- Liquid fertilizers are derived from any number of ingredients. There are fish emulsions, earthworm castings, seaweed extracts and kelp, just to name a few. There are also compost teas that are simply the water content from a well-developed compost pile. Most composters on the market today have a special drawer at the bottom for just this reason. Many gardeners have their own special concoction that may have been handed down through generations, while Jerry Baker has books with recipes for every kind of malady imaginable for sale. Bottom line is liquid fertilizers are convenient and good for your plants.
- Liquid fertilizers are different from other types of fertilizers, not only in their composition but also in the way the plants utilize the nutrients. Plants absorb liquid fertilizers through their roots and through leaf pores, using the foliar feeding application. Instead of having to get down under the plant, you can just water the roots and leaves of the plant. Another benefit of liquid fertilizer is that you can apply other treatments at the same time, such as liquid bone meal, liquid organic pesticide or fungicide mixed in the same water. This is a major time saver.
- One thing to be aware of when using the foliar feeding method is timing. This should not be done in the heat of the day, as the sun can scorch or otherwise damage the leaves of the plant. Before applying liquid fertilizer it is beneficial to spray the leaves with a surfactant, such as a soap solution (1/4 tsp. per gallon of water), to help the fertilizer stick to the leaf surfaces. Follow the directions on the package so you neither over fertilize nor under fertilize, both of which are not healthy for your plants or your pocket book. Also, always pay close attention to the chemical analysis listed on the packaging when purchasing any type of fertilizer, as different ones are for particular plants or conditions.
- Liquid fertilizer is a fast-acting fertilizer that is good to use when plants are in a stressful period, such as when transplanting the plant or during times of extreme drought. The benefits can be seen within a few minutes of applying a foliar fertilizer, as it bypasses any soil conditions that may hinder the availability of the fertilizer's nutrients to the plant. Granular fertilizers are much slower to break down and benefit the plant.
- Many people confuse fertilizer and plant food. Fertilizer is not plant food, as plants make their own food using water, carbon dioxide and energy from the sun. Fertilizers of any kind are nutrients used to provide the plant with elements that may be missing or in short supply from the soil, thereby producing a healthier and more robust plant.
