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composting & fertilizers
composting & fertilizers
Choosing fertilizer for your garden can be tricky. There are various things you need to consider. Read our introductory buying guide below if you feel that you need guidance with regard to the kind of fertilizer you require.
The main distinctions you have to make before you purchase a product are as follows:
- Granular VS liquid products.
- Balanced VS specialty products
- Organic VS synthetic products
A common misconception among many amateur gardeners is that fertilisers serve to feed plants. This is an incorrect assumption. In actual fact, fertilizers serve to feed the soil in which plants grow. In essence, fertilizers are an alternative source of basic nutrients that are used to supplement existing nutrients in healthy soil, or compensate in cases where soil is poor or depleted due to leeching or erosion. The main constituents of fertilizer are as follows:
- Nitrogen, which used for leaf production.
- Phosphorus, which is used for root- and flower production.
- Potassium, which is used for flower production and general growth.
Fertilizer and organic composting breaks down in soil in one of two ways: it either dissolves in the ground water or it is broken down by microbial action. Both these processes serve to make the nutrients available in a form that plant roots can absorb.
Conventional, modern-day fertilizers are chemically synthesized, rather than being derived from plant- or animal matter as it was in the past. While the utmost care is taken to manufacture products that mimic the natural nutrient processes of soil itself, by using technology that ensures the nutrients are released slowly into the soil environment (as not to harm or ‘burn’ developing roots and plant material), it is imperative that gardeners take the time to read instructions carefully before administering it. Overzealous fertilizing can have the exact opposite effect of what is desired, in that it harms the plants more than it bolsters growth.
Choosing to go the natural route takes a bit more effort, but there are various options available on the market that make home composting a breeze. Our range of worm farms and composting systems take the hassle out of converting your kitchen- and garden waste into nutritious compost in no time at all.
Please do not hesitate to contact a representative of the Premier Garden team should you require any assistance when choosing synthetic- and organic fertilizers, or selecting a composting system or any other gardening tool.
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