feeding time for plants!
a general 'what to know' about fertilizer.
In the desert southwest, traditional fertilizers may not be the solution. When appropriate, there is a natural ammendments for almost every plant issue.
WORMCASTINGS (the results of worms processing food, sold by the pound) are highly recommended for houseplants, veggies and herbs, as well as other plants that benefit might need fertilizing. Worm casting are nutrients made by composting worms that are bio-available to plants because of the enzymes in their digestive process. They are clean to handle, have no smell and create no risk of burn to the plant. Also, there is no risk of burning roots.
YUM YUM MIX is an all natural fertilizer with mushroom compost that can improve the texture of soil, even more so when used over extended periods of time. It is an all-purpose fertilizer and soil conditioner.
In Yum Yum Mix, you will find a premium blend of organic and natural alfalfa meal,
cottonseed meal, greensand, kelp meal, planters II, rock phosphate,
humate and dry molasses.
Yum Yum Mix is a rich source
of major nutrient elements. Earthworms and soil micro-organisms respond
to this natural banquet by breaking down minerals and organic matter
into available nutrients for your plants. Yum Yum Mix is natural,
organic and completely safe for family, pets, wildlife and everything
you grow. It is free of animal products, petrochemicals, and sewage
sludge. Vegetarian approved - no blood, no bones. Yum Yum Mix improves
soil tilth, moisture retention, plant vigor, and stress resistance.
Used regularly, it helps create a balanced pH and a naturally fertile
soil. Perfect for growing all annuals, perennials, vegetables,
lawns, trees and shrubs.
Guaranteed analysis:
pH 5.7
Total Nitrogen (N) - 2.0%
Available Phosphate (P2O5) - 1.0%
Soluble Potash - (K2O) - 1.0%
BAT GUANO, which is usually high in phosphorus (the P in NPK) is good for bulbs and blooming things. The mix of nutrients will vary depending on where the bat guano originated; the bat's diet results in a guano or 'poo' that reflects the foods preferred by the local bat.
Corn gluten can be used on lawns as a fertilizer as well as a weed prohibitor (pre-emergent). This should be applied every 4 weeks or so as it is water soluble and has no negative side effects.
Compost created by a vermiculture process will invigorate the soil, and is particularly beneficial in vegetable beds where lots of nutrients are required.
Other non-chemical fertilizer components are also available that can effectively treat specific
conditions, are suitable for organic growing and include vegetarian/vegan options.
CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS are not recommended. They are very concentrated and can lock up additional
nutrients in alkaline soil. Chemical fertilizers are composed of
mineral salts which are already present in Albuquerque soils, but do
not act as fertilizer because they are not in a 'bio-available' form,
ie. a form that can be taken by plant roots. Here are options:
Research online or email/drop in for a consultation at G'G to find out more.
When to fertilize? Plants need nutrients when they are growing MORE.
This includes flowers, fruit and foliage. Veggies can be gently fertilized throughout the season.
Flowering plants are fertilized before and during flowering. Exotic varieties may need the assistance of fertilizer, or a product that changes alkaline soil to acid.
Plants native to the southwestern environment often do not need any fertilizing!
Using a light fertilizer like wormcastings means less risk.
RECIPES, for technical types, coming soon.