Your plants are growing! That’s a great sign, and obviously we want to keep them growing. In most cases, bigger plants are better. The way to do this is fertilizing your plants. But when do you do that? How? Where? Let’s dive into the how to’s on fertilization.
When to fertilize
First let’s look at when. I like to do a first dose in early spring, right when things are start to grow. I look at this as kind of a kick start to the growing season. I might also give a plant a dose of fertilizer shortly after being transplanted for the same reason. As the season progresses, I generally fertilize about once a month to keep things going in the right direction.
How to fertilize
Most fertilizer comes in concentrated form, so you will need to dilute it before applying it to your plants. Follow the directions on the label for best results. I also like to water the plant with just regular water before I apply fertilizer. It might not make any difference, but in my head that’s what makes sense. When applying fertilizer, aim for the ground around the plant. If you get any on the leaves, it can cause burns and we don’t want that.
Choosing the correct fertilizer
Some of this is up to you. We’ve talked about our soil before, so you know that my soil may be very different from your soil. You’ll want to look at the ratio of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in the fertilizer to see what it might be. I encourage you to do some research to see what might be best for your area. You’ll also want to consider organic or nonorganic as well.
This is prime fertilizing time in my area, so I am always on the lookout for a plant that might need a little extra boost. Hopefully this little guide gives you a starting point to think about fertilization in your own area.