Different manures?

[MrsJones]

I have four flower, no five flower gardens. I am confused as to what kind of fertilizer I should be using that will make them grow bigger, taller and with nice blooms. Any favorites, I will select the one that I get the most responses to this posts. Thank you.

 

[marlingardener]

Any manure you use should be well-composted, with the exception of rabbit manure, which can be used straight from the source. I prefer composted steer manure and really well-composted chicken manure.

 

[Chuck]

I have four flower, no five flower gardens. I am confused as to what kind of fertilizer I should be using that will make them grow bigger, taller and with nice blooms. Any favorites, I will select the one that I get the most responses to this posts. Thank you.

If you are using a commercially made organic fertilizer for flowers use the one with the highest middle number you can find. All of the commercially made organic fertilizers are good, they are safe and they will not burn up you plants if you accidentally use too much, unlike chemical fertilizers. In fact too much is just about right when using organics

 

[Bezcampz]

Fertilizers usually come in 3 numbers which represent the three elements- nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Each of the elements has key functions needed by flowers and/or any other plants to ensure optimal results. Nitrogen promotes the growth of plants and is responsible for the plants deep green color of its leaves while potassium is necessary for plants to become disease-resistance, vigor, and provide beautiful colors when in bloom. Phosphorus, on the other hand promotes the growth of roots and flower production. When these 3 elements are present in a fertilizer it's called complete fertilizer.

 

[Pat]

The above post is the most complete education in fertillizer I have had. I now know what I am purchasing when I go to the store. I like to use fish emulsion on my house plants.

 

[Chuck]

If you are using a commercially made organic fertilizer for flowers use the one with the highest middle number you can find. All of the commercially made organic fertilizers are good, they are safe and they will not burn up you plants if you accidentally use too much, unlike chemical fertilizers. In fact too much is just about right when using organics

The 3 elements grouped together is called N P K on the bag along with the percentage/ratio. N for nitrogen, P for phosphorus and K for Potassium/Potash

 

[Corzhens]

Our fertilizer is compost - leftover vegetables and fruits are thrown in the compost bin which are eventually converted by earthworms into compost fertilizer. From what I know, the compost fertilizer is good for any plant, be it vegetables or even trees. According to the farmer who taught us how to compost said compost will hasten the fruiting of trees so it is also very potent for plants.

 

[MrsJones]

This is great! Now I know what to look for at the garden center. I'm pretty new at gardening and I have another question. Since I've already planted bulbs do I need to dig them up to incorporate the fertilizer?

 

[marlingardener]

No, your bulbs will take in through the roots any nutrients they need. When you fertilize bulbs, you are fertilizing for next year's growth, since this year's strength is already stored in the bulb. I fertilize right after blooms are finished, and let the leaves stay on until they turn yellow and fall over. You can use a granular or a water-soluble fertilizer--the bulbs can use either.