What are the Types of Fertilizer, Including Granular & Liquid

What are the differences among the many forms of fertilizer that you see on shopping aisles? What is a granular fertilizer? What about water-soluble? What are slow-release, timed-release, and controlled-release? What is an organic fertilizer? If you have questions about the numbers on the bag, read What's in a Package of Fertilizer? first. Then read below for more about the different forms of fertilizer.

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Understanding Granular and Liquid Fertilizer

Granular fertilizers, as the name implies, come in solid particle form, while liquid fertilizers are created from water-soluble powders or concentrates that merge with water, resulting in a liquid solution. Water-soluble fertilizers are absorbed rapidly by plants; in contrast, granular fertilizers require time to disintegrate or transform before their nutrients can be utilized by plants.

Granular Fertilizers

These fertilizers are typically mixed into the soil or spread around plants. Their duration of effectiveness can range from one to nine months, depending on their type. Since they need time to decompose and release nutrients, it often takes several days of watering for noticeable results. For optimal outcomes, integrating them into the soil before planting is a recommended practice. Common granular fertilizers include farm-grade variations such as 8-8-8 and 10-10-10.

Advanced Granular Fertilizers

Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food features "slow-release", "timed-release", or "controlled-release" properties, which are terms used interchangeably to describe fertilizers that gradually release their nutrients over time. Typically, these are coated to regulate nutrient release for a duration of two to nine months, contingent on the specific formula, while uncoated (and more economical) farm grades only remain effective for about two to four weeks. Their release aspects are affected by moisture and temperature. One of the major advantages of coated granular fertilizers is that their application only needs to occur one to two times in a growing season, providing a slow but steady supply of nutrients in small doses that the roots can absorb. This results in minimal waste, and although they come at a premium price, they are actually more economical than uncoated farm-grade options. When employed correctly and applied in areas less susceptible to runoff, these sophisticated fertilizers are more environmentally sustainable, as they are less likely to contribute to excess nutrient runoff into nearby streams.

Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food is a continuous-release granular fertilizer designed specifically for edible plants.

Organic or Natural Granular Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers originate from natural sources such as manure, blood meal, or crab meal, contrasting with synthetic alternatives. Certain natural fertilizers, like Greensand (rich in potassium and other nutrients), are acceptable for organic gardening despite being non-organic. Organic fertilizers rely on soil microbes for breakdown into forms that plants can consume. Moreover, they generally support soil health and enhance biodiversity more effectively than synthetic fertilizers, as they do not typically introduce excess salts and acidity into the soil. Microbial activity is diminished when soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees. According to USDA guidelines, microbial activity doubles with every 18-degree rise in soil temperature. Therefore, exercise caution when applying organic fertilizers, as excess nutrients can wash away if plants fail to uptake them in a timely manner. Often, gardeners may over-apply organic fertilizers in the cooler spring months, leading to nutrient imbalances that may only be realized during the warmer summer months.

Liquid Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers, such as Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Tomato Plant Food, consist of either water-soluble powders or liquids that blend with water for a nutrient solution. Application often necessitates a hose-end sprayer or watering can. With a typical effectiveness of one to two weeks, repeated application is necessary. The key benefit of liquid fertilizers is their rapid absorption, allowing plants to reap benefits shortly after application. They serve well as starter solutions or quick nutrient boosts during the growing season. Additionally, they are beneficial in conjunction with granular fertilizers, especially for potted plants, which may leach nutrients due to frequent watering. One popular organic option is fish emulsion, although it may attract unwanted wildlife in your garden until the scent dissipates.

Miracle-Gro® LiquaFeed® can be conveniently attached to your hose, allowing you to simultaneously water and fertilize.

For optimal results in gardening, consider enriching your soil with ample compost and organic matter to reduce dependency on fertilizers. For vegetable cultivation, especially phosphorus and potassium-rich plants, select fertilizers accordingly. For robust vegetables such as tomatoes, organic or advanced slow-release fertilizers may be preferable, with liquid supplements providing additional nourishment. When uncertain, opt for fertilizers that deliver a wide array of nutrients, ensuring a nitrogen content of no less than 3 percent. For insights on which crops require the most (and least) fertilization, refer to The Basics of Fertilizing.