Do I Need To Feed My Plants Nutrients?

Yes you do! 

What Are 16 Nutrients Plants Need?

Plants need 16 nutrients to grow. These are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, boron, molybdenum, and chlorine. Plants get carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen mostly from the air and water, so make sure you water them enough and keep the soil loose and airy. The other 13 nutrients are needed in different amounts depending on the plant.

What Are the 3 Most Important Plant Nutrients Found in Fertilizer?

The three main nutrients in fertilizer are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These are called the "fertilizer big three" because plants need so much of them that the soil often doesn't have enough, so we need to add them with fertilizer.

Nitrogen (N):

For leafy growth. Nitrogen is a key part of chlorophyll (what makes plants green) and helps leaves and stems grow. It's super important for leafy greens. But nitrogen dissolves in water, so it washes away easily when you water or it rains. So, besides adding it when you first plant (base fertilizer), you'll need to add more during the growing season. Too much nitrogen makes plants weak and floppy, and they'll be more likely to get sick or have bugs. Too little nitrogen means the leaves won't grow well and will look pale. You have to watch your plants to know how much nitrogen they need.

 

Phosphorus (P):

For fruit and flowers. Phosphorus helps fruits and flowers get big and healthy, so it's really important for plants that produce fruit or vegetables. Unlike nitrogen and potassium, phosphorus doesn't dissolve in water, so when you're growing fruits, vegetables, or root crops, you can use fertilizers with a lot of phosphorus as your base fertilizer. If plants don't get enough phosphorus, their fruits won't grow well, their roots won't grow well, and they'll be weaker and less able to fight off diseases or cold weather.

Potassium (K):

For roots. Potassium is also called "root fertilizer" because it's especially important for root crops like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Not enough potassium means smaller harvests. It also helps roots grow and makes plants stronger and better able to fight off diseases and cold. Like nitrogen, potassium dissolves in water, so you'll probably need to add more during the growing season besides the base fertilizer.

Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur:

These are usually already in the soil. Calcium is usually plentiful. Magnesium can be low in acidic soil, so you might need to add a magnesium-rich fertilizer. Sulfur is usually abundant.

Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, and Chlorine:

These are micronutrients. Plants don't need much of them, but they still need them. Soil with lots of organic matter usually has enough of these. Adding organic fertilizer helps improve the soil and provide these micronutrients.

What Are Some Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiencies In Plants?

Nitrogen (N):

Symptoms: Slow growth, small leaves and stems, tiny fruits. Older leaves turn yellow, then brown and wilt. Too much nitrogen can cause plants to grow too much foliage, leading to fruit drop and lower yields.
Fix it: Keep soil pH above 6.7 and avoid lime to reduce nitrogen loss. Use low-nitrogen compost like bark or leaves.

Phosphorus (P):

Symptoms: Early symptoms show on older leaves. Leaves become small and dark green, sometimes with a purplish hue, and grow slowly.
Fix it: Use organic fertilizers that break down to produce organic acids, spray with liquid phosphorus fertilizer, or add specific fungi that help with phosphorus uptake.

Potassium (K):

Symptoms: Slow growth with white or yellow spots on the edges and tips of older leaves, leading to tissue death.
Fix it: Fertilize in smaller amounts multiple times and spray with liquid potassium fertilizer.

Calcium (Ca):

Symptoms: Tips and young leaves may turn pale green or white, while older leaves stay green. Severe cases can lead to the death of growth points and stunted root growth.
Fix it: Apply agricultural lime to acidic soils and ensure proper watering.

Magnesium (Mg):

Symptoms: Leaves turn yellow between the veins, but the veins stay green, often near fruit-bearing leaves.
Fix it: Apply agricultural lime to acidic soils and balance potassium and calcium levels.

Iron (Fe):

Symptoms: New leaves turn yellow between veins, while the veins stay green. New growth can be stunted or stop entirely.
Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

Manganese (Mn):

Symptoms: Symptoms start on new leaves, with small, shriveled leaves and green veins.
Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

Copper (Cu):

Symptoms: New leaves and growth points turn yellow, and growth is stunted. Stems and leaves can become weak and bluish-green.

Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

Zinc (Zn):

Symptoms: New leaves may have yellow spots and are small.
Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

Boron (B):

Symptoms: New shoots can be deformed, terminal buds may die, and fruit can be misshapen.
Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

Molybdenum (Mo):

Symptoms: Older leaves show yellowing between veins and can drop off in severe cases.
Fix it: Use fully composted organic fertilizers.

5 Tips for Fertilizing Plants:

The amount of fertilizer needed varies based on the type of vegetable, the soil, and the plant's growth stage. Keep these five tips in mind to give your plants the right nutrients:

Timing:

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, reducing the chance of burning plants. Apply them in small amounts frequently. For quick-growing leafy vegetables, apply organic fertilizer a week before planting and again 7-10 days after sowing, adjusting based on growth needs.

Covering:

When applying organic fertilizer, place it slightly away from the stem and cover it with soil to protect it from sunlight and pests.

Types of Organic Fertilizer:

Organic fertilizers come in liquid, powder, and granular forms. Liquid fertilizers are absorbed the quickest, followed by powders, and then granules. Each type has its benefits, so you can choose one or mix them up.

Basal Fertilization:

About a week before planting or transplanting, mix organic fertilizer into the soil to provide initial nutrients. For fruiting and root crops, use a fertilizer that’s high in phosphorus.

Supplemental Fertilization:

During different growth stages, plants often need extra nutrients. This additional fertilizer is called "top dressing." Heavy feeders like cabbage and broccoli will particularly benefit from this.