If you want to grow only the healthiest and strongest plants possible, you will need to make sure the right type of plant food is used.  For example, plants need manure, organic fertilizers, “neat” chemicals (fertilizers), and liquid food.  As you will see from the information broken down below, each of these food types benefits the soil and the plant, producing magnificent vegetation.

Manure

Manure, or more commonly known as animal waste is actually very good for plants.  However, when using manure, you will need to first use lime on the soil and then wait for about six weeks before the manure is added.  By following this simple process, the plants will be nourished but if you skip this step, the ammonia gases from the manure will build up in the soil, causing damage to the vegetation.

Organic Fertilizer

Typically, organic fertilizers consist of a high level of more than one chemical plant food, making them more consistent than manure.  Because organic fertilizer naturally breaks down in the soil slower then other types of fertilizer, it lasts longer.  Additionally, with this type of fertilizer, you will find it is easy to apply and because it is natural, there is no danger of scorching the plants.

While producing healthy plants to eat and flowers to enjoy, the environment is also protected.  With organic fertilizer, that means no harmful chemicals are being eaten by wildlife, there is no substance in water runoff, and the ground is not absorbing pollutants.

Neat Chemicals (Fertilizer

These fertilizers are natural, and easy to find.  They are mined, ground, and then subjected to a purification process.  Keep in mind that some types of neat chemicals are manufactured synthetically to include Sulfate of Potash, Sulfate of Ammonia, or Super Phosphate.  These are very inexpensive and because they dissolve quick and easy, they work quite well.

The one disadvantage is that they have a shorter lifecycle, which is caused by the level of concentration.  When using neat chemicals, it is important that you use them according to the manufacturers recommendation in that many people will go overboard, causing the plants to become scorched.

Liquid Food

Considered a slow release method, liquid food is usually already dissolved in water making the application extremely easy and quick but it also means it will not last very long.  Some liquid foods can be applied directly to the plant’s leaves, providing instant effect and a “boost” to the growth.

Liquid food, which is actually liquid fertilizer, consists of extracted, liquid manure.  Years ago, this type of chemical was put in a Hessian sack that had been filled about halfway with cattle dung.  Tied to a brush handle that ran across the top of a barrel filled with water, the sack would hang over the barrel, where the chemicals were mixed until finally, all of the nutrients had passed into the water.

Additionally, it is important that you understand the various types of plant food, which includes the following:

• Nitrogen – Used to build up the plant, which helps produce the green tissue.  Additionally, nitrogen works to promote grown in the stem and leaves, and increases the level of protein in edible plants.  When plants are deficient in nitrogen, their growth will be stunted and they will generally have a yellowish color.  The lower leaves will dry up and fall off and if the deficiency is extreme, the plants will die.

• Phosphate – This helps to build the plant’s roots.  When you first plant your vegetation, it is imperative that it has the proper amount of phosphate in that they will use the phosphorous quickly.  When there is a deficiency of phosphate, the foliage will begin to look blue/grey, eventually turning to bronze color.

• Potash – This helps with the development of flowers and fruits.  Other benefits are that the plants will brighten and the plant toughen, which is perfect for fighting disease.  If there is a deficiency of potash, the leaves will turn yellow, changing to brown and the looking scorched.  Remember that excessive potash is damaging by causing too much water to be absorbed.