Plant Food Products

• Plant food can enhance the life and appearance of your garden. Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Plant food is generally made of macro- and micronutrients, which are the majority of required ingredients for plant growth. Coming in liquid, solid and powder forms, plant foods vary depending on the needs of the soil they are to enhance. Primary nutrients needed for plant growth are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. These nutrients combined with zinc, boron, iron and other ingredients aid in photosynthesis and improve the cell structures of the plant.

Powders

• Typically used in the initial planting, powders are mixed with the soil around plants, as well as within the hole dug for the plant itself, ensuring immediate access to the added nutrients. This early introduction aids the plant in making the transition to being planted in the ground with less risk of plant life. Easily distributed around the base of plants before waterings, these forms of plant food are used outdoors and require regular application, typically every other week.

Liquid

• Popular among gardeners focusing on certain improvements to their plants, the varieties and potency of ingredients found in water-soluble or liquid plant foods enhance the colors and size of flowers and fruits. Kelp and other natural ingredients are found in these concentrated products. Commonly used in hydroponic growing, the liquid plant food forms are easily diluted and easily monitored in a hydroponic water basins.

Spikes

• Plant food spikes generally consist of the same nutrients as the powders, the obvious difference being they've been condensed into spike or large pellet form for continuous release. Insert these forms of plant food directly into the soil and simply water the plant as usual for up to two months without having to add additional nutrients to the soil. The exact time between each replenishing will depend on the producer of your plant food.