How to Choose the Best Plant Food

If you are like many people, your plants are important to you, and ensuring they are healthy and vibrant is one of your main goals. To ensure your plants receive essential nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, you must choose the right plant food. Finding the correct type of plant food can be easier said than done, especially since there are many options and brands to choose from. If you are currently seeking out the best plant food, there are factors you must take into consideration.  

 

 

Forms of Plant Food  

As previously mentioned, there are many different forms of plant food to choose from. Even though all plant foods are formulated to deliver nutrients directly to your plants, each type of food does it differently. The three primary forms of plant food are:  

 

• Liquid Plant Food: these plant foods are meant to be distributed to your plants when you water them. They often come in a unique bottle that can be attached directly to your water hose for easier distribution. Plants can absorb the nutrients from liquid plant food more quickly than other types, but unfortunately, the nutrients do not remain in the soil for an extended time. Therefore, if you prefer to use liquid plant food, you will need to do so relatively often.  

 

• Water-Soluble Plant Food: like liquid plant food, water-soluble plant food is given to plants during the watering process. Unlike liquid plant food, however, water-soluble plant food dissolves in the water you use to water your plants. The nutrients delivered by this type of food quickly reach plants. You will still need to water your plants regularly since water-soluble plant food doesn't stay in the soil very long.  

 

• Continuous-Release Plant Food: typically sold in solid granular form, continuous-release plant food is added to the soil surrounding plants. The nutrients are slowly released into the ground, and over time they help plants become strong and vibrant. Since continuous-release plant food is formulated to release slowly over time, you don't need to reapply it as often as a liquid or water-soluble plant food.  

 

The form of food you choose should be based on how often you intend to apply it and what works best for you. The type of flora you select to grow should influence your choice of plant food. Some products are specially formulated for vegetables or fruit, while others are formulated for indoor plants. Be sure to choose a type of food suitable for the plants you are growing.  

 

 

Benefits of Organic Plant Food  

As you search for the right food, you may notice that some options are organic while others are synthetic. Plant food must be derived from plant or animal components to be considered organic. The organic matter in these foods can help improve soil quality over time. It should be noted; however, that organic plant food options do not contain as much potassium, phosphorus, or nitrogen as synthetic (man-made) foods. For this reason, you will need to apply organic plant food more often to get the results you want.  You can schedule you organic plant food on Auto-Ship, the plant food you need when you need it, at your doorstep. 

 

 

Plant Food vs. Fertilizer  

Contrary to popular belief, fertilizer is not the same as plant food. Plants can create their food using energy from the sun, water, and carbon dioxide. On the other hand, fertilizers incorporate nutrients that help plants process carbohydrates, produce chlorophyll, and contribute to healthy growth. So when it comes to the plant food vs. plant fertilizer debate, you should choose based on the needs of your plants.  

 

You will also find different plant fertilizers such as organic fertilizer, synthetic fertilizer, granular fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, water-soluble fertilizer, etc. Choose the best fertilizer and plant food for your indoor and outdoor plants this growing season by researching which nutrients are the best for them. 

 

 

Nutrients and Weed Prevention  

Different plant food brands and types contain different mixes of nutrients. Understanding what nutrients your plants need is key to choosing the right plant food. For example, if you are growing broccoli or leafy green vegetables, it may be wise to choose a food with higher nitrogen levels. If you are growing shrubs, such as azaleas, you will want food that provides high levels of magnesium and iron.  

 

Some types of plant foods can prevent the growth of weeds. By using a plant food that combats weed growth, you can significantly simplify your work in your garden.  

 

 

Popular Brands of Plant Food  

There are many brands of plant food on the market; however, Miracle-Gro Plant Food is one of the most well-known and trusted. If you are ready to feed your plants the best nutrients, you should give Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food a try. There are many advantages to choosing this brand of food:  

• One of the most trusted and popular brands  

• Suitable for both outdoor and indoor plants  

• Capable of reviving older, lifeless plants  

 

This particular type of plant food is water-soluble, so you will need to mix it with water to become usable. However, as its name suggests, its all-purpose nature makes it ideal for many types of plants.  

 

If you are in the market for the best plant food, you should try the Espoma brand. Espoma offers both organic and synthetic options and a wide range of products to choose from. There are also options for both indoor and outdoor plants.  

 

 

Find the Right Type of Plant Food Today  

Visit our plant food and fertilizers collection to find the right plant food for your plants; we have an impressive selection to suit your needs. Here at Max, you will also find a potting mix, soil test tools, garden tools, watering & irrigation products to bloom a colorful garden this season. Contact us today if you need any assistance; our Experience Makers are ready to assist you! 

 

 

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