A plant’s health depends just as much on the nutrients it’s fed as the conditions it lives in. Because the soil surrounding trees and plants often isn’t optimally balanced to feed the specific plants it’s supporting, something extra is needed. Plant fertilizer and root feeder spikes infuse the ground with the food and nutrients that’ll help your plants thrive. Ace Hardware can help you find the best gardening supplies and plant food for growing a lush, green garden.
Plant Food: Liquid, Granular, and Root Spikes
One of the first things to consider when selecting plant food is the form you prefer. Options include liquid plant food, granular fertilizers, and spikes and stakes.
Liquid Plant Food
Liquid fertilizer for plants applies easily over a wide area with a sprayer or a watering can and is an excellent choice for vegetables and potted plants. Liquid products take effect quickly and can help revive ailing plants in a timely manner. You'll need to feed more frequently if you use a liquid product.
Granular Fertilizer
Sprinkle granular fertilizer over a small or large area with ease with a fertilizer spreader. Quick-release options begin to feed plants quickly and require more frequent reapplications. Slow and controlled-release options break down gradually to provide small doses of nutrients over time. As a result, quick-release fertilizers usually only need to be applied twice per growing season.
Root Feeder Spikes and Stakes
Spikes and stakes are designed to continuously release their nutrients over a few weeks. They’re popular choices for roses, vegetables and trees. With some products, you’ll only have to insert new spikes once every two to three months, simplifying lawn and garden care so busy gardeners can have bountiful plants, too.
Rooting Powder
Rooting powder for plants helps stimulate root growth in cuttings. It comes in powder form and is typically applied by dipping the cut end of a stem into the powder before planting. Rooting powder can be helpful for propagating new plants from houseplants, foliage plants and some vegetables.
Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizer for Plants
There are two main types of plant fertilizer to consider: inorganic and organic.
- Organic fertilizer: Organic plant food or fertilizer consists of natural materials, such as manure, animal products, plant products and compost. You can also find organic soil amendments, like peat moss. Organic fertilizers slowly transfer nutrients to the soil, increasing the soil’s quality over time.
- Inorganic fertilizer: Inorganic plant fertilizer features chemicals that quickly deliver isolated essential nutrients. As a result, they’re often the best option when working with plant starters that you want to grow quickly.
Both types of fertilizers deliver important nutrients to plants, such as nitrogen, phosphate and potassium.
- Nitrogen encourages plant growth and is especially beneficial during the middle stages of the plant life cycle.
- Phosphate supports flowering, seeding and fruiting and is necessary through every stage of the life cycle
- Potassium aids in strong root development and is required for photosynthesis, the process that plants use to produce their own food.
Specialty Plant Food
Specialty plant foods are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of various plants, such as orchids and tomatoes.
- Orchid plant food: Plant food for orchids delivers vital nutrients for vibrant blooms, strong roots, and healthy leaves. It supports the needs of orchids, ensuring long-lasting flowers and robust growth.
- Tomato plant food: Plant food for tomatoes provides essential nutrients to promote vigorous growth, enhance fruit development and improve flavor.
Find the Right Plant Fertilizer Fast
Make sure your plants are at their best by shopping plant food near you at Ace. You’ll find specialty and all-purpose plant food from brands like Espoma, Miracle-Gro and Scotts as well as essential gardening tools, lawn and garden supplies, and landscaping products. Stop in today and talk to one of our knowledgeable, friendly team members, or order your new plant food online.
