UNDERSTANDING FERTILIZERS
Fertilizers contain different amounts of macro- and micro-elements. The most predominant macro-elements are
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). The fertilizer packaging clearly states the proportions of N:P:K
elements numerically. Trace elements (micro-elements) are also necessary in small amounts for healthy plants
and are generally included in fertilizers.
 For green growth, use a fertilizer high in nitrogen (5:1:5)
 For root development, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus (2:3:2)
 For flower and fruit stimulation, cold tolerance and disease resistance, use a fertilizer high in potassium
(3:1:5)
Many farmers are changing from chemical fertilizers over to organic fertilizers. But what exactly does this mean?
Organic fertilizers are carbon-based compounds derived from organic matter such as bone, kelp, manure and
compost. These have various benefits over the chemical alternatives. Some of these advantages include:
 Food crops are produced free of harmful chemicals
 The fertilizers are often produced on the farm itself, making the product cheaper to produce
Starke Ayres Garden Centre  Rosebank 021 685 4120  West Coast Village 021 554 8450 www.starkeayresgc.co.za
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Because the structure of the soil is improved over time and its nutrient-holding capacity is increased, less
fertilizer will be required in the long term
Soil fertility is maintained over an extended period of time
Organic fertilizers are bio-degradable and do not contaminate land and water
They are slow-releasing and do not damage the roots of plants, over fertilize or create imbalances of
nutrients over time which would reduce microbial and earthworm activity
A healthy alternative to buying fertilizers is to make your own organic compost from kitchen and garden waste.
However, there certain trace elements and micro-nutrients may be lacking so it is best to consult your local
garden centre.
Organic products to be included with your home-made organic compost (or bought compost) may include:
 Hoof and Horn is a slow release fertilizer high in nitrogen for plants that make large amounts of green
leaf.
 Soil and Plant Conditioners have a very high humus content. It is fully composted, containing millions of
micro-organisms which release nutrients into your soil without using nitrogen or burning the plants.
 Bonemeal is a slow release phosphate fertilizer for root development.
Starke Ayres Garden Centre  Rosebank 021 685 4120  West Coast Village 021 554 8450 www.starkeayresgc.co.za
Starke Ayres Garden Centre stocks all the above products. Pop in for a visit and ask one of our knowledgeable
horticulturalists which would be best for your specific garden. Alternatively, drop us an email
[email protected] or [email protected] – we are always keen to help!
ORGANICS
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Organic fertilizers are composed of organic plant or animal material as well as naturally occurring mineral
deposits. These include manure, compost, earthworm castings, guano, seaweed, bone meal and rock
dust.
There is an ever-increasing range of organic products available on the shelves of garden centres. These
organics tend to have fewer detrimental effects on fish, birds, wildlife, pets and humans than nonorganic products. They have a shorter residual effect and crops can generally be harvested without a
long withholding period.
Organic fertilizers stocked at Starke Ayres Garden Centre include Talborne, Bounce Back and Starke
Ayres 3:1:5 Organic.
GREEN CONSCIOUSNESS
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Inorganic fertilizers act quickly and are usually cheaper than organic fertilizers, but the high salt content
if used long term, can damage the soil rather than benefit it.
Organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly, promoting a more stable long term garden.
Starke Ayres Garden Centre  Rosebank 021 685 4120  West Coast Village 021 554 8450 www.starkeayresgc.co.za
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Adding organic matter like compost or manure to the soil not only adds nutrients, but it also improves
the soil’s structure, feeds the living organisms and boosts the soil’s ecosystem.
When starting a new garden or growing lawn the tendency is to focus on plant choice and ignore the soil.
By adding organic matter food is provided for the organisms that release nutrients into the soil as they
break down compost.
Earthworms and soil-dwelling insects move around underground, aerating the soil as well as contributing
to the organic content through their actions. Organic material is necessary for them to be there in the
first place.
FERTILIZER APPLICATION FOR LAWNS
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When planting lawn, work in a 2:3:2 fertilizer so that the phosphate is available for root development and
growth.
On already established lawns, fertilize with 3:1:5 fertilizer in autumn and spring to strengthen the grass.
If quick growth and greening is required in summer, the strength can be increased to a 5:1:5 fertilizer
during this season.
Our website www.starkeayregc.co.za has a wide selection of other gardening information.
Starke Ayres Garden Centre  Rosebank 021 685 4120  West Coast Village 021 554 8450 www.starkeayresgc.co.za