13 Best Fertilizer for Vegetable Garden | Buyer’s Guide

If you are a vegetable gardener, nothing would be more exciting to you than a bountiful and delicious harvest. But you shouldn’t expect to achieve such results using a random fertilizer that only provides partial nourishment to your plants. In fact, vegetable gardens will need many more nutrients than that provided by a general-purpose fertilizer. […] The post 13 Best Fertilizer for Vegetable Garden | Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Homesthetics - Inspiring ideas for your home..

13 Best Fertilizer for Vegetable Garden | Buyer’s Guide

If you are a vegetable gardener, nothing would be more exciting to you than a bountiful and delicious harvest.

But you shouldn’t expect to achieve such results using a random fertilizer that only provides partial nourishment to your plants. In fact, vegetable gardens will need many more nutrients than that provided by a general-purpose fertilizer.

Thus, it’s high time that you choose an ideal fertilizer that would really make your vegetable plants much healthier. However, we understand that making the right choice can be difficult since there are hundreds of fertilizers out there.

And that is why we bring you this carefully curated list of the 13 best options to consider.

So, without any further ado, let’s move on to the reviews.

Best Fertilizer for Vegetable Garden

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IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Our Top PickOur Top Pickhstcstbl-table__image Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food Plus
  • Includes calcium
  • Feeds up to 3 months
  • Available in 1 lb and 4.5 lb packs
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hstcstbl-table__image Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food For Flowers & Vegetables
  • Feeds up to 4 full months
  • Has a N-P-K ratio of 14-14-14
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hstcstbl-table__image Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer
  • Available in bags of 1.5 lb, 4 lb, and 16 lb
  • Approved for organic gardening
  • All ingredients are natural
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer
  • Completely organic
  • Contains no GMO ingredients
  • Includes probiotic soil microbes
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food
  • Includes natural ingredients
  • Water-soluble
  • Available in a 2-lb pack
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hstcstbl-table__image Fox Farm FX14092 Grow Big Fertilizer
  • Liquid concentrate fertilizer
  • Has a N-P-K ratio of 6-4-4
  • Formulated with low pH
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image J R Peters 52024 Jack's Classic All Purpose Fertilizer
  • Has a N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20
  • All-purpose fertilizer
  • Available in 1.5 lb tub
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image Espoma GT18 Garden Tone
  • Contains 100% natural ingredients
  • Includes Bio-Tone Microbes
  • Low in salts
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image Harris Organic Plant Food and Fertilizer
  • Ingredients derived from fish
  • Available in 32 oz and 1 gallon containers
  • Uses trace minerals
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
hstcstbl-table__image Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer
  • Has a N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10
  • Available in a pack of 2.84 lb.
  • Contains amino acids
VIEW LATEST PRICE →

Some vegetables in a basket under sunlight

  1. Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food Plus

Providing complete nourishment to all your plants is essential for achieving an abundant vegetable garden. And this plant food product from Miracle Gro is one of those few fertilizers that supplies the plants with exactly what they need. Containing vital micronutrients along with natural ingredients, this product is available in packs of 1 lb. and 4.5 lbs.

Sale
Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Plant Food Plus Calcium...
  • Contains natural ingredients to feed microbes in the soil
  • Specially formulated with micronutrients to help plants grow...
  • Feeds up to 3 months
  • Calcium helps form stronger cell walls, producing better...

Why Did We Like It?

This plant food product contains the perfect blend of essential micronutrients and natural ingredients. These include bone meal, earthworm castings, kelp, and feather meal. Together, all these components ensure that the plant’s roots and shoots are nourished equally.

Interestingly, beneficial soil microbes feed on the natural ingredients of this product to break them down into nutrients that support development of the roots. This helps to increase the root strength and water efficiency of the plants.

Besides, calcium is also included in the plant food to ensure stronger cell walls and produce better quality vegetables that also remain fresh for a long time. Furthermore, it prevents disorders in edible crops that might arise due to calcium deficiency.

And that’s not all; this product can feed your plants for up to 3 months. So, you can also be free from the hassle of frequent application.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product worked quite well on our vegetable plants. However, for one of our orders, we noticed that the plant food pellets were different from the usual form and color. We got gray and brown shards and blue pellets instead of the usual light orange colored ones.

Pros
  • Nourishes roots and shoots equally
  • Increases root strength
  • Increases water efficiency
  • Prevents disorders in edible crops
Cons
  • Different product batches not consistent
  1. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food For Flowers & Vegetables

This specially formulated product from Osmocote helps you grow flavorful and tasty vegetables with ease. As such, it is one of the must-have products for vegetable gardeners. This plant food is ideal for perennials and comes in packs of 1, 2, 4.5, and 8 lbs.

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable, 8 lb
  • Promotes vigorous top-growth, strong root development
  • A must-have for vegetable gardeners
  • Ideal for perennials
  • Formulated for flavorful vegetables and colorful blooms

Why Did We Like It?

This product helps to promote strong root development, which in turn makes the plants more healthy and robust than ever before. What brings about this change is the high total nutrient content of this plant food. Having a N-P-K ratio of 14-14-14, it is equally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, the key elements that promote sustained growth and development in plants.

Notably, each fertilizer granule is coated by a unique resin that reacts at relatively lower temperatures. As a result of this, nutrients are released into the soil early in the season, initiating the growth process successfully.

This formula is favorable for perennials and seasonal vegetables, since it makes the garden active when the growing season arrives. Thus, the plants get more of what they need to thrive and you get vigorous and bountiful growth above the ground.

Furthermore, one application of this plant food lasts for up to four months, something you rarely find in fertilizers. As such, a pack of 8 lbs is enough for an entire growing season.

Even applying the product is super easy, as you just need to sprinkle it onto the soil and mix it slightly with the top few inches. After that, watering the plants is all that is needed.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although this product is extremely useful for vegetable gardeners and it does show great results, it can have toxic effects on humans. Not taking proper precautions during each application might make you fall sick. Hence, make sure you always wear a mask and gloves.

Pros
  • Ideal for perennials and seasonal vegetables
  • Makes the garden active in the growing season
  • Promotes vigorous and bountiful growth
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • Can have toxic effects on humans
  1. Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer

Uniquely formulated with all-natural ingredients, this fertilizer from Jobe’s Organics promotes a holistic development of the plants. It is listed as a standard product for organic gardening by USDA. You can get this product in easy-pour bags of 1.5 lb, 4 lb, and 16 lb.

Sale
Jobe’s Organics 9026 Fertilizer, 4 lb
  • Organic granular fertilizer; Fast acting fertilizer for...
  • OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA; Certified organic...
  • Contains Jobe Biozome; Extremely aggressive proprietary...
  • Jobe’s Biozome improves soil conditions; Helps your garden...

Why Did We Like It?

An ideal soil environment is important for ensuring that the plants grow well. Using this product, you can substantially improve the long-term soil environment for your plants. This is achieved by Jobe’s Biozome, which is a unique blend of different soil microbes such as Archaea and Mycorrhizal fungi.

Besides, the product also helps to increase the uptake of nutrients by plants and prevents their depletion. As a result, your plants are kept protected from unfavorable conditions such as insects, drought and disease. Plus, you can use it for a variety of edible crops such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and carrots.

Note that this fertilizer doesn’t contain any synthetic chemicals and hence is perfectly safe for use around pets and children. It is also an eco-friendly choice as it doesn’t have harmful effects on the environment.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although we were really satisfied with how the product performed, it produced a strong odor which lasted for about a week after application. For first-time users, this might be difficult to tolerate. However, this issue can be solved by watering the product twice daily for the first few days.

Pros
  • Improves soil environment
  • Prevents depletion of nutrients
  • Protects plants from unfavorable conditions
  • Safe for use around pets and children
Cons
  • Produces a strong odor initially
  1. Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer

The next pick we have for you is this product from Dr. Earth which is greatly beneficial for vegetable gardens. Notably, it doesn’t contain any chicken manure, GMO ingredients, or sewage sludge and is complete organic in nature. You can get this product in a 4 lb pack.

Sale
Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer Poly...
  • For more nutritious and tasty vegetables
  • Optimum levels of primary plant nutrients
  • Contains no GMOs, chicken manure or sewage sludge
  • Feeds for several months

Why Did We Like It?

Enriched with a variety of nutrients including carbohydrates, multi-minerals, proteins, and trace elements, this product makes the soil much healthier. Also, these nutrients are present in optimum quantities, ensuring that plants get the right nourishment. Ultimately, you get bountiful plants with nutritious and tasty vegetables.

Bedies, the usefulness of this product is further enhanced by eight select strains of endo and ecto Mycorrhizae. Together these microbes increase the plants’ tolerance to drought and improve the availability of all nutrients. Thus, using the product as directed eliminates the need for any chemical fertilizers.

Using the product is also quite simple. You just have to apply it as a top dressing on the soil or as compost tea. Furthermore, you can even use it during transplanting or initial planting of seeds.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product really does benefit vegetable gardens a lot. However, in case you’re applying it to containers in the garden, it becomes a bit difficult to calculate the amount of fertilizer to be used. It would’ve been better if the ideal amount for container plants was also mentioned in the instructions.

Pros
  • Improves availability of nutrients
  • Provides nutritious and tasty vegetables
  • Can be used during transplanting
  • Increases tolerance to drought
Cons
  • Right amount for container plants not mentioned
  1. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food

Grow bountiful plants with nutritious vegetables using this water soluble plant food from Miracle-Gro. It includes many natural ingredients and is available in a 2-lb pack. Also, if used as directed, the product is guaranteed not to burn the plant.

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food Vegetables & Herbs 2 lb
  • Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food Vegetables and Herbs...
  • Feeds instantly to promote big and beautiful results (vs...
  • Use Miracle-Gro soil plus plant food for even more harvest...
  • Apply with a watering can or Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder

Why Did We Like It?

What we like the most about this product is it feeds the plants easily and instantly. Thus, you can get bigger and more beautiful plants in a much lesser time than several other products. Also, using the product ensures that the plants absorb the nutrients effectively and thus, prevents any deficiency disease.

Notably, this plant food can be used on all types of herbs and vegetables including carrot, pepper,stomato, basil, cucumber and squash. And in case you have a larger vegetable garden, you can get an even more bountiful harvest.

To apply this product, you can use a watering can or a garden-feeder. Make sure you use 1 ½ tablespoon of the product for every 1 ½ gallons of water. This will cover about 15 sq ft of garden area. For getting best results, you should soak the soil at the base of the plants every 1 to 2 weeks.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although this product works to give the best results for most vegetables, it may not work well on cherry tomato plants. In some cases, the plant may not even survive ultimately. So, if you have cherry tomato plants in your garden, it’s best to go for any other product.

Pros
  • Feeds plants instantly for quicker results
  • Promotes more bountiful harvest
  • Ensures effective nutrient absorption
  • Doesn’t cause burns if used as directed
Cons
  • May not work on cherry tomato plants
  1. Fox Farm FX14092 Grow Big Fertilizer

This liquid concentrate fertilizer from Grow Big gives a boost to your garden by promoting lush vegetative growth. It has a N-P-K ratio of 6-4-4 and is available to consumers in a 1 pint bottle as well as a 1 quart container.

Fox Farm 6-4-4, 1-Pint FX14092 Grow Big Liquid Concentrate...
  • Get your garden going with grow big, Foxfarm's liquid...
  • Grow big contains earthworm castings, Norwegian kelp and...
  • Garden tip: allow new plantings a few days to settle in,...
  • Country Of Origin: United States

Why Did We Like It?

Specially formulated for enhancing the structure and size of plants, this product allows for more abundant vegetable, flower and bud development. Ultimately, your plants literally grow bigger and also more beautiful. Behind the ‘magic’ is its rich nutrient content, that includes essential micronutrients, Norwegian kelp, and earthworm castings.

Interestingly this fertilizer is formulated with a low pH for ensuring a sustained availability of micronutrients. Besides, this property also helps in maintaining the stability of the product while it is stored.

For getting best results, it is essential to apply the product at least once every week. You should use ⅔ teaspoons of the product per gallon of water for each application. Note that you can also use the product for foliar feeding at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although the product works perfectly to deliver what the manufacturers claim, sometimes it may not be packaged properly. On one of our orders, we got the bottle with the seal broken. However, we did receive a new bottle after returning it and that didn’t cost us extra too.

Pros
  • Ensures sustained availability of micronutrients
  • Plants grow bigger and more beautiful
  • Is stable while in storage
  • Can also be used for foliar feeding
Cons
  • Packaging may be improper
  1. J R Peters 52024 Jack’s Classic All Purpose Fertilizer

If you are searching for an all-purpose fertilizer, this product from J R Peters will be a great option to go for. In fact, it has been proven truly effective in vegetable gardens for generations. This product has a N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 and is available in a resealable tub of 1.5 lb.

J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-20-20 All Purpose...
  • All indoor and outdoor plants, tree, vegetables and surf
  • It feeds both through the roots and the leaves. This formula...
  • Indoors it is especially effective on foliage plants,...

Why Did We Like It?

Through its high and balanced N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20, the product helps in rapid leaf expansion and faster green-up of leaves. Apart from this, it also contains chelated nutrients to provide a better performance. Ultimately, you get to see greener and much healthier plants in your vegetable garden.

Another reason why we loved the product was that it caked less compared to other fertilizers of top brands. And it also dissolves much faster than such products. Plus, this fertilizer feeds the plants both through the leaves and the roots.

Furthermore, this product comes in a resealable tub of 1.5 lbs that is easy to handle and store. If you wish to buy in bulk, you can even order the product in multiple packs of two or four.

And that’s not all. A handy measuring scoop and detailed instructions are also included, which enables easy application.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product is truly quite effective for vegetable gardens. However, sometimes a smaller container of 8 oz may be delivered instead of the 1.5 lb one, if you are ordering through an online shopping site. Although, you can deal with this problem by reporting it to the manufacturer and requesting a replacement.

Pros
  • Promotes rapid leaf expansion and faster green-up
  • Chelated nutrients provide better performance
  • Comes in a tub easy to handle and store
  • Includes measuring scoop
Cons
  • Wrong size might be delivered
  1. Espoma GT18 Garden Tone

Entirely made from natural ingredients, this organic plant food from Espoma is perfect for growing delicious warm and cool season vegetables. It provides a balanced feeding to all plants and is available in a pack of 18 lb.

Espoma GT18 Garden Tone, 18-Pound
  • Long lasting natural organics break down for steady,...
  • Contains Bio-tonne microbes
  • Adds organic matter to soil
  • Naturally low in salts so it won’t burn

Why Did We Like It?

This product contains long-lasting organic ingredients that break down to release steady amounts of nutrients over the course of time. As a result, your plants get balanced nourishment throughout the growing season. And you get an abundant harvest of flavorful and nutritious vegetables.

Besides, this plant food also contains thousands of beneficial Bio-Tone microbes that promote an effective breakdown of natural ingredients. Plus, these microorganisms help in enriching the soil by adding organic matter to it.

Moreover, being naturally low in salts, this product does not cause any burns. For getting best results, use this ⅓ cup of this fertilizer once a month on established plants. Note that you must sprinkle it evenly around the dripline of each plant. You can also use it on seedlings and transplants from 7-10 days after planting.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although we were more than satisfied with how the product performed, we found the fertilizer granules a bit dusty. Note that the dust might enter through the nose and cause a burning sensation in the chest afterward. So, be sure to wear a mask when you use this product.

Pros
  • Provides balanced nourishment to plants
  • Improves soil quality
  • Does not cause any burns
  • Can also be used on seedlings and transplants
Cons
  • Fertilizer granules are dusty
  1. Harris Organic Plant Food and Fertilizer

Taking a cue from centuries-old Native American agricultural practices, this fertilizer is formulated with ingredients naturally derived from fish. It is perfect for vegetable gardens and comes in containers of 32 oz. and 1 gallon.

Harris Organic Plant Food and Plant Fertilizer, Hydrolyzed...
  • Uses trace minerals and micronutrients naturally derived...
  • Promotes vigorous growth of plants and vegetables
  • Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
  • For use in an Organic Gardening program

Why Did We Like It?

By using this product regularly, you can get vigorously growing plants with abundant vegetables. This is made possible by the micronutrients and trace minerals derived from fish, which stimulate healthy growth in the root systems of the plants. Also, being completely organic, this product doesn’t burn the plants.

Besides, this fertilizer acts as a great compost starter, providing you with enriched compost for your vegetable garden. All you have to do is dissolve 4 oz. of the product in a gallon of water and mix the solution with the compost.

Note that this product is available in concentrate form and needs to be diluted with water before application. You should use about 3 tablespoons of the product per gallon of water every two weeks. Apply the fertilizer solution over the soil or as a foliar feed until the leaves are wet.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although this product gives you just the results that you desire, it might not always be properly packaged. In our case, the container arrived with a cracked lid, so we had to replace the lid with that of an old bottle. Hence, make sure that you check the packaging of the product at the time of arrival.

Pros
  • Stimulates healthy growth in the root system
  • Helps to produce abundant vegetables
  • Acts as a great compost starter
  • Doesn’t burn the plants
Cons
  • Improper packaging
  1. Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer

Another great all-purpose fertilizer to go for is this one from Pendelton Turf Supply. It is designed to help in all stages of plant growth and is really effective for vegetable gardens. You can get this 10-10-10 fertilizer in a pack of 2.84 lb.

Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer 10-10-10 with Amino...
  • ALL PURPOSE: 10-10-10 with Amino Acids (5.5%) & Seaweed...
  • USE SITES: Great for gardens, flowers, fruits, vegetables,...
  • USAGE RATES: 1-2 oz per gallon of water (it's better to...
  • MEASURE & POUR: Comes in an easy measure and pour bottle...

Why Did We Like It?

What sets it apart from other fertilizers is its unique composition, consisting of seaweed extract, amino acids, urea, and phosphoric acid. Together, these ingredients promote healthy growth of green leafy vegetables, making them tastier and more nutritious.

Besides, the plants benefit considerably from higher quantities of nitrogen and other key nutrients, thanks to the balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Also, you can use this product on a variety of vegetables including pepper, carrots, brinjal, tomatoes and lettuce.

Furthermore, the product comes in a bottle that makes it easy to measure and pour. You simply need to squeeze the bottle to measure and pour a particular dosage. Note that you have to use 1-2 oz of the fertilizer per gallon of water every 1-2 weeks for getting best results.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Though we ultimately got great results by using this product, we found that it takes longer to act on a few plants. In fact, some of the plants took as long as 3 months to produce healthier vegetables. Also, this product should be kept away from the leaves as it may cause burns.

Pros
  • Promotes healthy growth of green leafy vegetables
  • Balanced N-P-K ratio provides further nutrition
  • Easy to measure and pour
  • Beneficial for a variety of vegetables
Cons
  • Takes longer to act on some plants
  1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Organic Fertilizer

This granular fertilizer from Old Farmer’s Almanac is another excellent option to go for. Specially formulated for vegetables, organic tomatoes, herbs and shrubs, it has a N-P-K ratio of 8-4-8. You can get this fertilizer in a large bag of 2.25 lb and is approved for organic gardening by USDA.

The Old Farmer's Almanac 2.25 lb. Organic Tomato & Vegetable...
  • OMRI Listed granular fertilizer specially formulated for...
  • Features both quick and slow release nutrients to promote...
  • High quality protein based nutrition suitable for indoor and...
  • Easy pour resealable bag fertilizes up to 250 square feet of...

Why Did We Like It?

What we found most unique about this product is that it features both slow and quick release nutrients. And both these types are present in balanced amounts, which ultimately promotes healthy plant growth over time. Also, it provides protein-based nutrition that is ideal for the plants. Ultimately, you get delicious, rich and healthy vegetables at the end of the growing season.

Besides, the 8-4-8 N-P-K ratio supplies additional nutrients that produce greener leaves, stronger roots and healthier vegetables. Note that this product neither contains any harsh chemicals and manure nor produces any bad odor.

And that’s not all. This product comes in a resealable bag that is easy to pour and fertilizes upto as much as 250 sq. ft. of existing or new plants. And one application is sufficient to fertilize the plants for 6-8 weeks.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product works quite fine on most vegetables. Although, we observed mold growing on some leafy vegetables in our garden after the second application. Ultimately those plants didn’t survive. So, it’s best to avoid using the product on leafy vegetables and edible herbs.

Pros
  • Doesn’t contain any manure or harsh chemicals
  • Fertilizes upto 250 sq ft of existing or new plants
  • Promotes healthy plant growth
  • Provides protein based nutrition
Cons
  • Not ideal for leafy vegetables and edible herbs
  1. Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer

Down To Earth is well-known for its complete range of organic and natural fertilizers. This fertilizer from the brand is especially formulated for vegetable gardens. It has a N-P-K ratio of 4-4-4 and comes in a 5-pound box.

Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer 4-4-4, 5lb
  • Down to Earth Vegetable Garden is a five pound box of all...
  • This veggie fertilizer provides the perfect start for your...
  • Vegetable Garden Fertilizer is full of powerful nutrition to...
  • A versatile mix for backyard gardens and hobby farms

Why Did We Like It?

This fertilizer provides your plants with the perfect nutritional boost right at the start of the growing season. This results in vigorous and healthy plant growth, as you get sprightly leafy vegetables, tasty and nutritious tomatoes, more fragrant herbs and a lot more.

Besides, the organic ingredients of this product work with the fungi and microorganisms in the soil to stimulate growth and provide plants with a balanced feeding.

Note that it doesn’t contain any synthetics, low-quality fillers or growth stimulants. Thus, you can be completely sure about your plants’ safety. Also, this fertilizer is suitable for use throughout the growing season.

Furthermore, the instructions for application mentioned on the pack are easy to follow, and the product can be directly applied to the soil. All you have to do is add 3-6 tablespoons to every 100 sq ft of the soil and mix it with the top 3 inches.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This product works really well on vegetable gardens as you can see your plants in just a few weeks after the first application. However, it might produce a foul smell and attract flies initially. To deal with this problem, you should turn the soil over so that the product is hidden. You can be sure that neither the smell nor the flies will come back.

Pros
  • Results in healthy and vigorous plant growth
  • Provides the plants a balanced feeding
  • Contains no fillers, stimulants or synthetics
  • Suitable for use throughout the growing season
Cons
  • Might attract flies initially
  1. Purely Organic Products Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food

This premium plant food is another greatly beneficial product for vegetable gardens. It is formulated for growing vegetables, herbs, fruits, shrubs and trees. With a N-P-K ratio of 8-8-8, this plant food is available in packs of 2.25 lb.

Purely Organic Products Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food 8-8-8,...
  • Proven protein & plant based formula for fast-acting results...
  • Produces excellent results for tomatoes, fruit, vegetable,...
  • Ideal for use indoors and outdoors across all regions of the...
  • Balanced 8-8-8 formula: 8% Nitrogen for plant growth; 8%...

Why Did We Like It?

This product is enhanced with a plant and protein based formula which has been proven to show results much faster than other fertilizers. Also, it provides continuous and steady food to the plants for as long as 6-8 weeks.

Besides, it has a balanced 8-8-8 N-P-K ratio that contributes equally to stimulate plant growth, provide strong roots, and produce healthy vegetables and blooms. With this product, you can achieve excellent results for tomatoes, pepper, brinjal, cucumber and berries.

Moreover, one pack of the plant food can cover an area of 250 sq ft. And it’s very easy to apply. All you need to do is spread the plant food evenly on the growing area at the rate of 1 ¼ cups per 49 sq ft. Note that the product must be applied to established plants at the beginning of the growing season and after every 6-8 weeks then onwards.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although the product performed really well on most of our plants, we noticed fungus and mold developing on the soil. We could understand that the fungus was actually growing on the extra fertilizer sprinkled inadvertently. So, be careful not to apply the product beyond the drip line of the plants.

Pros
  • Provides continuous and steady food to plants
  • Produces healthy vegetables and blooms
  • Increases root strength
  • Easy to apply
Cons
  • Fungus develops on extra fertilizer sprinkled

Organic fertilizer conceptual vector illustration with package, leafs, soil and vegetables. Ecological agriculture farming.Natural and green thinking for human health.

Organic Fertilizer Buyer’s Guide

Growing a beautiful garden full of nutritious vegetables is not a difficult task if you follow the right approach. You must ensure that all the plants are getting adequate nourishment. And for this, choosing the right fertilizer is more important than anything else.

So, making a hasty purchase without considering your needs and preferences can be detrimental to the health of your plants. Here are some factors that you need to consider before moving on to purchase a fertilizer.

  1. Nutrient Content

Considering your soil quality and remembering the required N-P-K ratio may be sufficient for choosing fertilizers for other plants, but it is not so for vegetable gardens. Many more nutrients are needed for stimulating healthy growth in such gardens. As such, you need to check the nutrient content of any product to ascertain whether it’s ideal for vegetables.

Besides the major nutrients which are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, vegetable plants require secondary nutrients such as sulfur, calcium and magnesium. Also, micronutrients such as iron, chlorine, zinc, boron, and manganese are vital for such plants.

Note that fertilizers that are specifically made for vegetable gardens contain all of these nutrients. In our list, we’ve included the best options among such specialised products.

  1. Organic Or Synthetic?

This factor depends upon your preferences to some extent. Applying fertilizers with synthetic chemicals can have toxic effects on plants if not used as directed.

However, many of the products nowadays have a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients, which shields the plant from any burns or chemical contamination. We’ve included many such products in our list of fertilizers.

On the other hand, organic fertilizers are completely made from natural ingredients and hence are safe for use on all plants. However, certain organic fertilizers may take longer to show the desired results.

  1. Frequency Of Fertilization

Applying the fertilizer in the right amount and at the correct time is absolutely essential for getting best results. Hence, checking the required frequency of fertilization of any product is important.

This will depend on the kind of fertilizer that you are using. For instance, if it is a slow-release fertilizer, you need not apply very often as it will ensure sustained availability of nutrients for a long time.

Such fertilizers are preferred over the quick-release ones, since they are less prone to burn the vegetable plant. However, an advantage of using a quick-release fertilizer is that the plant is able to use the nutrients immediately.

Close up of box with vegetables in hands of mature man

Verdict

With this, we come to the end of this guide and we hope you’ll find it easier to choose a fertilizer for your vegetable garden now.

But before we sign off, we would like to recap our favorites from the list. The Miracle Gro Continuous Release Plant Food is a great option to go for if you want a high-performing and affordable fertilizer. It will provide complete nourishment to all parts of the plant, so that you get just the result that you desire.

However, if you wouldn’t mind going for a reliable product that’s a tad more expensive, you can purchase the Espoma GT18 Garden Tone fertilizer. On the other hand, the Down To Earth Vegetable Garden Fertilizer will be an excellent choice if you prefer a fertilizer exclusively meant for vegetable gardens.

Let us know whether you agree with our verdict in the comments section below.

Till next time! Adios!

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