Bonnie Nowicki
I believe most of my Quail Creek neighbors are spending more time in their homes as outside triple-digit temperatures continue. Reading is a great pastime. I was brushing up on my fertilizer facts by reading Master Gardener/U of A gardening booklets. I realized you may also benefit from this important information.
Plants do not differentiate between nutrients from either “organic” or “chemical” fertilizers. The form absorbed by plant roots from both sources is identical. Organic fertilizers such as compost, bone meal, or coffee grounds, etc., improve soil structure and encourage beneficial organisms (worms) and usually contain micronutrients iron, zinc, copper, etc. Chemical fertilizers provide more concentrated nutrients more quickly to plants but do not have a beneficial impact to the soil structure and may contribute to salt build-up.
The content of most fertilizers is designated by federal law with three numbers that appear on the package and indicate the percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that it contains. Nitrogen produces green, lush foliage growth. Phosphorus helps promote root growth, flowers, and fruit. Potassium strengthens the plant’s hardiness and disease resistance.
Our desert soils attract and hold salts, so our frequent and shallow watering practices add more salt to the soil surface. With our limited rainfall, salt build-up impedes water penetration through the soil. It’s important to water deeply, beyond the root zone, to wash away salt build-up and allow the plant roots to absorb the fertilizer immediately.
There are so many variables to consider when selecting fertilizer. Do your research when deciding what’s best for your landscape.
Happy gardening!