What is Fertigation?
of reading
The word "Fertigation" sounds like a technical term reserved for farmers or chemists. Yet, you may already be doing it without realizing it!
It's simply a contraction of Fertilization (fertilizer) and Irrigation (watering). In other words: it's the art of nourishing your plants while simultaneously watering them, by diluting liquid fertilizer in your watering can.
No more spreading granules by hand. Discover why this "pro" method is often more effective and how to apply it at home without burning your roots.
In professional settings (like hydroponics), complex systems automatically inject fertilizer. Rest assured, at home it's much simpler!
1. Why nourish your plants by watering?
Unlike sticks or granules that take weeks to decompose in the soil, fertigation offers immediate action.
- Speed: The nutrients are already dissolved in the water, so the roots absorb them immediately. It's the ideal "boost" for a tired or rapidly growing plant.
- Uniformity: The fertilizer is distributed everywhere the water goes, touching the entire root system, not just one area.
- Economy: We measure to the millimeter, without waste.
2. In the Garden: The Mixing Method
For your lush tomatoes, roses, or flowerbeds, you'll need plenty of water. This involves diluting a capful of liquid fertilizer (or homemade nettle manure) in a large volume of water.
The goal is to bring the water+fertilizer mixture directly to the base of the plant, where the roots are located.
The mistake to absolutely avoid: Never pour pure fertilizer onto the soil! It must be diluted in a large volume of water to avoid burning the plant from overdosing.
The gardener's "Shaker"
To successfully mix water and fertilizer in your garden, you need a practical, large-capacity container. The Parisian Watering Can is ideal for preparing 6L or 11L of nutrient solution at once.
- 🧪 Wide opening: Easy to fill, measure fertilizer and mix.
- 🌧️ Gentle diffusion: The apple distributes the fertilizer evenly at the base of the crops without digging the soil.
- 💪 Robust: Not afraid of active products or homemade manures.
3. Indoors: Beware of stains!
Liquid fertilizers for houseplants are often colored, fragrant, and highly concentrated. If you spill some on your hardwood floors, carpet, or TV stand, you're guaranteed a stain.
Indoors, fertigation requires surgical precision . The mixture must be poured directly onto the soil in the pot, without touching the leaves (risk of burning) or overflowing the saucer.
Aim accurately and cleanly.
Don't risk staining your home with fertilized water. With our watering can with a fine spout, you can place the fertilizer directly in the center of the pot.
- 🎯 Precision Nozzle: Zero drips outside the pot.
- ✨ Copper-plated stainless steel: A healthy material that is easy to clean after use to avoid leaving fertilizer residue.
4. Pro Tip: Foliar Fertilization (Misting)
Did you know that plants also absorb nutrients through their leaves? This is called foliar fertilization.
Certain specific fertilizers (very diluted) or natural solutions like liquid seaweed can be sprayed directly onto the foliage. Absorption through the leaf pores is almost instantaneous. It's a "magic" technique for quickly restoring a vibrant green color to a yellowing plant.
Feeding through the leaves
To apply foliar fertilizer, do not soak the leaf, but cover it with a light mist. A quality tool is necessary.
- ☁️ Micro-diffusion: Covers the surface of the sheet optimally for maximum absorption.
- 💎 Durable Brass: The brass mechanism is more resistant to active products than basic plastic sprayers.
5. Three golden rules to avoid killing your plants
Fertigation is powerful, so some safety guidelines must be followed:
- Rule #1 (The most important): Never fertilize dry soil! If the plant is very thirsty, it will absorb the mixture too quickly and burn its roots. Water first with plain water, wait 1 or 2 hours, then apply the water and fertilizer mixture.
- Rule #2: Respect the dosages. When it comes to fertilizers, "more" does not mean "better." An overdose is often fatal.
- Rule #3: The right timing. No fertilizer in winter (vegetative dormancy) or on a sick or stressed plant.
Up to you
Fertigation is the simplest and most direct way to boost your garden or houseplants. With the right dosage and the right tool for application, it guarantees spectacular growth.
See all our watering tools
Baraillé Jacques
je souhaite procéder à la ferti irrigation sur vigne de cuve, goutte à goutte, parcelle irriguée par lot de 2 ha.
jacques Baraillé.