10 Times You Shouldn’t Use Organic Fertilizers in Your Garden

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Gardeners who are trying to avoid synthetic chemicals have great organic fertilizers options including compost, animal manure or bone meal. They’re not only slow-release nutrients that improve soil health, but also environmentally friendly practices. There are upsides to organic fertilizers, but organic fertilizers aren’t always the perfect solution. In some cases, they may actually do more harm than good, killing off your garden plans.

Sometimes, it pays to know when to avoid organic fertilizers and save yourself time, money, and possibly your plants. There are situations where organic fertilizers won’t work or will actually hinder growth, and it may be because of specific soil needs, the plants themselves, or the season. Here are 10 times it’s a good idea to avoid organic fertilizers.

There’s Already Too Much Nitrogen in the Soil

Fertilize Your Garden
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Organic fertilizers can add too much nitrogen to the soil, especially if your soil is already nitrogen rich, so if you are using an organic fertilizer, you may be harming plants sensitive to high nitrogen levels. Lush green leaves are caused by excess nitrogen, but that can reduce flowering and fruit production. For example, if you’ve seen that all your tomato plants are leaves and no tomatoes, it may be because you’re giving them too much nitrogen. When this is the case, you’re better off skipping the fertilizer and letting your plants do their thing, utilizing what’s already in the soil.

During Late Fall

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Like putting fuel on a fire that’s about to go out, so is applying organic fertilizers in late fall. As the cold months get closer, soil organisms slow down, and fertilizers don’t break down as efficiently, leaving the nutrients unused. Nutrient runoff and waste is the result of this. Fertilizing in early fall or wait till spring (after soil organisms are more active and plants are ready to take up nutrients) is better.

Growing Fast-Growing Crops

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Organic fertilizers don’t supply nutrients as quickly as fast growing crops like lettuce, spinach and radishes need. Organic fertilisers release their nutrients slowly, so they aren’t very useful to plants that mature quickly. Synthetic or fast release fertilizers are better for these crops, so you get a quick harvest.

Right Before Heavy Rain

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Don’t fertilize if it’s forecasted to be heavy rain. Organic fertilizers do take a while to break down in the soil and a downpour can wash away these nutrients before they are available for the plants to use. Organic fertilizers applied just prior to a big rain can result in nutrient loss and potential runoff pollution. Instead, wait until the weather is more stable and you’ll get more out of your fertilizer.

In Poorly Drained Soil

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Organic fertilizers don’t do well in poorly drained soil, like clay heavy areas. Organic fertilizers break down slowly and slowly release nutrients, which need plenty of oxygen to occur, but have little in waterlogged soil. In such cases, organic fertilizers can actually cause root rot rather than growth. If your garden has drainage challenges, then improving soil drainage or changing fertilizers might work better.

If You Need Immediate Results

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Organic fertilizers are like slow brewing cup of tea, it needs time for the work. Organic fertilizers aren’t ideal if you’re looking for quick nutrient absorption, such as right before a bloom period. They gradually release nutrients over weeks to even months. But if you want instant results, try liquid fertilizers that plants can immediately absorb, and which will help boost growth and blooms in time for the season.

For Indoor Plants

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Organic fertilizers don’t always meet the needs of indoor plants. Indoors, the smell, the mold potential, and the slow release of nutrients can be a problem. Most organic fertilizers have strong odor which can linger and they don’t breakdown as well in potted conditions, so they build up or the nutrients aren’t available. Specific indoor plant fertilizers that provide nutrients in a cleaner, more controlled manner, are good for houseplants.

If You Want to Control Weeds

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Organic compost based fertilizers can sometimes contain weed seeds which may get into your garden. Organic fertilizers can add to your workload if weed control is a priority. Instead, use a well processed compost or investigate sterilized alternatives that reduce your chances of bringing unwanted guests to your garden beds.

Growing Acid Loving Plants

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Organic fertilizers usually don’t give you the ability to control soil pH levels. Organic fertilizers may not maintain a lower pH, which acid loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons require, often around 4.5 to 5.5. For example, regular garden compost can be too alkaline and prevent these plants from being able to absorb nutrients. If you’re growing these types of plants, go with a targeted soil amendment, not a general organic fertilizer.

In Cold Climate With Short Growing Season

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In cases of short growing seasons, organic fertilizers release nutrients too slowly to meet your plants’ needs. Organic matter takes a long time to break down in cold soils, so the nutrients may not be available until almost the end of the growing season. In these climates, the faster acting fertilizers help to be sure your plants get the nutrition they need in a quick time frame.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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