Fertilizers
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What is N-P-K?
(N) Nitrogen - Gives plants their green color and essential for protein synthesis.
(P) Phosphorous - Important for cell division and root, flower, and fruit growth.
(K) Potassium - Involved in plant metabolism, regulates water status, and aids in carbohydrate transport and cellulose production.
Fertilizers & Nutrient Amendments
Ammonium sulfate - a very acidic dry fertilizer which is 21% N, plus sulfur.
Bone Meal - steamed ground bone high in phosphate.
Blood Meal - readily available nitrogen, typically 10-12%.
Compost Tea - Steeped compost in water (5 parts water to 1 part compost by volume) for 1-3 days, then straining and applying the brew to plants.
Fish Products - formulations range from fish powder (9- 1-1), to fishmeal emulsion (5-1-1).
Garden Gyspom - About 20-23% calcium and 15-18% sulfur, secondary nutrients.
Greensand - a naturally occurring iron-potassium silicate.
Humates - Contains humic acids that dissolve other nutrients for plant utilization.
Iron Sulfate - lowers pH. Turns hydrangea flowers blue.
Kelp/Seaweed Products - rich concentrations of trace minerals. Very good for seedlings and transplants.
Lime - raises pH.
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) - highly soluble form of magnesium and sulfur.
Manure - these products carry an NPK fertilizer analysis on their label and will also improve soil structure.
Mycorrhizae - Are beneficial fungi which grow symbiotically on or in roots and extend the root structure by sending out tiny filaments to forage for nutrients.
Molasses - A carbohydrate that feeds beneficial microorganisms, helping them break down organic matter and release essential nutrients to plant roots.
Rock Phosphate - About 30% phosphate rock with calcium oxide, silicas, and trace minerals.
Worm Casting - Concentrated source of Ca, Mg, N, P and K, in readily available form.
