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Fertilizers for Herbs
Fertilizers for Herbs. Fertilizer is excellent for improving your results as a gardener. Careful selection of the proper fertilizer will supplement nutrients that do not naturally occur in the soil and more effectively foster the plants' healthy growth. If you have an herb garden and need fertilizer to help it grow, take time to understand exactly...
Fertilizer is excellent for improving your results as a gardener. Careful selection of the proper fertilizer will supplement nutrients that do not naturally occur in the soil and more effectively foster the plants' healthy growth. If you have an herb garden and need fertilizer to help it grow, take time to understand exactly what type of fertilizer is needed to avoid spending money on something that will not achieve your desired goals.
Herbs and Fertilizer
In general, herbs hardly ever need fertilizer. Herbs are particularly resilient plants that can grow under a wide range of soil and weather conditions. Herbs are used in cooking and food preparation, and the essential oils inside the herbs provide the flavors. Too much fertilizer can stimulate excessive leaf growth, leading to large leaves with a lower concentration of essential oils. The proper amount and type of fertilizer carefully applied can maximize oil production and produce much more flavorful herbs.
Types of Fertilizers for Herbs
Herbs react best to so-called "slow-acting" fertilizer such as fish emulsion, bone meal, cottonseed meal and blood meal. Avoid synthetic or "fast-acting" fertilizers, as these can lead to excessive leaf growth. Use only all-natural, organically based fertilizers. Herbs also respond well to homemade compost or manure.
When to Apply
Frequency of application depends on where the herbs are growing. Herbs growing outside aren't likely to need fertilizer. An application of fish meal at planting generally will be all the fertilizer outdoor plants will need. Indoor herb plants grown in pots or other containers probably will need fertilizer on a weekly basis, though this will vary depending on the conditions in your geographic area.
Other Considerations
Although herbs are less dependent on fertilizer than other plants, there is nothing wrong with hedging your bets by using fertilizer to ensure success. Synthetic fertilizers can lead to salt build up in the soil and produce undesirable effects. As with any other gardening project, consult locally focused gardening guides or local experts to best maximize your results.
