Nitrogen

• Though nitrogen is in the air around plants, the nitrogen they can use is in the soil at their roots. Unfortunately, this nitrogen must come from animal or plant residues in the soil and often soil is deficient of this nutrient. Nitrogen helps plants to produce energy during photosynthesis, creates greener and healthier-looking foliage and build strong cells, foliage, fruit and flowers. Nitrogen deficient plants show symptoms such as yellow or pale looking foliage, a failure to produce fruits or flowers and leaf spotting. Nitrogen often must be replaced into soil by the gardener to ensure plants receive enough of this vital nutrient.
  
  

Ratio of Gelatin to Water for Plants

• Ratios of gelatin mix used with water vary depending on preference and type of plants being grown. A good rule of thumb for outdoor potted plants is to combine one packet of unflavored gelatin mix with 1 cup of cold water in a 1 or 2 qt. pitcher. After allowing the gelatin to set up for about two minutes, add 1 cup of regular tap water to the pitcher and stir until thoroughly combined. Once combined, fill the pitcher the rest of the way with tap water. Use this mixture to water your plants once each month.
  
  

Considerations

• When used properly, gelatin fertilizer is an ideal way to amp up your plant's overall health. However, be certain to only use the fertilizer monthly or even every six weeks to prevent over-fertilizing your plants. Flowering or fruiting plants may fail to flower or fruit if too much gelatin fertilizer is used, due to the high amount of nitrogen in the soil. Decorative, mostly foliage plants may suffer from over-fertilization with gelatin by developing spotty, misshapen leaves and leaf drop. For this reason, use only the directed amount of gelatin in the directed time frame.
  
  

Additional Sources of Nitrogen

• You may become concerned that a monthly application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer is not enough for your growing plants, or you are starting out a new garden and wish to boost nitrogen a bit without overdoing it. This is easily done by being proactive and adding a slow-release, low-dose nitrogen fertilizer to your soil before planting or when re-potting. Work well-rotted manure or compost, several handfuls of borage or comfrey or a cup of used coffee grounds into the soil prior to adding plants. This low-level nitrogen fertilizer stabilizes nitrogen levels between gelatin fertilizing.