Plant Food (358 items found)

A plant’s health depends just as much on the nutrients it’s fed as the conditions it lives in. Because the soil surrounding trees and plants often isn’t optimally balanced to feed the specific plants it’s supporting, something extra is needed. Plant fertilizer and root feeder spikes infuse the ground with the food and nutrients that’ll help your plants thrive. Ace Hardware can help you find the best plant food for growing a lush, green garden.

Different Forms of Plant Food

There are different types of plant food available, and each one has its own benefits and uses. One of the first things to consider when selecting a plant food is the form you prefer. Options include liquid plant food, granular fertilizers, and spikes and stakes.

Liquid Plant Food

Liquid plant food applies easily over a wide area with a sprayer or a watering can and is an excellent choice for vegetables and potted plants. Liquid products take effect quickly and can help revive ailing plants in a timely manner. You'll need to feed more frequently if you use a liquid product.

Granular Fertilizer

Sprinkle granular fertilizer over a small or large area with ease with a fertilizer spreader. Quick-release options begin to feed plants quickly and require more frequent reapplications. Slow and controlled-release options break down gradually to provide small doses of nutrients over time. As a result, quick-release fertilizers usually only need to be applied twice per growing season.

Root Feeder Spikes and Stakes

Spikes and stakes are designed to continuously release their nutrients over a few weeks. They’re popular choices for roses, vegetables, and trees. With some products, you’ll only have to insert new spikes once every two to three months, simplifying lawn and garden care so busy gardeners can have bountiful plants, too.

Organic Plant Food and Other Specialty Products

There are two main types of plant fertilizer to consider: inorganic and organic. Organic plant food or fertilizer consists of natural materials, such as manure, animal products, plant products and compost. Organic fertilizers slowly transfer nutrients to the soil, increasing the soil’s quality over time.

Inorganic plant fertilizer features chemicals that quickly deliver isolated essential nutrients. As a result, they’re often the best option when working with plant starters that you want to grow quickly. Depending on their formulation, inorganic plant food may deliver one or more of the following nutrients:

• Nitrogen: Nitrogen encourages plant growth and is especially beneficial during the middle stages of the plant life cycle.
• Phosphate: Phosphate supports flowering, seeding and fruiting and is necessary through every stage of the life cycle
• Potassium: Potassium aids in strong root development and is required for photosynthesis, the process that plants use to produce their own food.

Find the Right Plant Fertilizer Fast

Make sure your plants are at their best with help from an expert at your local Ace. Both online and at your hardware neighborhood store, you’ll find top-selling specialty and all-purpose plant food from top brands like Miracle-Gro and Scotts as well as essential gardening tools and other supplies. Stop in today and talk to one of our knowledgeable, friendly team members, or shop now to buy plant food online.