Granular fertilizers are solids that need to be worked into the soil. They must be given time and water to dissolve and become available to plants. The microbes in the soil help with this process. Slow-release fertilizers are a subset of granular formulations. A portion of the fertilizer is not immediately available to the plant. An example of slow-realease fertilizer would be Bone Meal and Rock Phosphate.  Nutrients are metered out over several weeks. Therefore, they are applied less frequently. A dry powdered form of fertilizer is slightly faster acting then a more coarse granular type of fertilizer, such as ground Feather Meal, but are still slower than soluble fertilizers. 

Soluble fertilizers, also called liquid fertilizers are sold as ready-to-use solutions or packaged powdered (dry-milled) materials that need to be dissolved in water such as Fish Powder. These tend to be quick-release fertilizers that are high in nitrogen and result in fast green growth.  

To build the long-term health and fertility of soil, we recommend using granular organic fertilizers. Supplementing with an additional water-soluble fertilizer is an excellent way to ensure that your plants have the nutrients that they need when they need a boost, especially during active growth. Container plants/gardens respond very well to using soluble fertilizers as it is sometimes hard to work in granular forms into the soil unless done before planting. Liquid Bloom is an excellent source of soluble fertilizer for flowering pots and Liquid All Purpose is best for green leafy plants, whether it be ornamental or edible.