Choose the best fertilizer for your garden

How many times have you walked into a garden shop, looked at the huge selection of fertilizers and not known which is right for your specific need? You are not alone; in fact, it is essential to understand the different types of fertilizers and their specific uses. Let’s look at the broad categories and we’ll tell you which one is our favourite – no matter your need.

Chemical fertilizers:
Chemical fertilizers are synthetically manufactured and contain specific concentrations of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). While they provide a quick nutrient boost to plants, they may lead to soil degradation over time and have rather large environmental implications due to runoff.

Organic fertilizers:
Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Examples include compost, manure, and bone meal. They enhance soil structure, promote microbial activity, and release nutrients gradually.

THE BEST CHOICE: CHICKEN LITTER COMPOST
Among organic fertilizers, chicken litter compost stands out as a superior option for several reasons:

• Rich in nutrients: Chicken litter is a potent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, essential nutrients for plant growth. This well-balanced composition promotes healthy root development, flowering, and fruiting.
• Improves soil structure: Chicken litter compost enhances soil structure by increasing water retention and drainage. This improves aeration and prevents soil compaction, creating an ideal environment for plant roots.
• Microbial activity: The organic matter in chicken litter fosters microbial activity in the soil. This microbial ecosystem aids nutrient breakdown and availability, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both plants and soil health.
• Sustainable waste management: Utilizing chicken litter as compost is an eco-friendly solution for managing agricultural waste. It repurposes by-products from the poultry industry, contributing to a circular and sustainable approach to farming.
• Reduced environmental impact: Unlike chemical fertilizers that can contribute to water pollution, chicken litter compost releases nutrients gradually, minimizing the risk of runoff and its associated environmental impact.

How to Use Chicken Litter Compost:
Incorporating chicken litter compost into your gardening routine is simple. Spread a layer of chicken litter compost around the base of plants or mix it into the soil during planting. If fertilising your lawn, be sure to aerate the soil with a fork before spreading and do so on an overcast day or in the evening. Apply chicken litter compost annually or as needed based on soil nutrient levels and plant requirements.

Our chicken litter-based compost is allowed to mature over a period of time to eliminate pathogens and reduce the risk of burning plants. Get yours in 50dm bags or in bulk sold per cube by contacting us on office@evangrass.co.za/ 031 785 1388 or order online here.