What is the best vegetable garden fertilizer?
Many people consider growing a vegetable garden of their own. Having their favorite vegetables on-hand and knowing exactly where it came from gives people delicious tasting fruits and peace of mind. But even those with an impressive green thumb might notice yellowing leaves and a lack of production. That’s where fertilizer comes into play.
It can be challenging to know what’s “right” when it comes to your vegetable garden, especially when it comes down to the tricky mechanics of fertilizing. Well, this blog is going to take the guesswork out of things. Here, you will learn which garden fertilizers are best, along with some of the top recommended products.
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Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food
You have likely heard of Miracle-Gro before. They are a trusted name in the gardening industry. It’s no wonder why they would rank as a top pick when it comes to garden fertilizers, too. The Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food is recommended for vegetable gardens because:
- It contains natural ingredients to help plants grow and produce more vegetables.
- It can be used up to 3 months at a time.
- It contains calcium to improve the cell wall for more delicious and higher quality vegetables.
- Continuous release ensures that plants are receiving adequate nutrients from initial planting until harvest.
Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer Poly Bag
If you are looking for something entirely organic to feed your garden, consider the Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, & Herb Fertilizer Poly Bag. These “spikes” are a highly recommended organic fertilizer for these reasons:
- It creates better-tasting vegetables.
- The fertilizer allows for optimum levels of plant nutrients.
- The fertilizer contains no GMOs or other harmful materials like sewage sludge.
- It is made with only organic and natural ingredients.
- It contains probiotics to increase plant health and production.
- The fertilizer allows for a more massive abundance of crops.
Jobe’s Organics Vegetable & Tomato Fertilizer Spikes
If your plants are on the line and need to act fast, you need to “spike” it. And that’s why so many people like the Jobe’s Organics Vegetable & Tomato Fertilizer Spikes. Not only are these “spikes” of nutrients cheap and easy to use, but they also work. They’re the go-to product for plants that need zap back into health.
- It is made entirely of organic materials.
- Time-release fertilizer ensures plants get nourishment quickly down to their roots.
- Spikes are certified by OMRI to be entirely organic.
- It contains “Jobe’s Biozome.” This biozome includes all of the necessary microorganisms to break down the nutrients quickly to zap plants back into health in a flash.
- This product also improves overall soil conditions while fending off diseases and insects.
- Incredibly easy to use with zero mess.
Best Vegetable Garden Fertilizers
There are two key terms to remember when thinking about fertilizers: organic and inorganic. Each is an excellent option for fertilizing a vegetable garden. However, both have their pros and cons. They are also used differently. Proper application and understanding of both are essential for vegetable growth success.
Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizers
Using organic vegetable garden fertilizers is recommended as they are beneficial to the plant and the soil. Organic fertilizers can improve overall soil structure while defending bacteria and fungus. They are excellent at creating macro and micronutrients for the garden.
Organic fertilizers come in many forms, including manure, blood meal, and fish emulsion. The main drawback of using these materials is that the nutrient release is incredibly slow. It won’t be able to fix dire situations involving your plants.
A slow release of nutrients is good when plants are first planted, though. Adding compost to organic fertilizer is recommended to speed up the process and ensure ample nutrients for your vegetables. Making compost is free and easy and can be done in your backyard.
To create compost, mix browns (leaves and branches) with greens (grass, vegetable waste, good scraps) and a bit of water. Make sure that the materials are blended regularly and are kept moist. It may take a few months to create DIY compost, but your garden will thank you.
(EPA)
Inorganic Fertilizers
Typically, if the soil is healthy and has the right nutrient balance, then adding organic fertilizer such as compost is all that’s necessary to keep vegetables growing healthy and happy. But if you notice that your plants are not thriving, then an inorganic fertilizer might be your best bet. Inorganic fertilizers can also be used if you simply want to reassure a robust harvest.
However, not every inorganic fertilizer is created equal. Gardeners need to know the numbers on the container to make the right decision. Without a complete understanding of the listed numbers, you may end up unknowingly burning the roots of your garden.
Understanding Inorganic Fertilizer Numbers
While shopping for an inorganic fertilizer, you will notice three numbers on the container. These three numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer. When these three ingredients are included in the fertilizer, it is known as a “complete” fertilizer. Complete fertilizers are best for plants, but the right number is also essential.
How to Buy Inorganic Fertilizer
When purchasing fertilizer, it’s best to buy a fertilizer with twice the phosphorus amount than nitrogen or potassium. Why? Because an excess of nitrogen can cause the plants to die at the root, otherwise known as “root burn.” Too much phosphorus will not hurt a plant, and many times a plant is not lacking in potassium.
Take a good look at the numbers when purchasing. There may be two 50-pound bags for around the same price, but different numbers. The bag containing 10-20-10 will have more nutrients than the 5-10-5 bag. You will want to purchase the 10-20-10 bag because it has 10% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.
(AGriLifeExtension, Joe Gardener, Dummies, Bonnie Plant, Colostate)
Do you Need Fertilizer?
Contrary to popular gardening belief, not all vegetables “need” fertilizer. Fertilizer should only be used when the soil is not healthy enough to produce a healthy crop. To know whether your soil is superior enough, simply perform a soil test every few weeks.
Soil tests will show the pH levels of the soil. It will also show which vital nutrients are lacking. From there, you can decide which fertilizer is right for you. You may find that small changes, like adding compost, is all that’s needed for success.
Signs Your Vegetable Garden Needs Fertilizer
Of course, sometimes you don’t even need a soil test to know that your vegetable garden needs fertilization. A few signs a plant needs to be fertilized immediately include:
- The plant appears to be growing with a leggy and spindly appearance.
- The plant exhibits an overall growth stunt.
- The leaves are becoming yellow (nitrogen deficiency)
- The leaves are becoming pale with deep, dark green veins (potassium deficiency)
- The leaves have a duller appearance with a purple base (phosphorus deficiency)
- Vegetables are producing too late or early in the season.
- There are more leaves than there are vegetables.
If you see any of these signs in your vegetable garden, it’s essential to act fast. Many fast-acting fertilizers can help manage your garden swiftly and get your plants back on track to success.
(Gardening Know How, Gardening Solutions, Morning Chores)
Final Thoughts
If you want your garden to thrive, fertilizer is an excellent addition. But knowing which fertilizer is best is essential. Vegetable gardens can be successful with organic or inorganic materials. However, organic materials might take a bit longer, so consider this when tending to your garden. Compost is always beneficial, but a spike of fertilizer is your only option when you need to act fast.
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