Organic Fertilizer Options

You’ve probably heard it said that soil quality and fertility is paramount for a successful garden. You probably even know that compost is one of the best amendments you can add to your soil. But what about organic fertilizers?

I frequently get questions about organic fertilizers — specifically, what to use and when to use it. For this topic, I turned to Joe Lamp’l and in this episode of the Beginners’ Garden Podcast and the blog post below, we talk about organic fertilizer options.

You might have already heard my interviews with Joe about tomato troubleshooting and irrigation best practices. And make sure you check out the Joe Gardener Show and Growing a Greener World on PBS.

Click below or continue reading for our discussion.

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Compost vs. Fertilizer

What is the difference between compost and organic fertilizer?

Fertilizer provides nutrients, but it doesn’t build the soil the way compost does. Compost includes nutrients, of course, but it also helps to build the soil by providing trace minerals, beneficial fungi, and bacterial. If you build your soil with high-quality compost (and continue adding once or twice per season, you may not need fertilizer!

Organic vs. Non-organic fertilizer

Organic fertilizer slowly releases its nutrients over time, and as such, it doesn’t leach out of the soil fast. Synthetic fertilizers release a quick burst of nutrients but what isn’t taken up by the plants is released into the environment.

Synthetic fertilizers are chemically identical to organic fertilizer. But there are problems with synthetic fertilizer. Because synthetic fertilizers are water-soluble, unused nutrients leach out quickly, causing toxic runoff into our waters, rivers, and oceans. And because of the fast leaching, gardeners have to continue to apply fertilizers, creating a cycle of chemical fertilizer dependency. Synthetic fertilizers also harm soil life that makes natural nutrients available to plants, further exacerbating the dependency on chemicals.

Organic fertilizers more slowly released in the soil and they remain in the soil instead of running off. In appropriate amounts, they don’t harm micro-organisms on the soil and instead contribute to building healthy soil while providing nutrients to plants.

When do you need to use fertilizer?

One of the most common mistakes new gardeners make is to over fertilize. We want a quick fix and assume that any problem with our plants could be a deficiency in the soil. In reality, there are many other things it could be. Plants show stress with watering — too much or too little. Or sometimes cool springs or hot summers can signal stress as well.

But if other outside forces don’t seem to be the problem, the best recommendation is to get a soil test. With a soil test, you can know for sure if your soil lacks necessary nutrients.

Common Fertilizer Options

When you do need to use a fertilizer, these are some common options for you:

Organic, All-Purpose Granular Fertilizer

An organic, all-purpose granular fertilizer will be good for delivering the big 3 nutrients over time — Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. You won’t have to wonder if you need one thing more than another, but it would be better to test your soil before supplementing. It is best to mix the fertilizer into the soil, mostly the top 6-8 inches, so that the nutrients are available as the root system grows.

Bone Meal and Rock Phosphate

Both bone meal and rock phosphate are great sources of phosphorus if your soil is deficient. Make sure you do a soil test first because phosphorus will build up in the soil (causing adverse effects) and you want to add only what is needed. Keep in mind, these sources take time to break down into a form that the plants can use, so apply to your soil several months before planting for best results.

Blood Meal

Blood meal is a great, slow release nitrogen source. Nitrogen is important as plants are becoming established.

Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is a liquid source of nitrogen. If you need a quick source of nitrogen, this is a great source because it is ready to be used by your crops. You dilute the solution in water and it is able to go straight to your root system.

Seaweed Fertilizer or Liquid Kelp

Seaweed fertilizer or liquid kelp are often used as a foliar spray and is more effective on the leaves than the soil. Use it during the growing season if you see your plants could use a low dose of nutrition.

Potassium Sources

Options for supplementing potassium are greensand or sulphate of pot ash. Again, make sure to do a soil test to determine if you need to add potassium.

How to Add Organic Fertilizer

For granular fertilizers, work it into the soil before planting. If you want to add it to existing plants, sprinkle a ring around the “drip line” — the ground beneath where the edges of the leaves extend.

For liquid fertilizers, follow the instructions on the container. For fish emulsion, you will need to dilute in water and add to the soil around the plant. For liquid kelp, dilute in a clean spray bottle and apply to the leaves.

Conculsion

In a perfect garden, compost and high-quality soil will provide all you need to feed your plants. But there are times when supplemental fertilizer may be needed.

It’s always best to test your soil, but even if you can’t always do that, adding organic fertilizers is always a safer bet for an organic garden than any kind of synthetic options.