NITROGEN is what forms new cells and is essential for plant development.
A shortage will stunt plant growth and cell production.
Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency in plants are a yellowish brown color along the veins and tips of leaves, stunted plant growth or the paleness of color on older leaves.
Adversely, too much nitrogen can cause tall, spindly plants that are weak and easily topple over.
Nitrate poisoning can also occur, look for a strong red tint to the leaves.
Nitrogen is also essential with composting, it aids in the breakdown process of plant residues.
You can also grow a cover crop of legumes for composting, or plant in the fall to raise the nitrogen level of the soil for the next springs crop.
Phosphorus produces vigorous seed and root system development.
A shortage slows cell division and results in a stunted plant growth and late maturity.
A symptom of phosphorus deficiency is spindly plants, and purple streaks in the stems.
Phosphorus moves very slowly in the soil, it is very important to have it available during early stages of plant development.
Amending your garden's soil with organic matter like compost, allows the phosphorus that is present more readily available to the plants.
POTASSIUM, or Potash, is a nutrient that helps produce strong and sturdy stems.
It also advances root growth and helps plants resist disease, along with cold weather.
A shortage causes stunted growth and stem weakness.
Symptoms include a yellowing of leaf edges and leaves veins.
This nutrient must also be available during early stages of plant development.
Some good sources of potash are cow manure, compost, and wood ashes.
pH is the measurement of acidity or alkalinity in the soil on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
The pH of the soil will affect many elements, including nutrient availability, nutrient uptake, and microorganism activity.
Because soil pH affects so many factors, it is important to maintain proper pH levels throughout the growing season.
Regular pH testing allows you to make informed decisions if soil pH adjustment is necessary.
Not all plants require the same pH level, the recommended soil pH level for each individual plant variety is very important.
The single most important soil amendment to any garden is compost.
It enriches garden soil, promotes the development of needed organisms, along with beneficial insect populations, aids in moisture retention,and aids in the stability pH levels.
Having a compost pile or bin is very beneficial when organic gardening.
Just about any plant material can be recycled into a valuable compost, along with many everyday organic household and yard waste,like coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, plant trimmings, shredded paper products, vegetable and fruit peelings or scraps.
If you add grass clipping to your compost pile, be sure they have not been treated with any chemical herbicides or pesticide.
shredded leaves are also excellent for composting, and can even be composted alone as leaf mold.