The terms "fertilizer" and "plant food" are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a difference between the two. Fertilizers are applied to the soil to provide nutrients for plants, while plant food is applied directly to the plants themselves. Plant food can be in the form of a liquid, granules, or spikes, and provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers are typically used more frequently than plant food, as they help to maintain a consistent level of nutrients in the soil.