Ever wondered what’s the best way to feed your lawn and plants?
You’ve probably seen shelves stocked with both organic and synthetic fertilisers, leaving you scratching your head about the difference. This guide will help you choose the right option for your garden.
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♻️ What Are Organic Fertilisers?
Organic fertilisers are made from naturally occurring materials like animal manure, composted plant matter, and seaweed. They’re considered the “natural” option because they don’t use synthetic additives to facilitate plant growth.
👍 Advantages of Organic Fertilisers
Here are the key advantages of using organic fertilisers on your lawn or plants:
Supports plant growth over a prolonged period: Organic fertilisers release nutrients gradually, feeding your plants over a longer period. This helps prevent growth spurts followed by crashes often seen with synthetic options.
Benefits the soil: Organic matter helps improve soil structure and drainage, creating a healthier environment for your plants to thrive in. Again, this is great for long-term growth.
Eco-friendly: Organic fertilisers are gentler on the environment and won’t harm wildlife like worms and bees.
👎 Disadvantages of Organic Fertilisers
Here are the setbacks of organic fertilisers to be aware of:
Don’t deliver immediate results: Organic fertilisers generally take a bit longer to show results compared to synthetics.
Less predictable: The nutrient content of organic fertilisers can vary depending on the source materials, which means you can’t guarantee the same results every time.
More frequent application: You might need to apply organic fertilisers more often than synthetics to maintain nutrient levels.
💬 Our Recommendation:
We recommend the Maxicrop Organic Plant Growth Stimulant as the best organic fertiliser, which is made from seaweed extract and can be used on flowers, fruit, vegetables, shrubs, and trees.
🧪 What Are Synthetic Fertilisers?
Synthetic fertilisers, or chemical fertilisers, are essentially concentrated plant food. They’re manufactured to deliver specific amounts of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often listed as N-P-K on the packaging).
👍 Advantages of Synthetic Fertilisers
Here are the biggest benefits of using synthetic fertilisers in your garden:
Fast-acting: Synthetic fertilisers provide a quick burst of nutrients, so they’re ideal for plants needing a pick-me-up or during periods of rapid growth.
Precise control: With chemical fertilisers, you know exactly what nutrients you’re giving your plants thanks to the labelled N-P-K ratios.
Readily available: Synthetic fertilisers are readily available in most garden centres and come in a few different formulations for different plant types, so they’re more adaptable for different needs.
👎 Disadvantages of Synthetic Fertilisers
There are a few things that might put you off synthetic fertilisers:
Risk of overfeeding: It’s easy to overdo it with synthetics, which could result in you burning your plants. There’s also a risk of polluting waterways with excess nutrients.
Less for the soil: Synthetic fertilisers don’t contribute organic matter to the soil, which can lead to long-term fertility issues.
Not as eco-friendly: Manufacturing synthetic fertilisers can require more energy and can potentially harm beneficial soil organisms.
💬 Our Recommendation:
We recommend the Westland Growmore Garden Fertiliser as the best synthetic fertiliser, which has an N-P-K ratio of 7-7-7 and serves as a complete garden feed.
🤷♂️ Should You Choose Organic or Synthetic Fertilisers?
The best choice between synthetic and organic fertiliser depends on your gardening philosophy and needs. Here’s our advice:
If you’re a patient gardener who prioritises long-term soil health and an eco-friendly approach, organic fertilisers are a great option.
If you need a quick boost for your plants or require precise nutrient control for specific results, synthetic fertilisers are a good solution. Just remember to use them sparingly and consider using them alongside organic matter like compost to improve soil health.
Many gardeners find a happy medium by using a combination of both organic and synthetic fertilisers. So, experiment and see what works best for your garden. Happy gardening!
📑 More on Organic vs Synthetic Fertilisers
Which is better, organic or synthetic fertiliser?
When comparing organic and synthetic fertilisers, there’s no definite “better” option. However, one type might be better for your needs than the other. For instance, if you just want to revive a dying plant or quickly green up your lawn, synthetic fertiliser is best. Or, if you’re happy to play the long game and you want a natural solution for plant growth, you’ll think that organic fertiliser is best.
Is organic fertiliser really better?
Organic fertiliser isn’t necessarily “better” than synthetic, it depends on your priorities. Organic feeds your plants slowly and improves soil health in the long run, but takes more patience. Synthetic fertilisers give a quick nutrient boost, perfect for reviving weak plants, but can be harsh on soil and less eco-friendly.
Can I use organic and synthetic fertilisers together?
Yes—in fact, combining organic and synthetic fertilisers is a great strategy. Think of organic options as slow-release vitamins, nourishing plants steadily and building healthy soil over time. Synthetics give a quick nutrient boost, so they’re great for bringing tired plants back to life or encouraging growth spurts. This way, you get the best of both worlds: thriving plants with a healthy foundation for long-term success, all while experimenting to find the perfect balance for your unique garden.
Does synthetic fertiliser stay in the soil longer than organic?
No, synthetic fertilisers actually tend to stay in the soil for a shorter time compared to organic ones. Organic fertilisers release nutrients gradually through decomposition, providing a slow and steady supply that can last for weeks or even months. Synthetic fertilisers, on the other hand, are readily available for plants to absorb quickly, but any unused nutrients can leach out of the soil faster, leaving your plants hungry sooner.