Apply organic fertilizers for targeted nutrients

Use specific organic amendments to address identified deficiencies: blood meal or feather meal for nitrogen, bone meal or rock phosphate for phosphorus, greensand or kelp meal for potassium. Apply at package rates and work into the soil before planting.

Why It Works

Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly as soil microorganisms break them down. This feeds both the plant and the soil biology, building long-term fertility rather than providing a one-time chemical boost. Slow release also reduces the risk of nutrient runoff and root burn compared to synthetic fertilizers.

Tips

• Apply based on a soil test or observed deficiency rather than guessing — excess phosphorus (common in over-composted gardens) is a real problem
• Blood meal is fast-acting (2-6 weeks); bone meal and rock phosphate are slow (months to a year)
• Kelp meal provides potassium plus trace minerals and natural growth hormones
• Fish emulsion works well as a mid-season liquid feed for quick nitrogen