Organic and natural fertilizer differs from that chemical fertilizer. It is true that organic fertilizer is highly recommended for growing and cultivating your organic garden. When plenty of organic material is present in the soil, it remains airy and loses and can hold more nutrients and moisture. This can ideally promote soil organism growth and foster healthier plant development.
You have to note that using chemical fertilizer in the soil result in losing micro biotic activity and organic matter. When this type of fertilizer is used, the structure of the soil deteriorates and becomes lifeless, compact, and unable to hold nutrients and water. The following is additional information about organic fertilizer, the application of fertilizer, and the different types of fertilizer.
Short definition of organic
Fertilizer Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is derived from animals, mined minerals, and plants. Any organic fertilizer combination can feed the soil organisms producing plant food in available plant form.
Organic fertilizer application
Since organic fertilizers usually take time to make nutrients available for the soil and break them down, it is highly suggested to apply organic fertilizer at least several months prior to planting. Early application of this fertilizer gives soil microbes the time to absorb organic matter and turn this into a form that your plants can utilize. The easiest way of applying organic fertilizers is by spreading them to the planting beds or soil surface.
Different types of organic fertilizers
There are different types of organic fertilizers so if you are planning to grow an organic garden and have your own fresh produce, you need to be familiar with the following types and see for yourself which among these fertilizers are good for your garden:
- Animal-Based Fertilizers. These are by-products derived from meat processing and dairy industries producing multitudes of organic fertilizers.
- Plant Fertilizers. This includes seaweed or sea kelp, corn gluten, cottonseed meal, and alfalfa meal.
- Mined fertilizer. This is another type of organic fertilizer that is composed of gypsum, soft-rock phosphate, and limestone.
- Fish products. These are the by-products coming from fish industries producing organic fertilizers like fish meal and fish emulsion. This contains high levels of nitrogen and is made quickly available for plants.
- Animal Manures. These are derived from varieties of insects and animals. Most animal manures are composted, bagged, and sterilized at times. Animal manure’s nutrient composition varies depending on the bedding, animal, and method of storing the manure.
Organic fertilizers are compound fertilizers containing more than one type of organic material. The ingredients making up these fertilizers may be vegetable or animal matter or maybe a combination of the two.
When speaking of fertilizer, it is imperative to keep in mind that this is composed of important elements that are completely produced the natural way and without any trace of additives and components that are manufactured synthetically.
Planting
To make sure that you will get the best from your organic garden, plant seeds, and seedlings at the right time and appropriate time. There is a zone chart that can help you deal with your gardening venture. This chart provides you with great ideas on when and how to start planting.
The average temperature of the soil is also an essential aspect that needs to be considered when planting seeds. The temperature of the soil also dictates the most suitable plants or root crops to be planted. Once you are certain that it is safe to plant in your organic garden, start with the soil preparation.
It is easy to just dig up the soil, plot the land and throw seeds in the ground but what matter is that you are able to create a healthy garden. Dig only when the condition of the soil moisture is right. The soil needs to be moist, not soggy so that it will work easily. The following information can help you gain a clearer idea about planting seeds as well as the ideal way of watering the plants in your organic garden.
Seed packets come with a set of instructions concerning the distance and depth when planting the seeds in your organic garden. In planting seeds, it is advisable to use the corner of a trowel or your finger. You also need to prepare the trench to the desired depth. Take a few seeds and begin to spread them to the trench.
In many instances, seeds are being sown closer than the final spacing for the reason that having many seedlings is said to be better than having only a few. Thinning the rows is also required and spreading an ideal layer of soil or mulch is essential to protect the seeds. This also aids in better seed germination. Never forget to water after completing the planting tasks.
Planting Transplants
Transplants are an excellent choice when you are having a difficult time growing seeds especially if you are residing in an area with a shorter growing season. The proper spacing needs to be considered before investing your time and effort in planting.
The right depth and width is also important aspect as far as digging holes is concerned. You can also add compost or organic fertilizer to the hole but make sure to mix it with some soil before putting a particular plant in. The next step to take is removing the transplant from the container and checking the root balls.
In case roots are seen circling the bottom, loosen the roots gently. Disturbing root balls a bit is essential; use your hands in placing the plant in the hole. See to it that the base of the plant is even to the surface of the soil. Transplants require water so as soon as these have been planted, it is advised to water them at once.
These are just a few of the benefits that individuals can get from organic gardening. Generally, benefits to social, mental, and social are known as far as organic gardening is concerned. Organic gardening requires attention, effort, care, and passion. If you give all these it will pay you back with a fresh, healthy, and bountiful harvest.
Excerpted from the book Organic Gardening.
This excerpt has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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