True or False – I read that fish fertilizers contain nutrients that must first be digested by organisms, such as bacteria, earthworms and fungi, before they are available for plant roots to use. If this is true than using it in container vegetable gardening is a waste of time since these containers are primarily filled with potting mix, not soil.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your interesting and timely question. We are all keen to get our planters going.
First it is brilliant that you are using/considering fish fertilizer.
The answer is True: In fact, many organic fertilizer nutrients have to be converted into inorganic forms by soil bacteria and fungi before plants can use them.
For the “scoop” on fertilizers, you may enjoy the information from Oregon State University Extension. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/heres-scoop-chemical-organic-fertilizers.
As you are aware soil health is essential to plant health. Toronto Master Gardeners guide on soil fertility may also be helpful.
But it is a waste of time? No, it is not. We live in a world full of wonderful bacteria and fungi so even packaged potting mixes will contain some level of bacteria and fungi. This is a fascinating area of research and you might enjoy reading more, such as in this article from Microbiology Reviews, Bacterial–fungal interactions: ecology, mechanisms and challenges
Another great article that is specific to your enquiry is: Myth Series: Peat-Based Growing Media are Sterile
And for the details on just what is in the bags of mix we buy, take a look at this informative article on potting mix. What is Bagged Garden Soil?
Thanks for your question and happy gardening.
April 2024