What are fertilizers?
These are Chemical compounds which contain essential nutrients which plants need to grow and develop.

What are essential nutrients?
Thirteen of these are recognized as essential for plant growth. These are:
-      Primary nutrients (macronutrients): nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)
-      Secondary nutrients: Calcium, magnesium and sulphur 
-      Trace nutrients (micronutrients): iron, boron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum and chlorine

Types of fertilizers: 

• Simple or single - contain one major element only 
• Compound or complete - Contain two or more major elements. Complete fertilizers contain mixtures of N, P and K in different proportions or ratios, which are written on the labels.

Nitrogen Fertilisers:
Encourage growth and development and gives foliage a healthy green colour e.g. Ammonium sulphate, urea, potassium nitrate.

Potassium Fertilisers:
Important for good flowering and fruiting e.g. muriate of potash, potassium nitrate

Phosphorus Fertilisers:
Important for good rooting and speeds up crop maturing e.g. triplesuperphosphate.

Tips for Fertilizer Application: 

• Ensure soil is moist when fertilizing 
• Dissolve fertilizer crystals (e.g. miracle-gro) in water. See package for instructions. If applying  pellets e.g. urea, 12/12/17/2, etc., do not apply too close to the base of the plant; keep at least one foot away. 
• Water immediately, do not leave on soil surface. Slow release granules (OSMOCOTE) can be used with most indoor plants. These can be incorporated into the soil or sprinkled unto the soil. Re-apply monthly. 
• Feed only healthy plants. Sick plants cannot absorb nutrients and over-fertilization will kill plants 
• Ensure no fertilizer (except for foliar sprays) gets on leaves; wash off immediately if this happens. 
• Plants respond to several small doses rather than one or two large doses. Always adhere to amount suggested on package instructions. 
• Know your plant; apply fertilizer at the time needed (i.e. apply fertilizer to boost blooming just before blooming time NOT at planting)
  

Storage of Fertilisers
-     Store in a cool place away from direct light
-     Most fertilizers will absorb water and become liquid or become very hard after prolonged storage
-     Keep away from pets and children