Organic Nutrients for Garden Plants

Just as the human body benefits from wholesome nutrition, so do garden plants thrive and benefit from organic nutrients. Although chemical fertilizers are often used to nourish plants, organic fertilizers offer a healthier alternative for plants as well an eco-friendly solution for preserving the environment.

Nitrogen for Plant Growth

Nitrogen is one of the three primary plant nutrients and is usually the first ingredient listed on a fertilizer label. It is present in the air, but plants must also absorb it from the soil. This is done through the breakdown of organic matter in the soil. Commonly available organic fertilizers contain natural materials from rock minerals, seaweed, fish bones and composted chicken manure. Available sources of nitrogen include leaf mold and grass clippings. Plants such as white clover and rye decay quickly and are often added to the soil to raise nitrogen levels. Nitrogen is depleted rapidly and must be replaced often. It is always needed in relatively large amounts to produce plant proteins. All flowering plants need nitrogen for good plant development. Leafy crops such as cabbage, lettuce, kale, chard, lettuce, and potatoes need more nitrogen than non-leafy crops. Fruit and seed crops such as cucumber, pumpkin, melons and sweet corn also need plenty of nitrogen for sufficient leaf growth. Leaf growth is important because plant food is created by the leaves through photosynthesis.

Phosphorous for Root Growth

Phosphorous is another important nutrient for plant growth. Plants need phosphorous to develop good roots. Phosphorous also helps increases leaf area without reducing the transport of sugars to plant roots. Plants suffering from a lack of phosphorous tend to develop a bluish tint. Leaves may turn dull and stems may be thin. Adding phosphorous to the soil can restore plant life.

Phosphorous works best in neutral soil. It becomes less readily available to plants in acidic and cold wet soils. To overcome these arbitrary soil conditions, add phosphorous in early spring when plants are becoming established. Phosphorous can be found in limestone and bone meal.

Potassium as a Plant Strengthener

Potassium (labeled ‚”K” on chemical fertilizer labels) is the third essential nutrient for plant growth. It is contained in seaweed meal, ash and comfrey leaves. Potassium is necessary for proper growth of flowers and fruits. It ensures good plant size, color and quality. It helps plants to build proteins and sugar, helps with the absorption of other nutrients, and toughen plants so that they can better withstand disease and cold temperatures. Many plants exhibit deficiency symptoms when adequate amounts of potassium are not readily available. Plants are in need of potassium when the leaves turn yellow, mottled, brown or ash-colored. This mostly happens in late spring when potassium sources are depleted from fruit production. If potassium deficiency continues, plant growth is stunted and yields are reduced.

Chemical Fertilizers Versus Organic Nutrients

Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are important plant nutrients and are easily obtained through chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers, however, destroy the earth’s atmosphere and can be harmful to human and animal life. Organic nutrients for plant growth may present more of a challenge to obtain and use, but health and environmental benefits make overcoming the challenge a worthwhile effort.