Which fertiliser to use | Gardening 101 | Gardening Australia

Summary

This script offers a comprehensive guide to fertilizers, distinguishing between soil conditioners and fertilizers. It emphasizes the importance of soil conditioners for improving soil quality and highlights the differences between inorganic, synthetic fertilizers and organic, natural ones. The video also discusses the benefits of liquid and solid fertilizers, explaining their applications and how to use them effectively in gardening. It encourages viewers to research and experiment to find the perfect fertilizer for their plants.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Plants, like humans, require nutrients to grow and thrive, but they depend on gardeners for these nutrients since they are rooted in place.
• 🔍 When choosing a fertilizer, it's important to distinguish between soil conditioners, which improve soil structure and water retention, and fertilizers, which provide essential nutrients for plant growth.
• 💧 Soil conditioners include bag compost, manures, worm poo, and liquid seaweeds, which can also help alter the soil's pH if needed.
• 🌱 Fertilizers contain key nutrients indicated by the letters N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium), and can be found in both organic and inorganic forms.
• 🛠️ Inorganic fertilizers are synthetic and provide precise nutrient concentrations tailored to specific plant groups, while organic fertilizers are derived from once-living materials and release nutrients more slowly.
• 🌳 Organic fertilizers, such as pelletized manure or blood and bone, are considered safer as they are less likely to burn plants due to their slow-release nature.
• 💦 Liquid fertilizers are quickly absorbed by plant roots and are ideal for use during the growing season, particularly for fast-growing vegetables and indoor plants being transitioned outside.
• 🚫 When using inorganic liquid fertilizers, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-dosing, which can harm the plants.
• 🌾 Solid fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, offer a slow-release option that can be applied less frequently, making them convenient for long-term plant care.
• 🔥 Inorganic solid fertilizers, known as prills, release nutrients in response to temperature and moisture changes, providing a controlled release of nutrients.
• 🔍 The choice of fertilizer ultimately comes down to personal preference and should be informed by research, label instructions, and experimentation in one's own garden.

Q & A

Why do plants need nutrients from gardeners?

Plants need nutrients because they are rooted in one spot and cannot seek out nutrients like humans can. Gardeners provide essential nutrients for their growth and prosperity.

What is the primary role of soil conditioners in a garden?

Soil conditioners improve the soil's structure, enhance water holding capacity, reduce compaction, and can also alter the soil's pH if necessary.

What are some examples of soil conditioners mentioned in the script?

Examples of soil conditioners include bag compost, home-grown compost, bag manures, cow manure, worm castings, and liquid seaweed.

How do soil conditioners differ from fertilizers?

Soil conditioners improve the soil's physical properties, while fertilizers provide essential nutrients for plant growth, typically containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

What are the advantages of inorganic fertilizers?

Inorganic fertilizers offer precise concentrations of nutrients tailored to specific plant needs, and they are synthetic, man-made forms of naturally occurring minerals.

What are organic or natural fertilizers made from?

Organic fertilizers are made from one or a combination of organic ingredients that were once living, such as dead fish, pelletized chook manure, blood meal, and bone meal.

Why are organic fertilizers considered slow-release?

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, which prevents nutrient burn and allows for a steady supply of nutrients as the plant grows.

When is the best time to use liquid fertilizers according to the script?

Liquid fertilizers are best used during the growing season, particularly in spring and summer, when plants are actively growing, fruiting, and flowering.

What is the main risk of using inorganic liquid fertilizers incorrectly?

The main risk is over-dosing, which can lead to nutrient burn and harm the plants instead of helping them.

How often should solid fertilizers be applied according to the script?

Solid fertilizers, both organic and inorganic, are slow-release and typically only need to be applied once or twice a year.

What personal approach is suggested for choosing a fertilizer in the script?

The script suggests doing research, reading labels, and experimenting in one's own garden to find the perfect fertilizer for individual needs.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Understanding Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners

This paragraph introduces the necessity of nutrients for plant growth and the role of gardeners in providing these nutrients. It distinguishes between soil conditioners, which improve soil structure and water retention, and fertilizers, which supply essential nutrients for growth. The paragraph explains that fertilizers contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and can be either organic or inorganic. Organic fertilizers are derived from once-living materials and release nutrients slowly, whereas inorganic fertilizers are synthetic and provide precise nutrient concentrations. The paragraph also discusses the differences between liquid and solid fertilizers, noting that liquid fertilizers work quickly and are ideal for growing seasons, while solid fertilizers offer slow release over time.

05:01

🧑‍🌾 Personalizing Fertilizer Selection

The second paragraph focuses on the personal aspect of choosing a fertilizer, emphasizing the wide variety available and the importance of personal choice. It suggests that gardeners should conduct research, read labels carefully, and experiment with different fertilizers in their own gardens to find the best fit. The paragraph concludes with an encouragement to explore and find the perfect fertilizer for one's specific gardening needs, highlighting the individuality in gardening practices.

Keywords

💡Fertilizer

Fertilizer is a substance that provides essential nutrients for plant growth. In the video, it is emphasized that fertilizers contain nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are vital for plant health. The script discusses the difference between inorganic and organic fertilizers, and how they can be used in various forms like liquid or solid to cater to the specific needs of plants.

💡Soil Conditioners

Soil conditioners are materials added to soil to improve its physical properties, such as water holding capacity and compaction. They can also alter the soil's pH if necessary. In the script, examples of soil conditioners include bag compost, cow manure, and worm poo, which are used to enhance the soil environment for plant growth.

💡Nitrogen

Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients found in fertilizers, denoted by the letter 'N'. It is essential for plant growth, particularly for the development of lush green foliage. The video script mentions nitrogen as a key component in fertilizers, highlighting its importance for plant vitality.

💡Phosphorus

Phosphorus, represented by the letter 'P' in fertilizers, is another crucial nutrient for plants. It plays a significant role in root development and the production of flowers and fruits. The script discusses phosphorus as part of the NPK ratio in fertilizers, indicating its importance in plant nutrition.

💡Potassium

Potassium, symbolized by 'K', is the third primary nutrient in fertilizers. It contributes to the overall health and disease resistance of plants. The video script explains that potassium is necessary for plants to grow and prosper, emphasizing its role in plant nutrition.

💡Inorganic Fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers are synthetic, man-made substances that provide plants with precise concentrations of nutrients. The script points out that these fertilizers are often tailored to the specific needs of certain plant groups, such as citrus or roses, and are safe to use when applied correctly.

💡Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural, once-living materials. The script mentions examples like pelletized chook manure and blood meal, which release nutrients slowly and are less likely to burn plants. They are considered safer and more sustainable options for plant nutrition.

💡Liquid Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers are nutrients in a water-soluble form that can be easily absorbed by plant roots. The video script explains that liquid fertilizers work well as a quick fix during the growing season, particularly in spring and summer, and are suitable for fast-growing vegetables and indoor plants.

💡Solid Fertilizers

Solid fertilizers are slow-release forms of nutrients that do not need to be applied as frequently as liquid fertilizers. The script describes organic solid fertilizers like pelletized manure and inorganic ones known as prills, which release nutrients as the temperature rises and the soil gets wetter.

💡Control Release Fertilizer

Control release fertilizers are a type of solid fertilizer that release nutrients over time, controlled by environmental factors like temperature and moisture. The script mentions prills as an example, which are often found in potting mixes and provide a steady supply of nutrients to plants.

💡Microbial Action

Microbial action refers to the biological processes carried out by microorganisms in the soil, which can be beneficial for plant growth. The script mentions that liquid fertilizers, particularly organic ones, promote microbial action in the soil, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.

Highlights

Plants require nutrients for growth and prosperity, and gardeners play a crucial role in providing them.

Understanding the difference between soil conditioners and fertilizers is essential for effective gardening.

Soil conditioners improve soil properties like water holding capacity and can alter pH levels.

Common soil conditioners include compost, manures, and liquid seaweeds.

Fertilizers contain essential nutrients with the key components being nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Inorganic fertilizers are synthetic and deliver precise nutrient concentrations tailored to specific plant groups.

Organic or natural fertilizers are made from once-living organic ingredients and release nutrients slowly.

Organic fertilizers, such as blood and bone, are less likely to burn plants due to their slow-release nature.

Liquid fertilizers are ideal for quick nutrient delivery during the growing season.

Organic liquid fertilizers are particularly effective for fast-growing vegetables and indoor plants.

Inorganic liquid fertilizers should be dissolved in water carefully to avoid burning plants.

Solid fertilizers offer slow-release nutrient benefits and can be used less frequently.

Pelletized chook manure is an example of an organic solid fertilizer.

Inorganic solid fertilizers, known as prills, are found in potting mixes and release nutrients with temperature and moisture.

Control release fertilizers work as the temperature rises and soil gets wetter, providing a controlled nutrient release.

Choosing the right fertilizer involves personal choice, research, and experimentation in one's own garden.

Reading labels and following instructions is crucial for the proper use of fertilizers.

Transcripts

we all need food to stay healthy and

happy

and plants are no different but while we

can pop around to the local store and

get what we want

plants aren't that lucky they are quite

literally

rooted to the spot and they depend on us

gardeners to give them

most of the nutrients that they need to

grow and prosper

so what happens when you're standing in

the fertilizer aisle at your local

nursery and there's so many choices

it's quite confusing so where do you

start

well it's time for a fertilizer master

class

first up it's vital to know the

difference between soil conditioners

and fertilizers let's deal with soil

conditioners first

soil conditioners are really necessary

in your garden to improve the soil

to improve water holding capacity

compaction

and also to alter ph if necessary soil

conditioners are things like

bag compost or home grown compost i use

that a lot in my garden

and things like bag manures cow manure

of course is really good

and worm poo that's a beauty and

even the liquid seaweeds they're really

good in

the garden because of what they do to

the soil the difference between a soil

conditioner and a fertilizer

is that the fertilizer has essential

nutrients

good for plant growth and you can tell

because they always contain

n for nitrogen phosphorus with a p and k

for potassium fertilizers can also be

liquid or pelletized

and organic or inorganic so what's the

difference

what's in them and what's best for

different situations

let's start off with inorganic and

organic fertilizers

inorganic fertilizers are synthetic

they're man-made

and some people might freak out when

they hear synthetic fertilizers

well i don't think there's anything to

worry about they are concentrated forms

of often naturally occurring minerals

and if you use them correctly they're

good in the garden

the main advantage of inorganic

fertilizers

is that they deliver precise

concentrations

of nutrients to the plant and are often

tailored

to the requirements and needs of a

specific group of plants for example

citrus or roses on the other hand

organic or natural fertilizers are

manufactured from one

or a combination of organic ingredients

an organic just simply means that they

were once

living things like dead fish you've got

pelletized chook manure and of course

blood and bone which is an obvious

source

or you can have a mixture of the

ingredients organic fertilizers usually

have a lower quantity

of nutrients than do inorganic

fertilizers

but they're slow releasing and as my

grandfather said

you can't do any harm with blood and

bone it takes about six weeks to start

to work and it's slow release you can't

burn the plants

and you'll notice that most of the

organic ones

have a bit of a smell when it comes to

fertilizers

you can also choose between liquids and

solids

let's look at liquid fertilizers first

plant roots take up nutrients when

they're in liquid form

so it stands to reason that these liquid

fertilizers will work really well

as a quick fix the thing about it is you

do it in the growing season

when the plant is growing and fruiting

and flowering spring and summer is ideal

organic liquid fertilizers work a treat

on fast growing green vegetables

you can also use it if you're planting

something in the garden or

doing like indoor plants bring them

outside and give them a good water like

that

it works very quickly and it's good for

microbial action in the soil as well

inorganic liquid fertilizers generally

come

in powdered form so you need to

make sure that they are put into some

water

and dissolved really well they're

soluble in water so just stir it round

and that'll be fine

don't be tempted to double the dose it

can do more harm than good it very often

can burn the plant

it's easier to follow the instructions

which brings us to solid fertilizers and

again

you've got the organic and the inorganic

fertilizers

and the common factor is that they are

slow release

you don't have to use the fertilisers

every two or three weeks

this in this case you can use them once

or twice

every year you've got pelletized chook

manure that's the organic variety

and then these ones are the inorganic

they're called prills you often find

them in a bag of potting mix they're

called control release

fertilizer because they work as the

temperature rises and as it gets wetter

hence the control

[Music]

when it comes to choosing a fertilizer

there is such a huge range that it

really comes down to a personal choice

and i just think by doing a bit of

research certainly reading the

instructions on the label

and experiment in your own home garden

and you'll find one that's perfect for

[Music]

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