Whether you have a decades-old green thumb or you’re just starting a garden, you should know about organic versus chemical fertilizers to be able to decide which one is best for you. Both options have pros and cons for you to sift through so that you can make a proper decision.
Organic fertilizers will feed your plants for a much longer span of time, even though they don’t have the high levels of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus that some of the chemical options do.
Many factors will play into the path you chose – chemical or organic. If you need help with your new garden, contact At Home Pros. We will provide you with a list of accessible professionals in your area, with only the most minimal time or effort contribution from you.
In the end, it comes down to what you value most. If your budget and rapid results are primary concerns, you may turn to chemical fertilizers. If you like to see your soil health get better over the seasons, your choice will be organic fertilizers. Here are the primary differences between chemical and organic fertilizers, and which one is the best choice for your garden.
Advantages of Both
Plants thrive with the addition of fertilizers to their feeding schedule. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials, such as compost, manure, and bone meal. They are often seen as being more environmentally friendly than chemical fertilizers because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment or harm wildlife. Organic fertilizers can also help to improve soil health over time by adding nutrients and organic matter.
Slow-release application methods are also a strong benefit of organic fertilizers as they improve the soil long-term (although for some slow-release methods have negative consequences such as their inability to fulfill the present needs of the plants).
Chemical fertilizers are made from synthetic chemicals. They are more quickly available to plants than organic fertilizers meaning that you will see more of a reaction from the plants, whereas with organic fertilizers it may take a while to see results. Chemical fertilizers are used to correct nutrient deficiencies in the soil more quickly and are more affordable than organic fertilizers.
Disadvantages to Each
Either choice comes with its consequences, like degradation of the natural environment and wildlife or elevated costs.
Organic fertilizers can be more expensive than chemical fertilizers. They can also take longer to work, as they need to be broken down by soil organisms before they can be used by plants. Slow-release application methods exacerbate this condition.
However, chemical fertilizers can pollute the environment and harm wildlife. These types of fertilizers can also leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water. Chemical fertilizers can also damage soil health by killing beneficial soil organisms.
Improper Use
It is important to note that the use of either organic or chemical fertilizers can have negative consequences if used improperly. For example, over-fertilization with either type of fertilizer can lead to nutrient runoff and pollution of waterways. It is vital to read the instructions on any fertilizer product carefully and follow them to the letter, or contact At Home Pros, a digital platform connecting homeowners and service providers across the country.
Ultimately, the best type of fertilizer for your garden is the one that will give you the best results while meeting your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about the environment or soil health, organic fertilizers may be a better choice. However, if you are looking for a quick and easy way to improve plant growth, chemical fertilizers may be a better option.