What to Know about Organic Fertilizer

The 411 on Organic Gardening

Hey everyone and welcome back to our blog. In this space, we’ll discuss tips and tricks that our landscaping company has uncovered after years of constructing beautiful gardens in homes in backyards all around Vancouver. We hope that by providing you with our insight, you’ll gain knowledge in developing the perfect home landscape you’ve always dreamed of. Today we thought we’d touch on the potentially touchy subject of organic or natural gardening. What is it? What are the benefits? Is there really a difference? Read on and find out.

What is Organic?

Don’t always be fooled by the word organic. While the nature of the word indicates something that is free of pesticides, chemicals, and hormones, that doesn’t always make it safe or better. Additionally, the standards held for organic foods don’t translate to items such as fertilizer. However, when it comes to gardening, using organic products to help your garden flourish is often the better route to take. Think of it this way: plants grow from the Earth. That’s how they’ve flourished since before humans even developed the concept of fertilizer. Therefore, it makes sense that using a fertilizer or soil that isn’t manufactured with chemicals and synthetics is going to be better in the long run, especially for the soil.

On the other hand, inorganic fertilizers are a quick fix. The materials that are used in inorganic fertilizers are often developed to maximize the growth potential of plants and grass. They’re especially helpful if your garden is struggling to stay alive. Additionally, inorganic fertilizers are normally a lot less expensive compared to their organic competitors. For questions on whether organic or inorganic fertilizer will help (or hurt) your garden, contact Fontana Landscaping. Out local landscaping company will know how to assist you.

Is Organic Better for the Environment?

Again, the plants on the Earth were flourishing just fine before we developed human-made fertilizers. In many cases, organic fertilizers are much healthier for the Earth. They’re usually made from compost or manure that come from plants and animals. As organic fertilizer breaks down in the soil and provides nourishment to the plants, it doesn’t mess with the nature of the soil. Additionally, the threat of toxins seeping into the soil and into your plants is virtually nonexistent. The minerals and elements found in organic soil, including nitrogen, phosphate, and calcium, are derived from natural sources and aren’t strong or abundant enough to negatively affect the soil. This also means that they’re biodegradable, thus better for the environment.

Chemical fertilizers, which are manufactured, aren’t always that great for the environment. Again, inorganic fertilizers are specifically developed to make plants grow and make them grow fast. Unfortunately, this could make the fertilizer too harsh to be sustainable for both the soil and the plants in the long run. Soil and plants are in a mutually beneficial relationship. Plants extract nutrients from the soil and, when they die, they essentially replace the nutrients. Inorganic fertilizer can often upset this relationship and leave the soil devoid of nutrients. If a soil has no nutrients, then it can’t sustain plants. The chemicals found in inorganic fertilizer can also upset the microbiome in the soil, which can lead to unhealthy plant growth.

Which Should I Use?

Moderation is key if you’re going to use inorganic, chemical based fertilizers. Don’t use it consistently if you do decide to use it. If you’re having issues keeping your plants thriving, then using it here and there isn’t going to be the end of the world for your soil and outdoor life. Again, use discretion.

Organic fertilizer is the optimal choice for cultivating your garden in the long run. It’s natural and non-harsh components are perfect for maintaining the soil structures while also allowing your plants to grow and flourish. If you find that store bought organic fertilizer is too expensive, consider composting! Purchasing a compost bin at the store and using your used organic materials (like banana peels and apple cores) can save you money, and smelly trash in the long run while also giving you an all star garden!

For help with any landscaping architecture questions or needs, contact us at Fontana Landscaping today and we’ll be sure to help! In the meantime, be sure to check back on our blog regularly for some gardening and residential landscaping advice.