Problem FAQ's

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
1.	What is fertilizer?
	Fertilizer is any material that supplies one or more of the essential nutrients to plants. Fertilizers can be classified into one of two categories: organic or inorganic. Organic fertilizers are derived from living or once living material. These materials include animal wastes, crop residues, compost and numerous other byproducts of living organisms. Inorganic fertilizers are derived from non-living sources and include most of our man-made, commercial fertilizers.

2.	Why do we need to apply fertilizers?
	Plants are like other living things that require a regular supply of starch, protein and other complex nutrients to survive and to grow. Plants require 16 nutrients for optimum growth. Often, the soil doesn't hold enough of these nutrients in the quantities needed for desirable growth and production. The nutrients, which are in the soil, are often used up and need to be replaced. Nutrients, such as nitrogen, are easily leached by water and can also be volatilized into the atmosphere. These nutrients are usually not available, in sufficient quantities, from the soil. Therefore, we need to add extra plant nutrients to the soil ( or in some cases, on plant foliage ) to obtain maximum plant performance. We add these nutrients by applying fertilizer to obtain optimum growth and better yield.

3.	Which fertilizer is best?
	All fertilizers are formulated and created differently to serve a certain purpose as is required and so, selecting which fertilizer is best, is very subjective. The selection of fertilizer depends on a few factors such as: i) type of plant ii) age of your plant iii) size of your plant iv) health of your plant v) tolerance of your plant vi) soil condition vii) your objective. For example; to grow, flower, maintain etc

4.	To use inorganic or organic fertilizers?
	Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Inorganic types are easier to use and we have more control over the content of nutrients in these sources. This allows us to apply our nutrients more accurately. Organic sources are variable in their nutrient content and we have very little control over this. It adds valuable organic matter to the soil and has some slow release action. The decision to use either inorganic or organic fertilizers lies in the preference of each individual as both serve different purposes subject to his or her needs. Ideally, a combination of both inorganic and organic fertilizers should be used.

5.	What is the difference between inorganic and organic fertilizers?
	Inorganic fertilizers are derived from minerals and these concentrated forms of nutrients are generally quick-acting. Inorganic fertilizers provide plants with readily available nutrients to the plants to give quick response. On the other hand, organic fertilizers are generally slow-acting, providing plants with a steady supply of nutrients over a long period. They are usually produced from animal manures or vegetable by-products.

6.	When to apply fertilizers?
	Fertilizers should be applied throughout the growing season as plants need a constant supply of the essential nutrients to form roots, leaves, stems, flowers, fruits and seeds. In other words, fertilizers play a very important role in regulating the plant growth.

7.	How often to apply?
	Fertilizers should be applied once every two weeks or fortnightly. As a rule of the thumb, it is always better that you use the amount as recommended on the package. Do not over-feed. Double the amount does not give twice the benefit – it can in fact lead to unbalanced growth or scorching. You might even kill your plants.

8.	Why some plants died after applying fertilizers?
	As mentioned earlier, it is not advisable to over feed, otherwise the plants may not be able to withstand the over dosage. It is recommended that the fertilizer should be watered down immediately after every to prevent scorching. Another reason why some plants died after applying fertilizer is because the fertilizer could be too near the stem and the roots. For potted plants, it is best to place the fertilizer as far back to the side of the pot as possible.

9.	Why some flowering plants do not flower?
	More flowering plants require direct sunlight and should not be kept in the shade. Flowering inducer fertilizer with high phosphorus and potassium content should be applied regularly to encourage the formation of buds and flowers.

10.	Why are the plants not growing?
	There are numerous reasons why plants are not performing as expected. For plants that are grown in pots or containers, the soil in which they are grown might not been changed since they were first planted. The soil has certainly hardened and the roots would not be able to grow healthily. In this case, the best thing to do is to remove the plants and transplant into bigger pots or containers with new potting soil. Remove any excess or dead roots before planting. Some plants planted in the ground do not grow well, mostly because the quality of the soil is bad or infertile. Sandy or clay soils should be avoided unless organic compost or animal manure is used as additive.

11.	Why are some fruit trees not bearing fruits?
	Proper ground preparation is required before planting of fruit trees and fertile soils should be used for the trees to grow strong and healthy. Regular application of fertilizer with high phosphorus content to induce flowering and the formation of fruits and seeds and also potassium to help fruit trees resist disease and improve the quality of flowers, fruits and seeds. Most fruit trees saplings brought from garden centers or nurseries usually are planted in black poly bags. In some cases, the whole saplings while still in the poly bags were planted into the ground!

12.	Why do plants wither?
	In order for plants to grow well, regular supplies of air, water, sunlight and nutrients must be readily available. Any shortage or absence of any of these elements may cause the plants to wither.

13.	How do we maintain plants to be strong and healthy?
	Plants are like babies that need lots of love and care. The plants should be watered at least twice a day or more in very hot weather. Fertilizers are to be applied once every two weeks. Matured plants should be pruned and trimmed regularly. Any diseased part or parts should be removed immediately and wound dresser applied for rapid recovery. A broad spectrum insecticide mixed with fungicide should be used for the general control of pests and insects when necessary.