Fertilize

Fertilizing is an essential part of plant care that helps to provide plants with the important nutrients they need for healthy growth, strong leaves and flowers, and strong root formation. Over time, plants extract nutrients from the soil, which can be specifically supplemented through fertilization.

Why is fertilization important?

Fertilizer provides essential macro and micronutrients that are often not present in sufficient quantities in the soil. The most important nutrients include:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes the growth of leaves and shoots.
• Phosphorus (P): Supports root development and flower formation.
• Potassium (K): Strengthens cell structure and improves resistance to diseases and weather extremes.
• Micronutrients: Such as magnesium, iron and zinc are necessary for specific metabolic processes of the plant.

types of fertilizers

1. Organic fertilizers:

   • Made from natural materials such as compost, manure or plant residues.
   • Benefits: Slow release of nutrients, improves soil structure.
   • Examples: horn shavings, guano, compost.

2. Mineral fertilizers:

   • Synthetically produced and contain concentrated nutrients.
   • Advantages: Fast effect, easy to dose.
   • Examples: Blaukorn, liquid fertilizer, fertilizer sticks.

3. Special fertilizers:

   • For certain plant species (e.g. orchid fertilizer, lawn fertilizer).
   • Often contains a balanced mix of nutrients.

How and when should you fertilize?

1. Fertilization times:

   • Spring: Start the growing season with a nutrient-rich fertilizer.
   • Summer: Regular fertilization, especially for strong growing plants.
   • Autumn/Winter: Fertilize less or not at all, as many plants enter the dormant phase.

2. Fertilizer forms:

   • Liquid fertilizer: Ideal for houseplants as it is quickly absorbed through the water used for watering.
   • Granules: For garden plants that slowly penetrates the soil.
   • Foliar fertilizer: Sprayed directly onto the leaves and quickly absorbed.

3. Dosage:

   • Avoid over-fertilization as it can cause root damage and leaf burns.
   • Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Common Mistakes When Fertilizing

1. Overfertilization:
   Too much fertilizer harms the plant, causes salt deposits and can damage the roots.

2. Wrong timing:
   During the resting phase (autumn/winter) most plants do not require additional nutrients.

3. Unsuitable fertilizer:
   The wrong fertilizer cannot meet the specific needs of the plant.

Fertilization and Sustainability

• Natural alternatives: Compost, coffee grounds or nettle manure are environmentally friendly options.
• Targeted fertilization: Avoid over-fertilization to reduce environmental impact.

Fertilizing for different plant species

• Houseplants: Fertilize regularly with liquid fertilizer during the growth phase.
• Vegetable plants: Abundant nutrients for high yields; organic fertilizers are ideal.