A material that supplies essential nutrients to plants, helping support growth, flowering, fruit production, and overall plant health.
Plants need nutrients to develop healthy roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Fertilizers provide these nutrients when natural soil supplies are insufficient.
Fertilizers are generally divided into two categories. Organic fertilizers come from natural sources such as compost, manure, or plant and animal byproducts. Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured nutrient products designed to deliver specific amounts of plant nutrients.
Both types can support healthy plant growth when used correctly. The main difference is how quickly nutrients become available and how they are released into the soil.
Fertilizer helps replace nutrients that are removed through plant growth, harvesting, rainfall, and other natural processes. Choosing the appropriate fertilizer and applying it properly helps plants grow vigorously while reducing the risk of nutrient deficiency or nutrient excess.