What's the function of Nitrogen (N) in plants?Nitrogen (N) is among the vital elements needed for the survival of living things. It being an abundant common element on earth, it forms approximately 78% in the earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen is chemically reacted with other compounds such as ammonia, nitric acid, organic nitrates and cyanides to form unique compounds with totally different chemical and physical properties. Since plants cannot use or take nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, uptake is through nitrogen forms that include...
What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants?Potassium is a paramount macro-element for overall survival of living things. It is an abundant mineral macronutrient present in both plant and animals tissues. It is necessary for the proper functionality of all living cells. Potassium is relatively abundant in the earth's crust making up to 2.1% by weight. Potassium is mined in the form of potash (KOH), sylvite (KCl), Carnallite and Langbeinite. It is not found in free nature. Why is Potassium Important to Plants? Potassium is an indis...
Fertilizing Your Organic GardenOrganic fertilizers generally come from plants, animals, or minerals. Soil organisms break down the material into nutrients that plants can use. Some organic fertilizers contain significant amounts of only one of the major nutrients, such as phosphorus in bone meal, but they often have trace amounts of many other beneficial nutrients. In addition, some gardeners add organic material that improves soil structure and supports soil microorganisms, which helps make nutrients available more quickl...
What's the Function of Magnesium (Mg) in Plants?You may have more in common with plants than you think. Much like us, plants need a wide range of nutrients to stay healthy and we’ve mentioned time and time again about magnesium’s importance to our own wellbeing. But magnesium is also a critical macronutrient for plant growth and health. It is a key element of the chlorophyll molecule – essential for photosynthesis. Magnesium gives leaves their green hue and activates most plant enzymes needed for growth while contributing to protein synthe...
Fertilizer Toxicity vs. Nutrient Deficiency: Spotting the Difference in Your PlantsFertilizer toxicity and nutrient deficiency are common plant conditions with very different causes that can both destroy a crop while looking exactly the same. What is fertilizer toxicity or nutrient deficiency? How can you tell if either of these are happening to your plants? Here's what you need to know about fertilizer toxicity, nutrient deficiency, and how to figure out which of these conditions is affecting your plants. What is Fertilizer Toxicity in Plants? Fertilizer toxicity, som...
Compost is the Best Supplement for Your Garden SoilComposting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It's also free, easy to make and good for the environment. Composting Benefits Image source: Trusty Joe Soil conditioner: With compost, you are creating rich humus for lawn and garden. This adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain moisture in the soil. Recycles kitchen and yard waste: Composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage c...
How to Improve Soil Health With Soil AmendmentsSpring has sprung and there’s no better time than now to start planting! But before you get those seeds and starters in the soil, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. After all, your plants are only as healthy as the soil they’re grown in. One of our favorite ways to ensure healthy soil is by adding amendments to your dirt before planting. But “soil amendments” are words that often get tossed around in the gardening community which may leave you feeling slightly confused and wonder...
What is Lasagna Gardening and How Do You Do it?When you hear the word “lasagna” we’re sure the Italian pasta dish comes to mind, but we promise this word carries some importance in the gardening community. Also referred to as sheet composting or layer gardening, lasagna gardening is a form of gardening that's quickly gaining popularity. The Lasagna Garden technique is a practical and natural way of cutting down on tilling and digging. Read on to find out how to make one, its benefits and more. What is a Lasagna Garden? A lasagna gard...
Epsom Salt Formula For Stump RemovalWe all know that removing a tree stump without heavy equipment can be backbreaking work. Axes, picks, chainsaws and pry bars are the tools required, along with at least a whole day of hard work. Epsom salt is the best substance to remove a tree stump if it is in your garden or lawn, since it enhances the quality of your soil. Using chemical applications makes stump removal an easier yet slower process. Why Epsom Salt? After a tree has been cut down or fallen, the root network will con...
How to Refine Gold with UreaInterested in learning how to refine your gold using Urea powder? Continue reading to find out how. Instructions 1. Weigh your gold smelt. For every ounce of gold, you will need a container with a 300-milliliter capacity. So, if you're refining 5 ounces of gold, you will need a 1500-milliliter container or about 1 ½ quarts. 2. Add 30 milliliters of nitric acid for every ounce of gold. So, if you're refining 5 ounces of gold, you would need to add 150 milliliters to the container. Al...
Our Holiday Gift Guide for the 2019 SeasonWith November well underway, it won’t be long until the holiday season is officially upon us. Of course, if you're already hanging your Christmas lights, more power to you. It may not be the season of giving just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little online window shopping, right? Finding the perfect gift for a friend or loved one is challenging to say the least, but we're here to take some of the pressure off of you. This year, we're making gift giving a little...
The Benefits of Chitin for Healthy PlantsChitin might be the ingredient behind most crustacean meals available for soil health and plant resilience. However, you will find overrated sentiments about chitin or crustacean meals. Also, not all brands that offer fertilizer containing chitin are reliable. The best crustacean meals suit farmers seeking organic fertilizer options. They feature extra ingredients, besides chitin, to balance soil pH, stimulate soil microbes and microbial communities, protect from diseases and more. Here's...
What's the Function of Phosphorus (P) in Plants?Phosphorus (P) is part of the nuclei acid structure of plants which is responsible for the regulation of protein synthesis. Phosphorus plays a major role in the growth of new tissue and division of cells. Plants perform complex energy transmissions, a function that requires phosphorus. The value of phosphorus in your garden cannot be stressed enough. One of the benefits of phosphorus in plants is proper development of the roots and hastening of maturity. Why Do Plants Need Phosphorus? All li...
A Guide to Greener Grass - Selecting the Proper Fertilizer for Your LawnHaving a yard with luscious, green grass is ideal, but is not always the easiest to achieve. Many turn to fertilizer to help with lawn care, but with all the options available on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Read on to learn how to diagnose your lawn and what factors you should consider before deciding what fertilizer is best for your lawn's needs. What Are the Symptoms of a Sick Lawn? Healthy grass is thick, uniformly green and weed-free. When you run your hand over ...
What's the Function of Calcium (Ca) in Plants?Most people don't realize just how important Calcium is to their plants. However, for plants to grow and remain healthy, there are specific nutrients they need — and Calcium is one of the more important ones. This is why it's important to use a good Calcium fertilizer to maintain the necessary Calcium levels for your plants. The Function of Calcium in Plants The nutrients plants need are categorized into three different categories — main nutrients, micro nutrients and trace elements....
How Timing Your Fertilizer Application Can Make All the Difference in Your PlantsChances are good you know that adding a water-soluble, eco-friendly fertilizer is a key factor in soil health, but did you that the timing of your fertilizer application will have a big impact on plant development and resiliency as well? When is the Best Time to Apply Fertilizer to a Plant? If you were to only apply high-quality, water-soluble fertilizer to your plants once, the optimal time is during the peak growing cycle - that's when plants are either flowering, leafing out (for deci...