Organic Fertilizers derived from plant, animal or mineral resources combined with organic matter are ideal for enhancing soil fertility and stimulating plant growth in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Organic fertilizers add nutrients to the soil for uptake by plants and for use by the myriad of microorganisms that inhabit healthy, productive soil. Fertilizers are available as single ingredient nutrients or as complete blends with multiple applications.

Understanding Label Numbers or NPK

Fertilizers are labeled with numbers that represent the percentage of the three primary macronutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)) that are immediately available in the fertilizer. These elements are listed as the NPK ratio, for example: our All Purpose Mix 4-6-2 is comprised of each major nutrient whereas our Blood Meal 12-0-0 is a single ingredient source of nitrogen. Each nutrient plays specific and complementary roles: nitrogen energizes vegetative growth; phosphorus produces expansive roots, flowers, fruits and viable seeds; while potassium (or potash) promotes resistance to disease and temperature stress. Most fertilizers will also contain varying amounts of the secondary macronutrients (calcium, sulfur and magnesium) along with trace elements or micronutrients that also play an important role in plant nutrition.

To someone accustomed to the higher NPK ratios of chemical fertilizers, such as 18-51-20, the modest amounts occurring in organic fertilizers may appear inadequate. However, nothing could be further from the truth: organics break down at a slower rate and in the case of nitrogen supplying organic fertilizers, contain insoluble nitrogen which releases slowly with greater effectiveness than conventional fertilizer; organics minimize the possibility of 'burning' plants with concentrated chemical supplies of nutrients; they improve overall soil health rather than deteriorate it; encourage soil microbial life to flourish; and reduce the necessity of reapplying fertilizers regularly to maintain fertility. In long term reality, since organic fertilizers last longer and release their nutrients slowly, their overall NPK amounts will be greater and more beneficial than what is shown on the label.

Single Ingredient Fertilizers are used for specific plant needs and in certain stages of a plant's development. For example, a high nitrogen source like Feather Meal 12-0-0 is used when heavy feeding plants, such as corn, need an additional boost early in the season. To promote big, beautiful blooms on your flowering plants utilize a high phosphorus fertilizer, such as our Seabird Guano 1-10-0 or Bat Guano 0-7-0.

Fertilizer Blends, on the other hand, are used for more general needs around the home and garden. Our All Purpose Mix 4-6-2 is ideal for vegetables, flowers and trees as well as houseplants. A great advantage of multipurpose blends is that they save gardeners time and labor by offering a variety of single ingredients pre-mixed in exact and balanced proportions.

Organic fertilizers are sold in three main styles or forms: dry, water-soluble powder and liquid.

Dry fertilizers come in several forms themselves: pulverized powder; granulated; and pelletized. They can be broadcast or spread over garden soils and lawns and also incorporated into potting soils to provide nutrients to transplants and new plants. Dry organic fertilizers generally release their nutrients slowly over time in a steady supply meeting the plants needs.

Soluble powder fertilizers begin to break down immediately so they can be applied to the top few inches of soil for quick release or transformed into a liquid fertilizer for foliar feeding or for use in irrigation systems. A foliar tea can be made by soaking the fertilizer powder overnight in a cloth bag suspended in a container of water. In the morning, simply empty the residue left in the bag around your garden and pour or spray on the richly colored liquid.

Liquid fertilizers usually come as a concentrate and need to be diluted with water before using in your garden or to feed your houseplants. Both teas and dilutions can be applied with watering cans, hose end sprayers or through irrigation systems in a method known as fertigation. Tea and liquid soil feedings work best after a light rain or regular watering when the soil is more absorbent. Teas and liquids can also be applied directly to the leaves and bark of plants and trees using the above mentioned foliar feeding method. As a method of fertilizing, foliar sprays are several times more effective than soil applications in correcting nutritional deficiencies and stress related problems. For best results, spray early in the morning and when the air temperature is below 85 F.

Verm's Objections to Synthetics:

• Synthetic fertilizers do not improve soil structure and leach nutrients through the soil before plants can absorb them.
• The leaching effect caused from overuse of synthetic fertilizers dissolves the natural soil structure and eventually causes the soil to become compacted and literally lifeless.
• The salt content in synthetic fertilizers is toxic to beneficial soil micro-organisms (mycorrhizae).
• Synthetic fertilizers are composed of gases that can inhibit seed germination and burn tender seedlings.
• Synthetic fertilizers promote accelerated growth disrupting the natural NPK cycle and leave plants vulnerable to disease and insect pests.
• Synthetic fertilizers promote the use of chemical pesticides and fungicides, further poisoning the land.
• Unused nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers can seep into groundwater, contaminating valuable sources of drinking water.