If you’re a fan of container gardening and have been using granular fertilizer, you might be curious about the benefits of liquid fertilizer. Well, here’s a secret: you can actually dissolve granular fertilizer in water and create your own liquid fertilizer!
By dissolving granular fertilizer in water, you get the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the cost-saving and long shelf-life of dry fertilizer while also having the flexibility to create liquid fertilizer whenever you need it.
Now, let’s get into the juicy details of how you can dissolve granular fertilizer in water to boost the nutrients for your plants!
Key Takeaways
How to Dissolve Granular Fertilizer in Water
The process is simple and requires just a few basic items. Grab a bucket or any other container, a measuring cup, and something to stir the mixture with.
First, determine how many gallons of liquid fertilizer you need. This will help you calculate the amount of granular fertilizer to dissolve. Generally, one cup of granular fertilizer will give you 8-16 gallons of diluted fertilizer for watering or 1 gallon for foliar feeding.
Using one cup of granular fertilizer per gallon of water, soak the mixture for 24-48 hours. Stir it occasionally to help the granules dissolve faster. A popular choice is to mix 10-10-10 fertilizer with water.
After soaking, you may notice some solids left at the bottom of your container. Simply strain them out and save them for later use. They can be sprinkled in flower beds or used for plants that require less fertilization.
The resulting liquid fertilizer is now ready to use for foliar feeding at full strength or can be diluted by adding 1 to 2 cups per gallon of water for regular watering.
Please note: there are water-soluble fertilizers available in the market that don’t require such a soaking time. These products are meant to be dissolved in water and used immediately, so follow the instructions on the packaging if you opt for this type of fertilizer.
While it may take a bit more time compared to using liquid fertilizer straight from the bottle, there are significant advantages to dissolving granular fertilizer in water.
Granular Fertilizer vs. Liquid Fertilizer
Both granular and liquid fertilizers contain the essential ingredients that plants need: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These macro-nutrients play a vital role in plant growth, with various formulations available depending on your specific plant’s needs. Just think of it as giving your plants a personalized nutrient cocktail!
The difference between the two lies in how these nutrients are delivered to the plants. Granular fertilizer is designed to release slowly into the soil, thanks to its slow-dissolving coating. On the other hand, liquid fertilizers come pre-dissolved and ready for immediate use by the plants.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Benefits of Granular Fertilizer
Granular fertilizer is typically incorporated into the soil or sprinkled around the base of the plant. When it comes to container gardening, it’s recommended to work granular fertilizer into the soil during the planting process. The advantages of granular fertilizer lie in its long-lasting effect, ease of storage, and affordability.
Depending on the type, granular fertilizer can nourish your plants for anywhere between 1 to 9 months. The slow breakdown of the granules releases nutrients gradually over time. However, if you dissolve granular fertilizer in water, its effectiveness will not last as long.
Granular fertilizer also boasts a long shelf-life. While it doesn’t come with a specific expiration date, it’s best to store it in a cool and dry place for optimal results. Make sure to avoid excessive humidity, as it can cause clumping, though the potency remains unaffected.
Drawbacks of Granular Fertilizer
One drawback of granular fertilizer is the potential uneven distribution of nutrients. Each granule may contain different amounts of certain nutrients, making it challenging to ensure a balanced nutrient supply for each plant. This issue is particularly relevant in container gardening.
Another limitation of granular fertilizer is its effect on a plant’s access to immobile nutrients, such as phosphorus. These nutrients can only be absorbed by the plant if they are already dissolved in water.
Lastly, it’s easy to overuse granular fertilizer, which can result in leaf burn due to its high salt content. Estimating the right amount to use is more difficult compared to liquid fertilizer.
Benefits of Liquid Fertilizer
By dissolving your granular fertilizer in water, you can enjoy the advantages of liquid fertilizer while optimizing the strengths of both types. Liquid fertilizer offers easy and even application, immediate nutrient availability for plants, and improved access to immobile nutrients.
After diluting granular fertilizer and turning it into liquid form, you can apply it evenly to your plants. The components are distributed equally in the water, ensuring each plant receives the necessary nutrients. You can use liquid fertilizer for both soil watering and foliar feeding.
Liquid fertilizer allows plants to utilize nutrients immediately. There’s no need to wait for slow breakdown like with granular fertilizer. If your plants need an instant nutrient boost, liquid fertilizer is the way to go!
Moreover, liquid fertilizer provides better nutrition to plants as they can readily access immobile nutrients. These nutrients are already dissolved in the liquid, allowing the plants to absorb them directly when the liquid comes in contact with the roots or leaves.
Drawbacks of Liquid Fertilizer
Compared to granular fertilizer, liquid fertilizer comes with a few drawbacks. It is heavier and more challenging to store, as freezing temperatures can cause separation or container breakage. Additionally, liquid fertilizer is more expensive than its granular counterpart, and regular application can quickly add up in terms of cost.
So now that you know the secret of dissolving granular fertilizer in water, you can choose the best approach for your plants. Whether you opt for the convenience of liquid fertilizer or the long-lasting effects of granular fertilizer, your plants will thrive with the nutrient boost they need.
Remember, the key to successful gardening lies in finding the perfect balance for your plants. Experiment, observe, and adjust as needed to ensure your green buddies are happy and thriving!
Now, go ahead and give it a try! Create your own liquid fertilizer and watch your plants flourish. If you prefer to explore ready-to-use organic liquid fertilizers, check out the offerings at Ames Farm Center. Happy gardening, besties!
