Summary of Reddit Comments for "organic fertilizer":

Organic Fertilizers

• Loaded with micro-organisms to feed the plant by feeding the soil
• Can be slow-release or insoluble, great for building microbiome and fertility over time
• Slow-release fertilizers might not work well for plants in small pots due to limited soil volume for microbial populations
• Synthetic or liquid fertilizers are recommended for potted plants for immediate nutrient availability
• Alaska fish meal and compost have been effective in containers
• Some organic nutrients take time to work and contribute to plant growth over time
• Alaska fish meal and compost tea diluted in water have worked well for container gardening
• Microbes in soil break down organic matter into plant-available nutrients
• Organic fertilizers rely on microbes to break down nutrients, which might be limited in containers
• Some organic fertilizers emit strong odors, contribute to salt buildup, and may not provide immediate nutrients for fast-growing plants in containers

Pros and Cons of Organic Fertilizers

Pros:

• Build soil microbiome and fertility over time
• Considered environmentally friendly
• Can provide long-term benefits to plants
• Slow-release versions available for sustained nutrient availability

Cons:

• May not provide immediate nutrients for fast-growing plants
• Limited microbial populations in small containers may hinder effectiveness
• Strong odors in some organic fertilizers may be undesirable indoors
• Can contribute to salt buildup over time, potentially harming plants in containers

Overall, organic fertilizers can work well for container gardening, but there are challenges, including limited microbial populations, slow nutrient availability, odors, and salt buildup in confined environments. It is essential to consider these factors when using organic fertilizers in containers.