Most common fertilizers are made in a factory, generally by processing natural gas to create ammonia, which can be further modified to form urea. These nitrogen compounds are the base for most fertilizers, along with inorganics such as phosphates , metal salts, and other compounds.
While these fertilizers contain essential nutrients, they are in a form not generally encountered by plants in their natural environment. As a result they can often “burn” or damage plants, particularly if applied too liberally. Furthermore, runoff of excess fertilizer can change the chemical balance of rivers and streams, causing algae “blooms” and depleting oxygen levels.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost, provide nutrients in a way that the plant can easily absorb, and in the right balance. You can buy it at the garden shop, make your own from garden and kitchen waste, or let the little wiggly worms do it for you. Learn more about vermicomposting here. You can also mix left over coffee grounds with a little compost as an added boost for acid-loving plants like rhododendron and azaleas.
While these fertilizers contain essential nutrients, they are in a form not generally encountered by plants in their natural environment. As a result they can often “burn” or damage plants, particularly if applied too liberally. Furthermore, runoff of excess fertilizer can change the chemical balance of rivers and streams, causing algae “blooms” and depleting oxygen levels.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost, provide nutrients in a way that the plant can easily absorb, and in the right balance. You can buy it at the garden shop, make your own from garden and kitchen waste, or let the little wiggly worms do it for you. Learn more about vermicomposting here. You can also mix left over coffee grounds with a little compost as an added boost for acid-loving plants like rhododendron and azaleas.
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