Making Things Grow - Plant Nutrients

Plant nutrients are important for plant growth and health. These nutrients can be divided into two groups: non-mineral and mineral nutrients. While there is little a gardener can do about non-mineral nutrients – hydrogen, oxygen and carbon – the use of fertilizers and good soil care can make a big difference with mineral nutrients.

There are thirteen mineral nutrients which come from the soil. The three most important nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Each plays an important part in plant health. Nitrogen is important for leaf growth, phosphorus helps the plant develop strong roots and potassium is a nutrient important in the promotion of flowering and fruit. While it is possible to concoct a soil recipe of nutrients specific to the plants you have in your garden, general fertilizers are usually sufficient. Organic fertilizer can be a good option to keep the nutrient balance in your garden best for health plants. These are fertilizers that are animal or vegetable by-products or manures. The most important nutrient is nitrogen, and cow manure is rich in this nutrient. Fishmeal, chicken manure and soot are other good organic options.

Why Nutrients Matter

If you are worried about the health of your plants, look at the leaves to indicate nutrient deficiencies. Leaves that are yellow or pale can be a sign of deficiency of the nutrient nitrogen. Very dark leaves and a stunted plant can be due to phosphorus deficiency. Nutrient deficiency can also affect fruit and vegetables, and it is a good garden tip to always apply fertilizer before planting and while the plants are growing.

One way of fertilizing if you have a spare bed in your vegetable garden is creating your own organic matter by growing crops like legumes which are high in nutrients such as nitrogen. Once they flower, dig them into the soil various times over a month, and keep the soil damp. Next season your vegetable plants will thrive in the highly fertilized, nutrient rich soil.

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