Growing healthy, lush plants can feel like magic sometimes, but there’s actually a science to it. Two common terms gardeners often hear are “plant food” and “plant fertilizer.” People often use these phrases interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. In this article, we’ll look at what each term really means and how you can use them effectively to keep your plants thriving.
What Is Plant Food?
The University of Minnesota Extension experts say, "Plants use a tremendous amount of energy to flower and produce fruit, seeds and nuts while continuing to develop a healthy root system and grow leaves for photosynthesis. Fertilizer helps plants to do all these things" [1].
Plant food typically refers to the nutrients that plants naturally produce through photosynthesis. Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create sugars (this is their food!). These sugars fuel a plant’s growth, helping them produce new leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits.
- Key Point: Plants make their own food internally when given the right conditions—sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
What Is Plant Fertilizer?
Plant fertilizer is a product humans provide to give plants the extra nutrients they might not be getting enough of from the soil alone [1]. Florida University Extension-based experts clarify, "Fertilizer is important to plant growth, but it should not be mistaken for plant food. Remember, plants make their own food through photosynthesis. Simply put, fertilizer provides the nutrients – like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc. – required for plants to grow, develop, and reproduce" [2].
It helps supplement the essential minerals that soil may lack, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), commonly referred to as N-P-K on fertilizer labels.
- Nitrogen (N) helps plants grow strong leaves.
- Phosphorus (P) supports root development and flowering.
- Potassium (K) strengthens plant health and improves resilience.
Fertilizers come in many forms: liquids, granules, or spikes that you place in the soil. Some are organic, made from natural materials like compost or manure, while others are synthetic, formulated with specific nutrient ratios to support different plant needs.
Why the Confusion?
Because “plant food” and “fertilizer” are often used in the same conversations, it’s easy to think they are the same thing. The truth is that fertilizer doesn’t directly feed a plant the way food does for animals. Instead, it provides the minerals that help plants grow and produce their own food more efficiently through photosynthesis [2, 3].
Should You Use Fertilizer?
Most plants in gardens, containers, and indoor pots benefit from fertilizer because:
- Soil Can Be Depleted: Over time, the soil can lose nutrients, especially if you’re continuously growing plants or if water runoff washes away important minerals.
- Boost Growth & Bloom: Fertilizers can help plants produce bigger blooms and stronger stems.
- Healthier Plants: When plants have all the nutrients they need, they are better equipped to fight off pests and diseases.
Do Plant Foods or Fertilizers Improve Soil nutrients for Optimal Root Uptake?
Experts from University Extension programs commonly recommend the plant nutrients supplements containing macro- and or micro - nutrients are all fertilizers, and unlike humans and animals, plants make their own food through photosynthesis.
Maryland University extension experts clearly distinguish between the two [3]: "Fertilizers contain nutrients, they are not “plant foods.” Nutrients are directly absorbed by plant roots, and in some cases by foliage. Plants use nutrients to make carbohydrates, proteins, defense compounds, and other compounds" - the plant food! When manufacturers label their products, they often use the term “plant food” because it’s more familiar and appealing to consumers. However, it can be misleading. Here’s why:
- Clarity: Using “plant fertilizer” more accurately describes the product’s role—providing extra nutrients to the soil. “Plant food” suggests it’s feeding the plant directly (like a meal), which can cause confusion.
- Education: Calling it “fertilizer” encourages new gardeners to learn how fertilizers work alongside a plant’s natural process of producing its own food through photosynthesis.
- Consumer Trust: Clear and accurate labeling can foster trust. When gardeners understand the difference, they are more likely to use the product correctly and see better results.
While “plant food” sounds simple and market-friendly, emphasizing the correct term “fertilizer” can help gardeners understand exactly what they’re buying—and how it benefits their plants.
How to Use Fertilizer Wisely
- Read the Label: Different fertilizers have different nutrient ratios. Choose one that fits your plant’s needs and follow the instructions. Using more fertilizer than recommended can harm your plants.
- Timing Is Key: Fertilizing at the right time (usually during the growing season) ensures plants can use the added nutrients effectively.
- Water Properly: Plants need consistent watering to help absorb fertilizers and prevent fertilizer “burn.”
- Go Organic if Possible: Organic fertilizers, like compost or worm castings, release nutrients slowly and also improve soil structure.
Balancing Both for Optimal Growth
Remember, plant food (sugars produced by photosynthesis) is naturally made by the plant itself, while fertilizer is something you add to the soil to provide extra nutrients. Healthy plants will need both:
- Plenty of Sunshine and the right environment for photosynthesis.
- Adequate Nutrients from good soil and fertilizers to help them grow strong.
Organic fertilizers are safer to use.
Regular Organic Fertilizers
To support the healthy growth of plants, organic fertilizers are your best bet. They release nutrients slowly, improve soil structure, and enhance soil life. Here are some top organic fertilizer recommendations for plants:
- Composted Manure: Rich in nutrients and organic matter, composted manure is commonly used all-around fertilizer. It should be well-composted to avoid burning the plants and outbreak of pathogens like E coli known to cause food illness.
- Bone Meal: An excellent source of phosphorus, bone meal promotes robust root development in plants. It's ideal for mixing into the soil before planting.
- Fish Emulsion: This liquid fertilizer is high in nitrogen but balanced out with phosphorus and potassium, helps with leafy growth and overall health.
- Wood Ash: Rich in potassium, wood ash can be sprinkled lightly over the garden bed to promote root growth and disease resistance in plants.
- Dual Action Dry Organic Fertilizers: There are a new generation of balanced, non-burning, and nutrient-rich organic fertilizers that go a step further in not only producing great produce but provide clean water benefits for the alchemy of agriculture with water. When selecting organic fertilizers for your plants, opt for products that provide a balanced blend of macro and micro nutrients to meet the specific needs of vegetables, and look for labels indicating the NPK ratio, as well as the presence of additional micronutrients such as NutriHarvest® Organic Fertilizers.
By nourishing your plants with a well-rounded organic fertilizer, you'll promote healthy growth, robust yields, and deliciously nutritious harvests!
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between plant food and fertilizer can make a world of difference in your gardening success. By giving your plants plenty of sunlight, proper watering, and the right amount of fertilizer, you’ll help them produce their own food more efficiently and enjoy gorgeous, thriving greenery all year round. By understanding and selecting the right fertilizer to adhering to a nurturing schedule, you can enjoy a thriving garden. Integrating nutrient rich organic fertilizers like NutriHarvest® Organic Fertilizers into our gardening practices represents a tangible action towards healthy living. It works for all growers whether you want to enjoy your beautiful backyard garden or have a greenhouse-based business or a thriving farm tending corn and other crops. Happy planting!
References
[1]. Do fertilizers help or hurt plants?