Fertilizers play a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of plants in a household garden. Understanding the different types of fertilizers available and their appropriate uses can greatly enhance the growth and productivity of plants. Here's a breakdown of various fertilizers and their benefits, along with a list of popular plants that thrive with each type:
Organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure, bone meal, and fish emulsion, are excellent for improving soil structure and providing a slow release of nutrients. To use compost, spread a 1-2 inch layer over your garden bed and work it into the top 6-8 inches of soil before planting. Manure should be well-rotted and applied similarly. Bone meal can be added at planting time, sprinkled directly into planting holes or rows. Fish emulsion should be diluted according to package instructions (typically 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water) and applied as a soil drench or foliar spray every 2-3 weeks. Water plants thoroughly after applying organic fertilizers to help nutrients penetrate the soil, generally providing about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Organic fertilizers are a good option because they improve soil health and support beneficial microorganisms. Plants that benefit from organic fertilizers include:
Price per unit: 35 Baht/ 1kg.
How to Obtain: Organic Fertilizer
Inorganic fertilizers, such as ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate, provide immediate nutrients to plants. Apply these fertilizers according to the package instructions, usually by sprinkling granules evenly over the soil and then watering thoroughly to dissolve them. For example, a common recommendation might be 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per square foot of soil. Inorganic fertilizers are ideal when plants need a quick nutrient boost, such as during the growing season. Ensure plants receive about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients. These fertilizers are especially useful for their rapid action and precise nutrient content. Popular plants that benefit from inorganic fertilizers include:
Price per unit: 39 Baht/ 100g.
How to Obtain: Inorganic Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizers, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulas, provide equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply these fertilizers by sprinkling the recommended amount (e.g., 1 tablespoon per square foot) over the soil and then watering thoroughly. These fertilizers are a good option for general garden use, promoting overall plant health and growth. Make sure plants receive about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, to help the fertilizer dissolve and nutrients to be absorbed. Balanced fertilizers are versatile and support the growth of a variety of plants. Popular plants that thrive with balanced fertilizers include:
Price per unit: 79 Baht/ 1kg.
How to Obtain: Balance Fertilizer
Specialized fertilizers are formulated for specific plants or purposes. For example, tomato fertilizers often have a higher potassium content, and rose fertilizers usually contain more phosphorus. Apply these fertilizers according to the specific needs of the plant, usually following the package instructions for amount and frequency. Water plants thoroughly after application to ensure nutrients reach the roots, providing about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Specialized fertilizers are a good option when addressing the specific nutrient needs of particular plants. Popular plants for specialized fertilizers include:
Price per unit: 135 Baht/ 1liter.
How to Obtain: Orchid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers, such as water-soluble formulas and foliar sprays, provide quick nutrient uptake. Dilute the fertilizer according to package instructions (e.g., 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water) and apply either directly to the soil or as a foliar spray every 2-3 weeks. Liquid fertilizers are a good option for quickly addressing nutrient deficiencies or for regular feeding throughout the growing season. Ensure plants receive adequate water, generally about 1 inch per week, including rainfall, to help nutrients be absorbed efficiently. Liquid fertilizers are particularly effective for fast-growing plants or those showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Popular plants for liquid fertilizers include:
Price per unit: 29 Baht/ 150 cc.
How to Obtain: Liquid Fertilizer
In conclusion, understanding the different types of fertilizers available and their appropriate uses is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive household garden.
