables, flowers, plants grown in containers, indoor plants
Benefits:
- Easy to handle when mixing and applying
- Easy dosage
- Even applications
- Immediate effect
- Homogeneous mix
