Organic FertilizerOrganic fertilizer is a essential part of your overall gardening success because it provides many of the nutrients that your plant needs to grow and reproduce. While they vary in their composition from brand to brand, they generally contain three macro nutrients which are easily recognized as N-P-K on the package label. The three letters are abbreviations for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus(P) and Potassium(K) These are the nutrients that are going to be consumed in the greatest quantities. However it is important to realize that are three remaining macro ingredients that are also needed to provide a balanced "diet" for your plants health. These are Calcium(C), Magnesium(Mg), and Sulfur(S). Note that Calcium (lime) is typically purchased separately from other nutrients. Most every malady that affects plants from poor growth to disease or insect infestation are the direct result of a deficiency of one or more of the macro nutrients. Note that Calcium (lime) is also classified as a fertilizer but is typically purchased separately. But that is not the end of the story. There are also seven Micro nutrients that your plants need as well. They are Boron(B), Chlorine(CL), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Manganese(Mn), Molybdenum(Mo), and Zinc(Zn). The better brands will typically contain these nutrients as well. Micro nutrients are important in their own right, but are used by your plants in much smaller quantities and therefore they are typically not a primary ingredient in most blends. Unlike synthetic chemicals, these natural fertilizers are safe for your kids and pets. They will not burn your plants and they will not leech off. They help reclaim our environment and build soil fertility, while providing food for micro-organisms that supply energy for healthy plant growth. Organic fertilizer does not have to be watered in because it will not burn your plants like synthetics. They help improve soil structure and works together with organic matter to enhance micro-organism populations while releasing nutrients when the plants need them.
In what form is organic fertilizer sold? How do you apply it? Who uses organic fertilizer?
As one owner of a local greenhouse so aptly put it... "When your income is derived from growing, you can't afford a bad season. So you don't take unnecessary chances, you go with natural products which work best."
The problem that most face is where to get it? There are only a select few nursery and garden centers that carry genuine organic fertilizer. Now that has all changed with the internet. Now we can get the same stuff that professional growers use delivered right to our front door. We don't even have to drive to the nursery!
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Bokashi Buckets
This Fall I have been working on some new raised beds for use this coming Spring. They have provided a convenient spot to put all those leaves falling off the maple tree.Earlier this year I began using Bokashi Buckets to recycle all our kitchen waste. I always thought it was a shame that I couldn't do something constructive with all the orange peels we generate in our household. Bokashi Buckets have provided a perfect solution and a great way to build soil in the raised beds all throughout the winter. Bokashi Buckets are a great alternative to composting, especially in the winter months.
Read more about Fall activities over at the
Organic Gardening Blog.