Few things can make a bigger difference in the growth of plants than the timely application of fertilizer. Ancient civilizations had a good understanding of the fertilization of plants, though major changes in the practices of fertilization came with understanding the science underlying this practice and the development of synthetic chemical fertilizers. In recent years gardeners are returning to older methods of plant fertilization that employ natural, mostly organic, materials.

The objectives of this activity are to use fertilizers in different ways in growing plants and to recognize the common deficiencies symptoms when nutrients are lacking.

• Observe the fertilizer materials and soil amendments in the lab room.
• Discuss the ways in which plants in lab are being fertilized both in the greenhouse and in the garden.
• Distinguish between organic and non-organic procedures.
• All of the plants that will be grown in the Holistic Garden and Greenhouse will be fertilized using banding, broadcasting and side dressing techniques.
• Participate in making and using organic fertilizer materials and using inorganic fertilizer materials in the Holistic Garden to fertilize fruits, vegetables, herbs and outdoor ornamentals.
• Apply fertilizer materials when you make the different potting soils for the plants that you are producing for your houseplant collection, herb bucket, terrarium and dish garden.
• Discuss fertilization of your bonsai.
• Learn to detect nutrient deficiency symptoms for the plant nutrients that are most likely to be deficient in a garden.