Nitrogen is one of the major nutrients needed by all plants to grow successfully. Nitrogen promotes healthy, green growth as well as strong development and is particularly important for plants with lots of green foliage such as spinach, kale, broccoli, trees, and shrubs, but all plants require nitrogen.
As nitrogen is very soluble it is easily washed or “leached” out of the soil or compost if growing in containers, especially when the spring rains coincide with fast, lush plant growth.
By adding nitrogen, you can help remedy any deficiency and improve plant growth, especially with fast growing plants such as salad leaves and summer bedding.
To help combat nitrogen deficiency in your soil, always add a mulch in the autumn to reduce leaching throughout the winter. Adding an organic mulch such as well-rotted farmyard manure or manure plant food will also add nutrients as it breaks down.
While good quality compost like Miracle-Gro® is formulated with plant food, it’s important to keep an eye on your plants and learn their needs. Once the composts plant food is used up, you’ll need begin supplementary feeding.
As well as combatting deficiencies, adding nutrients to your plants can produce bigger blooms and bumper crops. Just be careful not to over apply and always follow the instructions.
