The Benefits of Using Plant Food with High Nitrogen for your Garden

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that all plants need to thrive. While nitrogen is abundant in the air plants can’t use nitrogen in its gaseous form. They can only use nitrogen in its solid form which is why choosing a plant food with high levels of nitrogen is crucial for healthy plant growth. In this article, we’ll explore what nitrogen does for plants, look at signs of nitrogen deficiency, discuss the benefits of using plant foods with high nitrogen, and recommend some high nitrogen plant food products.

What Does Nitrogen Do for Plants?

Nitrogen is utilized by plants to produce proteins and enzymes that are vital for photosynthesis as well as overall plant health and development. Specifically, nitrogen promotes:

• Lush, green foliage growth – Nitrogen is essential for plants to produce chlorophyll, which gives leaves their vibrant green color. More nitrogen means more chlorophyll production and greener, lusher looking plants.

• Strong stems and stalks – Nitrogen strengthens plant cell structure and builds sturdy stems that can support heavy fruiting. Plants with nitrogen deficiency often have weak, spindly stems.

• Bigger blooms – An abundance of nitrogen leads to bigger and more prolific flowering. Nitrogen fuels rapid growth of flower buds.

• High fruit/vegetable yields – Nitrogen is key for plants to set and fill out fruits and vegetables. Adequate nitrogen prevents premature fruit drop and produces higher yields

Without sufficient nitrogen, plants simply won’t thrive. Let’s look at some signs of nitrogen deficiency.

Signs of Nitrogen Deficiency

Plants lacking nitrogen will show multiple symptoms including:

• Pale green or yellowing leaves – With inadequate nitrogen, plants can’t produce enough chlorophyll and foliage takes on a washed out, yellowish hue. Lower leaves may turn entirely yellow.

• Slow and stunted growth – Plants grow slowly and are often undersized when nitrogen is deficient. Both foliage and roots suffer restricted growth.

• Small fruits and vegetables – Fruits and vegetables will be significantly smaller without enough nitrogen. Tomato yields will be low and undersized.

• Leggy, weak stems – Stems and branches are thin and spindly. Plants are floppy and may require staking for support.

• Smaller blooms – Flowers and flower buds are noticeably smaller when nitrogen is deficient.

• Premature leaf drop – Leaves often turn yellow and fall off prematurely when nitrogen is deficient.

• Susceptibility to disease – Lack of nitrogen stresses plants, making them more prone to pest attacks and diseases.

Clearly, nitrogen deficiency severely impacts plants. Feeding with a plant food high in nitrogen can quickly remedy nitrogen deficiency.

Benefits of Using Plant Foods with High Nitrogen

Using plant food with higher levels of nitrogen offers multiple benefits:

1. Lusher, Greener Growth

The most obvious advantage of high nitrogen plant foods is the lush, vigorous foliage growth they promote. With adequate nitrogen from plant food, leaves will grow bigger and take on a rich emerald green color from increased chlorophyll production. High nitrogen feeds lead to extremely full, dense, vibrant looking plants.

2. Bountiful Blooms

Nitrogen is known as the “growth nutrient”, powering rapid cell division and development. When plants get sufficient nitrogen, you’ll be rewarded with abundant blooms both in terms of size and quantity. Flowers and flower buds will be noticeably bigger.

3. Higher Fruit and Vegetable Yields

Nitrogen is called the “fruit and vegetable nutrient” for good reason – it boosts yields dramatically. With enough nitrogen, tomatoes and other fruiting vegetables will be more prolific, larger, and heavier. Plants will be able to support bigger yields without premature fruit drop.

4. Stronger Stems and Stalks

Adequate nitrogen translates into thicker, stronger stems on both leafy and flowering plants. Plants will stand tall without flopping over or requiring staking. Nitrogen builds structural integrity.

5. Quick Growth Response

Unlike other nutrients, nitrogen offers very fast, visible results. Within days of applying a high nitrogen plant food, you’ll notice greener, more vigorous growth. Nitrogen provides an almost instant growth boost.

6. Improved Plant Immunity

Plants that get sufficient nitrogen are better able to fend off diseases and pests. They are less stressed and more resilient against infections. High nitrogen feeds act like a nutritional immune boost.

For gardeners who want faster, fuller, healthier plant growth, a high nitrogen plant food is the way to go. Let’s look at some recommended products.

Recommended High Nitrogen Liquid Plant Foods

Liquid plant foods with higher nitrogen levels (3% or above) provide the quickest nitrogen boost. Here are some top picks:

Dr. Earth Nitro Big High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer

• 3% nitrogen
• OMRI certified for organic gardening
• Contains fish bone meal and feather meal
• Safe for all plants
• Available in multiple sizes from 8oz to 5 gallons

Dr. Earth Nitro Big is an all-natural, organic nitrogen fertilizer made from fish and feather meal. It promotes vigorous foliage growth and bigger blooms on all plants including vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs.

Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer

• 2.4% nitrogen derived from fish
• Contains vitamins, amino acids, and over 60 minerals
• Dual action from both fish extract and seaweed
• OMRI listed for organic use
• Available in quart, gallon, and 2.5 gallon jugs

This organic fish and seaweed fertilizer provides a healthy dose of nitrogen alongside a wealth of micronutrients from the seaweed. It nourishes plants and enhances nutrient uptake.

Alaska Fish Fertilizer

• 4% nitrogen sourced from fish
• Contains essential fatty acids for strong cell growth
• Boosts fruit and flower