Definition

Noun 1. A substance added to soil to improve plant growth and health: "Plant food" refers to any material, natural or synthetic, that is applied to soil or plants to supply essential nutrients. Its primary purpose is to make soil more fertile and support healthy plant development.

Usage

• "Plant food" is a common, general term used by gardeners and homeowners. It is often used interchangeably with "fertilizer," though "fertilizer" is the more precise technical term.
• It is typically an uncountable noun (e.g., ). It can be countable when referring to types or specific products (e.g., ).
• It is commonly used with verbs like and .

Examples

• General Use:
  • You should add some plant food to the potting soil every few months.
  • This brand of plant food is excellent for promoting flower growth.
  • The tomatoes are looking pale; they probably need more plant food.
• Specific Types:
  • Organic plant foods, like compost, improve soil structure over time.
  • I bought a liquid plant food for my indoor ferns.

Advanced Usage

• "Slow-release plant food": A type of plant food designed to release nutrients gradually over an extended period.
  • Using a slow-release plant food means you don't have to fertilize as often.
• The term is often seen on product labels and in gardening instructions for the general public.

Variants and Related Words

• Fertilizer (n.): The more formal and scientific synonym for "plant food." It is the standard term in agriculture, horticulture, and science.
• Nutrient (n.): A specific element or compound (like nitrogen or potassium) that is essential for plant growth and is a component of plant food/fertilizer.
• Compost (n.): Decayed organic material used as a natural plant food and soil conditioner.
• Manure (n.): Animal dung used as a natural, organic plant food.

Synonyms

• Fertilizer
• Plant nutrient
• Soil amendment (broader term that includes materials to improve soil physical properties, not just fertility)

Related Phrases

• To feed plants: A common verbal phrase meaning to apply plant food.
  • Remember to feed your hanging baskets weekly during the summer.

Noun

1. any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile