🧪 What Fertilizer Should You Use? Here’s How to Choose Wisely.
If your pokok pandan looks tired or your chili plants refuse to fruit — the issue might not be sunlight or water. It could be your fertilizer game.
Whether you’re growing in pots, beds, or grow bags, choosing the right fertilizer helps your plants grow faster, fruit better, and resist pests. In this beginner guide, we break down the best types of fertilizer for Malaysian gardens, what to look out for, and how not to burn your basil.
🧬 The Three Main Nutrients Plants Need
| Nutrient | What It Does | You’ll See It As |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Leaf and stem growth | 15-15-15 or high “N” |
| Phosphorus (P) | Root strength, flower & fruiting | “Fruit booster” |
| Potassium (K) | Overall health & pest resistance | “Bloom enhancer” |
đź’ˇ Most fertilizer labels show it as N-P-K (e.g. 10-10-10)
🌿 Types of Fertilizers in Malaysia
1. Organic Fertilizers (Beginner-Friendly & Safe)
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Compost | Improves soil texture and nutrients |
| Chicken Manure Pellets | Great for leafy greens & herbs |
| Fish Amino Acid (FAA) | Boosts flowering & growth |
| Seaweed Extract | Stimulates root growth & resilience |
đź›’ Where to get:
- Shopee/Lazada (“baja organik”)
- Local nurseries (bulk options)
- Compost from your own kitchen waste
2. Inorganic (Chemical) Fertilizers
| Type | Use For |
|---|---|
| NPK Granules | Balanced growth (general use) |
| Urea | Fast leaf growth (e.g. kangkung, sawi) |
| Flowering Fertilizer | Tomatoes, chili, eggplant |
| Slow-release pellets | Busy gardeners (lasts 2–3 months) |
🧠Caution: Overuse can burn plants. Always follow label dosage!
đź’ˇ How to Choose the Right Fertilizer (3 Simple Questions)
âś… 1. What are you planting?
- Leafy greens = High nitrogen (N)
- Fruiting plants = More phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
âś… 2. How much time do you have?
- Low effort = Slow-release pellets
- More involved = Liquid feed or compost teas weekly
✅ 3. Do you want organic or don’t mind chemical?
- Organic = Safe, sustainable, builds soil
- Chemical = Fast results, needs care in handling
🧴 How to Apply Fertilizer
| Form | How Often | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid (e.g. seaweed) | Weekly | Mix in water, pour or spray |
| Granules / Pellets | Monthly | Scatter around base, water in |
| Compost | Every 4–6 weeks | Mix into topsoil or planting hole |
💡 Don’t apply to dry soil — always water first!
💰 Best Value-for-Money Fertilizer Picks (Shopee Malaysia – 2025)
- Baba Organic Compost 5kg – Great for starter gardens (RM9–RM15)
- GrowMate Chicken Manure Pellets – Strong growth booster (RM7–RM10)
- NPK 15-15-15 Granules – Balanced general-use fertilizer (RM5–RM8 per 1kg)
- Seaweed Extract Liquid (500ml) – Great for flowering & root support (RM12–RM18)
đź›’ Pro tip: Always read reviews & check for MESTI or SIRIM certifications.
🌿 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Over-fertilizing (burns roots)
- ❌ Mixing incompatible fertilizers (e.g. urea + chicken dung = hot mess)
- ❌ Not watering after application
- ❌ Using chemical fertilizer on young seedlings
🌱 Final Thoughts
The right fertilizer makes a huge difference — but it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Start simple. Go organic if unsure. And always observe how your plants respond.
Your basil will thank you.
Share your experience and opinion of which type of fertilizers do you prefer with us @projectharvest.my on Instagram.