There's simply no way to sugarcoat it: The past few weeks have been tough on the market. And it's times like these that test even the most seasoned investor.

The recession chatter is rising as the worst business environment in decades for banking and housing now also includes the airline and automotive businesses crippled by oil prices.

Due largely to a weak U.S. dollar, soaring commodity prices continue to weigh on the worldwide economy. The May Consumer Price Index just rose 0.6% due to soaring energy prices that are pushing up the prices for many goods and services.

Times are tough indeed.

That's why as earnings season approaches, taking the time to cultivate your portfolio with companies that are that are profiting from the high cost of food and energy is a good idea.

Fertilizer Stocks: Home-Grown Profits

Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that the price of fertilizer soared a whopping 65%. That may partially explain why food costs have soared since most of that cost is passed on to the consumers. Let's take a look at three companies in the lucrative, but underappreciated, fertilizer business that will nurture your portfolio through the searing heat this summer.

• This top producer and marketer of fertilizers in North America, is also a leader in the production of nitrogen–the key ingredient in fertilizer. This company operates plants in...